Ms Hynes, company founder and the driving force behind regal refurbs that don’t cost the earth, says: “We focus on higher end design for period houses, character buildings, country houses and country house conversions, which isn't boring or fusty but respects the history of the house. This is something which has all but disappeared as interior designers try to introduce almost brutal contemporary style into gentle old buildings. A bad mistake!

“When restoring a period or character property, it’s important to capture the right look and feel for the interior which represents its heritage while, at the same time, sitting comfortably with the needs and style of the 21st century. It is a combination of form and functionality – substance not just unnecessary frills.

“It’s possible to create a million dollar look for modest sums and to save a small fortune on your interior design project. A low end budget doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t achieve high end style. The trick is to spend the time and do the leg-work to find bargains that will achieve the right feel. We use a mix of antique and new items which work together well and give a home the warmth and genuine atmosphere people relate to happily. It's easy to be lazy and choose items that are readily available to everybody but we don't mind going that extra mile to source pieces that have a real 'wow factor'.

“By employing a specialist interior designer, you will often enjoy their trade discounts and gain from the use of their established network of industry contacts. Trying to manage your own project can result in frustrating and costly mistakes being made, and can end up being a false economy and, at worst, a lasting nightmare.

“You need to have efficiency, imagination, stamina and adaptability to take on different types of interior design projects. As well as a lot of patience! In our own business, we've learned not to panic about anything and to treat each crisis as an opportunity to find an answer to a problem, and learn from it."

Ms Hynes concludes: “We want to bring back elegance, refinement and comfort to a world which contains much that is brash, brutal and hard on the eye. We see a need for a style which is neither too formal nor too casual; neither too rigid nor too unstructured. We believe that many people feel calmest when their surroundings are beautiful and harmonious, especially with period homes that can be difficult to style. With today's lifestyles, we all need a living space that promotes a healthy state of mind!

"So, think early 20th century combined with modern colours - pared down to be restful and happy. Our clients seem to like the mix we bring to their projects and homes.”

http://www.louisahynes-interiordesigns.co.uk