What is a design counsellor? 

I know that an interior designer can be expensive and not suitable for everyone. Sometimes all that you need is some support, technical advice, and suggestions. 

 

Although I have designed complete interiors and film sets, I have also worked with many people over the years to help solve smaller-scale design challenges.  

 

Recently, after helping guide a colleague to furnishing his new home, he suggested that I offer this service to others. I have worked with many people in my previous career, often actors, film producers or directors who needed some home advice but had never considered doing it for strangers! The more I thought about it, the more I realised that it made sense. There is a need. Since many of the people I know are creative or understand what they like, most do not need a full-scale interior design but need some help and advice. Not everyone can quickly draw a floor plan to see if the new wardrobe will fit or intuitively know whether a colour will look good on their bedroom wall. Many people are confident with choosing a sofa, but I have had friends who have regretted buying furniture because they had not considered the arm height. Furthermore, although many of those I've worked with over the years have art collections, very few know how to display and arrange art. 

 

Therefore, I decided to start this small business. 

This endeavour is not a full-scale interior design consultancy. This service is perfect for those who need assistance with a small project or room. I am here to help and can work within your budget for a reasonable fee. The service can be virtual, do home visits (for a fee and within a fair distance), or both. 

 

I was struggling to describe this service in one title. 

 

I am not an interior designer, but I have extensive experience designing interiors from my many years as a Production Designer and Art Director in the Film, TV, and Event industries. 

I am not a psychologist but am dangerously close to finishing my PhD in Psychology in a few months. I also specialise in vision science and the human visual system, so I have experience making images appealing to the eye. 

 

This combination of disciplines has provided me with years of experience in helping people articulate their challenges, provide clear direction and guidance, and help others realise their vision. Combining my years of art direction and design experience with my academic psychology background, the title of design counsellor seemed appropriate. 

 

How can I help? I can source furniture, accessories, decor, and artwork, draw floor plans, design concepts, create sketches, design spaces and furniture, and make signage and design architectural features and patterns. I can create mood boards, Pinterest boards, inspiration, posters, presentations, and concept boards. I can also devise, plan and track budgets; organise, plan your project, and break it down manageable steps. And I can even create colour palettes, match colours, give colour advice and help to find that perfect paint colour. I also have extensive knowledge of historical design, colour theory, and how to achieve a look even with a tiny budget. 

 

Ultimately, I can help with a wide variety of design issues and guide you in the decision-making process. 

 

So, welcome to my blog. I have never written one before, but I am excited to start on this new journey. 

I plan to discuss some of my clients' challenges and draw on a few things I learned from my years of Film and TV set design. Maybe even provide a few tips and inspiration!  

 

I hope you enjoy it! Please follow along and visit my webpage if you would like to make a booking.

www.wickedacorn.com/stoneandgale