INTERIOR DESIGNER - HANNAH DEAN

Tell us about your background and what you do.

I run an independent Interior Design consultancy, Hannah Dean Interiors. My business is all about providing an accessible, relaxed service where I give my clients the confidence to create a home full of personality. I am known for creating vivid, eclectic interiors that mix classic design with modern styling and original art.

Before setting up my business, I spent the early part of my career living and working abroad, living in Prague for 6 years, followed by Barcelona for 3 years.

What made you decide to start your creative business?

It had always been part of my plan (I’m a big planner!). I paid my way through University by working for an Interior Designer, and had always thought I would set up my own Interiors business when I was ‘older’ (oh dear, that’s now!). Having returned from living abroad, it just naturally felt like the right time to set up the business. I’m always slightly surprised that I enjoy the business side as well as the creative side. Working on my branding, website, marketing, sales and social media are a challenge that, on the whole, I really enjoy (obviously I don’t include my end of year accounts in that!). And my life-long passion for art, architecture, classic design, pattern and colour, finally have a creative escape route! 

Where do you find inspiration?

I love architecture (that would have been my other career choice if I had thought about it at school), I am passionate about, and collect art, and I love old furniture and contemporary design. Mostly, I love mixing all of that together to make a unique and personal space for someone. So, I take my inspiration from all of those things. I am ALWAYS on the hunt for new and inspiring wallpaper, fabrics and furniture, which I then squirrel away to use for my clients (and sometimes myself!). 

I often take inspiration for a client’s scheme from something that they already own and love, this could be a vase, a piece of furniture or art. I also take my lead from what is in a client’s wardrobe. It’s a good tip: people are often more adventurous with what they wear than their home. If you have a repeating colour that you love in your wardrobe, you will also enjoy being surrounded by it in your home. Give it a go!

How would you describe your 'style’?

Classic design with an irreverent twist. Good design is not about keeping up with trends, I recommend buying classic pieces of furniture that you love, and that will last the test of time. Then simply add colour and fun through great accessories and art. You will see a lot of this in my work. And an element of surprise in a room is important, it becomes a talking point with friends, no-one ever remembers or comments on a room that lacks personality do they? The thing clients feedback to me most, is how they love the quirky aspects that we put into a room, these elements are a daily reminder of how much you love your space, and how it is entirely yours.

What have been the highs and lows of running your own business so far?

I feel that I have been very lucky. I have a steady stream of business and my customers are very open to bringing colour and personality to their home. I’ve noticed that they are the ones now pushing me, to push them, for a slightly madder wallpaper or paint colour, or lamp. It’s great, because by moving away from safe and bland, you create a space for people that they are totally in love with and proud of and in turn they tell their friends about that.

I have had some truly lovely feedback and genuine 'thank yous' from clients, and I hope I never stop feeling elated by that! I recently helped a father of 3 to ‘de-bloke-ify’ his house, as he put it. His heartfelt thanks made me feel like I had really made a difference to the way he and his children live. How amazing is that!?

In terms of lows, I think the main challenge (outside of the obvious end of year accounts) is missing the people and ‘banter’, that you get when working for a large organisation. Oh, and putting some heels on to go to work, I’ve become slightly more casual since working for myself!! 

Best nugget of wisdom?

Focus on what is unique about you, and be authentic, because that is what people are buying in to. I have realised that people come to Hannah Dean Interiors specifically because of me. They want their home to be relaxed, fun and full of their personality, they don’t want it to look like they have employed an interior designer. Once you know, and appreciate, what is unique about you, use this to develop your branding and your values. Then make sure that these values are consistent in every touch point that your customer has with you, from your website to your social media, to meeting you in person.

How can people find out more?

You can come and chat with me daily on Instagram . Check out some of my latest work at hannahdeaninteriors.com Pin with me on Pinterest. Or say hi at the next Creative Duck meet up.