All the Lastest Interior Design News

We regularly write about our latest projects, design trends and anything interiors-related on our blog.
All the latest posts can be read below or you can visit the blog directly at sinteriors.wordpress.com.

An upcycled and painted dressing table, designed and restored by Sarah Maidment Interiors, Berkhamsted, Herts

One Man's Rubbish is Another Man's Treasure

During the last few years there has been a growing popularity in old furniture, some of which used to be classed as old junk, suddenly became trendy to purchase one persons cast offs and either renovate or make something else from it...

Inspired by Nature and William Morris garde scene, a blog post by Sarah Maidment Interiors, Berkhamsted, Herts

Inspired by Nature and William Morris

William Morris founded the of the Arts and Crafts Movement in 1861 with friends Marshall, Faulkner and Co. An interior design business which championed well crafted furniture, textiles and wallpaper. He wanted to revive a sense of beauty in home life, to restore the dignity of art into ordinary households...

Utility and Boot Rooms by Sarah Maidment Interiors, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire

Utility & Boot Rooms

Interior decoration in our main living areas is always top of our priorities. However, have you ever wondered when walking around beautifully staged show homes where you will keep your vacuum cleaner?

Wedding Staging - styled by Sarah Maidment Interiors, interior desiginer in Berkhamsted

Planning Your Dream DIY Wedding? Read This First!

Whilst the U.K. basked in hot sunshine, thoughts turned to outside living, holidays and Summer being the main wedding season. Whatever season you choose for your perfect wedding, the sooner you start planning the better...

Mirror Window - Tips on using Mirrors by Sarah Maidment, interior designer in Berkhamsted, Herts

Ten Interior Design Tips Using Mirrors In Your Home

‘Mirror, mirror on the wall’, is often quoted in jest. However, ‘never a truer word is spoken in jest’. So apart from using mirrors to check your spots (if a teenager), broccoli stuck between your teeth, shaving and make up application, which to be fair are necessary to daily life, let’s explore the possibilities...

Lighting with Lamps - a guide by Sarah Maidment, interior design services in Herts

Guide to Lighting with Lamps

As the clocks go back and our days grow darker, good lighting is essential. Not only for task lighting (cleaning, cooking and reading etc.) but for creating a warm and comfortable ambience...

Ground Floor - a blog by Sarah Maidment Interiors, Berkhamsted, St. Albans, Herts

Want It Done By Christmas?

On a recent site visit to a prospective client, who wanted a quote for their kitchen and bathroom installation, my husband who runs Random Task Plumbing asked what they were having and did they have any plans he could see...

French Dressing - styling guide by Sarah Maidment, interior designer in St. Albans, Herts

The Art of French Dressing

French Country-style evokes memories of holidays in rural France and the lifestyle many hanker after, simpler and pared back. French linens on beds, sack cloth cushions, delicate lace panels, shutters and sturdy, functional wooden furniture...

Adding Character to Your Home - by Sarah Maidment, interior design services in Berkhamsted

Adding Character To Your Home

Inject your personality, style and soul into your home and garden, not by sourcing everything from one high street shop. Your home will end up looking like a show home, far too contrived and bland. Whether you’re preferred taste is Retro, Shabby Chic, Vintage, Industrial, contemporary or even a mixture of styles creating an eclectic, individual home...

Larders & Pantries - a guide by Sarah Maidment, interior designer, Herts

Larders & Pantries

Do you member a walk in cupboard in the corner of a kitchen with shelves for foods stuffs – the larder? Perhaps jars of conserves, a basket with fresh vegetables, meats and dairy produce and perhaps cakes too?

Garden Design - a blog by Sarah Maidment Interiors, Berkhamsted interior designer

Design A Home & Garden That Means Something To You

What does your home and garden mean to you? A place to relax, entertain and spend time with families. How do they make you feel? Our homes and gardens should create a feeling of happiness and well being – a haven of peace in a busy world, and reflect your personality and chosen lifestyle...

For Sale Sign - a guide by Sarah Maidment, Berkhamsted interior designer

Preparing Your Home For Selling

Spring is a popular time to market and hopefully sell properties, and once that decision has been made, you contact your local agent for a valuation. Agents valuations are based on similar properties to yours currently sold or for sale in the area...(more)

Trescotte

Renovation & Restoration of a 1930's House - Before & After Photos

The renovation and restoration of a 1930’s house is finished! Are you ever finished in a home? Probably not...(more)

Christmas Decortations - a guide by Sarah Maidment, interior design services, St. Albans, Hertfordshire

Deck The Halls - Christmas Decorating Ideas

Deck the halls with boughs of holly…. as the Christmas Carol says; a tradition which goes back to medieval times and continues today. Either combined with ivy, fir, cinnamon sticks and baubles are made into garlands, hung from stair banisters’ and fireplaces or simply draped over pictures and mirrors...(more)

Gilded Lamp Base - designed and created by Sarah Maidment. Interior Design Berkhamsted

How To Update a Lamp Base with Gilding

Sometimes when we newly decorate a room, some of our existing furniture, furnishings and accessories we want to re-use don’t quite fit in with the new scheme and décor. Gilding is an alternative to painting or purchasing new items. It works well on mirror and picture frames, candlesticks and furniture...(more)

1965-room - a blog post by Sarah Maidment Interiors, Berkhamsted, Herts

Which Decade Does Your Home Reflect?

Did you move into your present home some years ago, decorating and furnishing it up to date fixtures, fittings with enthusiasm and sat back and enjoyed since? How many years ago?...(More)

Property Guide - by Sarah Maidment Interiors, Berkhamsted

Don't Judge a Book by It's Cover? With Property, That's Out The Window!

You’ve all heard about creating ‘kerb appeal’ to your home for selling purposes. In a tough, competitive market, how you present your property for sale can win or lose a prospective purchaser. A badly maintained exterior can deter prospective buyers and often reflects on the expectations of the interior...(More)

Old Kitchen from Berkhamsted house, designed by Sarah Maidment Interiors

Old House, New Home? What's Your Next Move?

Renovation, restoring, extending, decorating of tired old houses is a passion for some, a nightmare for others. It’s not for the faint-hearted!...(More)

Dusty Room - blog post by Sarah Maidment, interior designer, Berkhamsted, Herts

Renovation & Restoration of a 1930's House - As The Dust Settles

As extensions begin to settle, and fresh plaster dries out, cracks annoyingly appear in your newly painted rooms and skirting boards will move slightly. One of the most time consuming things on a major renovation project is the snagging...(More)

Bootroom in Berkhamsted, designed by Sarah Maidment Interiors

Renovation & Restoration of a 1930's House -The Great Interior Design Challenges

I was given a collection of odd items of furniture from a friend’s garage – a wooden bed head, metal bed parts and a small table. I discussed various options with my carpenter Tom, and to ensure that I wasn’t dismantling furniture of any value to incorporate into the boot room – shelf, boot storage and coat hangers and hooks...(More)

Sonos System - blog post by Sarah Maidment, interior design services, St. Albans, Herts

Renovation & Restoration of a 1930's House - Don't You Just Love Technology?

It was suggested, prior to the first fix electrics to install a Sonos music system. After much thought and discussion about going over our original budget, we decided it would be a good idea...(More)

Willow Fence - blog post from Sarah Maidment, interior design services in Berkhamsted, St. Albans, Hertfordshire

Renovation & Restoration of a 1930's House - Wind In The Willows

We were very upset one morning looking down the garden. The whole of the lawn was covered with a fallen tree, battered by the wind from a storm the previous night. The tree had been a magnificent weeping willow and we installed a light especially highlight it when dark, with plans for a shaded seating area below its boughs...(More)

Box Of Matches - a blog by Sarah Maidment Interiors, Berkhamsted

Renovation & Restoration of a 1930's House - Come On Baby Light My Fire

Several months of trying to get the multi-fuel installers back to the house to complete the outside flue resulted in two ‘no shows’. They twice failed to turn up without contacting us; and once turned, up and then left after ten minutes explaining that they couldn’t do the job as our tower was not tall enough...(More)

Cloak Room - styled by Sarah Maidment, interior designer, Hertfordshire

Renovation & Restoration of a 1930's House - House & Garden

The first floor has now been finished, apart from the wardrobes waiting to be fitted, and carpets laid. Laying the carpets will be the final job, as most of the ground floor is laid with concrete, which creates copious amounts of dust, which is walked everywhere...(More)

Ripped Out Bathroom - a blog post about rubbish by Sarah Maidment Interiors, St. Albans

Renovation & Restoration of a 1930's House - What A Load Of Rubbish

Although we enjoyed the ideal weather in July ( I warned you I was way behind with progress updates) we were still waiting for the roofers to return to finish off the garage, porch and boiler room roofs. Once completed the render can be applied and then painted....(More)

Tiles - a style guide by Sarah Maidment Interiors, interior design services, St. Albans, Herts

Renovation & Restoration of a 1930's House - On The Tiles

Some weeks, despite the flurry of activity progress appears to be slow. The preparation, planning and installation of the drainage system and bathrooms are all necessary, but not much visually to show for efforts made. It’s the big things which offer the impact and excitement. However, they’re all necessary in the bigger picture, and will save time in the long run...(More)

Exterior of House being plastered - project overseen by Sarah Maidment Interiors, interior design services in Berkhamsted, St. Albans, Herts.

Renovation & Restoration of a 1930's House - Getting Plastered

Each trade moves projects forward, but when the plasterers arrive with their skill ( along with the mess) covering the walls, suddenly rooms begin to take shape...(More)

Front Facade of House being painted - project overseen by Sarah Maidment, interior designer, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire

Renovation & Restoration of a 1930's House - Behind The Front Facade

When undertaking a renovation project it is advisable not to have any other major events going on in your life at the same time. However, life is rarely that simple and we have been busy these last few months heavily involved with our daughter’s wedding, dealing with an elderly parent with failing health and working on the house...(More)

Roof Joists - from a project managed by Sarah Maidment, interior design services in Hertfordshire

Renovation & Restoration of a 1930's House - Unforeseen Challenges

However well thought out and planned, unforeseen problems can arise during the execution of the works. It wasn’t until we reached roof level, when we had found a carpenter, accepted his quote, booked him in and about to order the joists, that the builders noticed a discrepancy with the architects drawings, that didn’t make sense...(More)

Extension Building in Progress - a project managed by Sarah Maidment Interiors, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire

Renovation & Restoration of a 1930's House - From Plans to Execution

Despite having every conceivable weather thrown at the builders – snow, frost, sunshine and heavy rain, the house has grown and is beginning to take shape. It’s such a thrill to see the rooms form, from what has until now, just been ideas...(More)

View of empty Kitchen before new one is installed - project managed by Sarah Maidment, interior designer, Berkhamsted

Renovation & Restoration of a 1930's House - Compromises With Budget & Design

The Party Wall Award was signed and sealed on Friday 22nd January, which was a relief as the digger was due for delivery on the following Monday ready to dig the footings...(More)

A garden view before the work commenced - project overseen by Sarah Maidment, interior design services, Berkhamsted, St. Albans

Renovation & Restoration of a 1930's House - It Gets Worse Before It Gets Better

Since the builders arrived on 8th January, the house has changed dramatically. The side lean to housing the old boiler has been demolished, as has the garage. The roof tiles being removed first and stored safely for re-use elsewhere...(More)

Christmas Baubles - blog post by Sarah Maidment, interior designer, St. Albans, Hertfordshire

Christmas: Past, Present & Those Yet To Come

I wonder how many people retrieved their Christmas decorations from the attic or from the back of a cupboard this last weekend, ready to decorate their homes during the coming weeks...(More)

Front Elevation of House, waiting for drive way to be finished - project managed by Sarah Maidment Interiors, Berkhamsted, St. Albans, Hertfordshire

Restoration & Renovation of a 1930's House - Planning Ahead

We have now received planning approval for our extension. This is great news, but has not been without changes to the original plans. The Planning office objected to the position of the boundary wall in relation to our neigbours, and wanted it bought in by at least a metre...

Dining Room Before Photo - project managed and styled by Sarah Maidment Interiors, Berkhamsted, St. Albans, Hertfordshire

Renovation & Restoration of a 1930's House - Behind The Scenes

The house stands empty, a shell of it’s former home in a plot with a few mature trees, but void of flower beds and borders. There it sits waiting for action to transform it into a home once more...(More)

Fire Place with burning log fire - a blog post by Sarah Maidment, interior designer, Berkhamsted, St. Albans, Hertfordshire

Light My Fire! Ideas and Advice for Open Fires, Wood Burning Stoves & Decor

As the evenings draw in and get cooler we are forced to retreat once more indoors for the evenings, we long to ‘cosy up’. Nothing quite fits the bill the same as a fire, be it open, woodburning or other fuel. With a fire lit, the room immediately becomes welcoming and creates a focal point...(More)

Plan drawings for a 1930's house renovation - project managed by Sarah Maidment, interior design services, Berkhamsted, St. Albans, Hertfordshire

Renovation & Restoration of a 1930's House - Planning & Resources

We would like to have included a ‘greener’ eco friendly home, and incorporate technologies to help, but often the costs to install specialist systems prevent us from doing so, despite the long term benefits to both the environment and our pockets...(More)

Stained Glass Door - a blog post by Sarah Maidment Interiors, interior design service, Berkhamsted, St. Albans, Herts

Renovation & Restoration of 1930's House - Windows to the World

The design of the windows gives the house it’s character from the outside and the ‘feel’ of the rooms on the inside. Millions of ‘period’ homes had their original windows replaced because they were rotten and draughty with upvc in modern designs...(More)

A Bureau, restored and styled by Sarah Maidment Interiors, interior designer, Berkhamsted, St. Albans, Hertfordshire

Ideas & Advice on Interior Design - All Done In the The Best Possible Taste

We all do it, pour over beautiful photographs of interiors in magazines or watch the home improvement programmes on T.V. longing to recreate the same in our own homes...(More)

Old bathroom basin from 1930's house restoration - project managed by Sarah Maidment Interiors, interior designer, Berkhamsted, St. Albans, Hertfordshire

Renovation & Restoration of a 1930's House -Work Begins

I arrived at the house with a car full of stuff, wallpaper steamer, scraper, and bin bags. A basic tool box consisting of various screw drivers, a Stanley knife, duct tape and crow bar. Crow bar? Why did my husband give me that I wonder...(More)

Kitchen Moodboard created by Sarah Maidment Interiors, interior design service, Berkhamsted, St. Albans, Hertfordshire

Renovation & Restoration of a 1930's House - Planning The Design: Kitchen

The old adage “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail” is true. Careful planning is the key to a successful and required outcome. However, another saying ” The best laid plans of mice and men” means that despite careful planning things can still go awry!..(More)

An Art Deco style house from 1930's - a blog post by Sarah Maidment Interiors, interior designer, Berkhamsted, St. Albans, Hertfordshire

Renovation & Restoration of a 1930's House - 2

Thousands of new homes were built in the 1930’s, mostly in the suburbs. There were two main architectural trends in the 1930’s. One being Art Deco, with it’s angular lines and modern tiled fireplaces...(More)

Front Door of 1930's house before renovation - a project managed and styled by Sarah Maidment Interiors, interior design service, Berkhamsted, St. Albans, Hertfordshire

1930's House Renovation

It needs some work, a total renovation really. In most peoples’ eyes it would be classed as ‘uninhabitable’, despite the house having a kitchen, bathroom, electricity and running water...(More)

A yellow bike hanging on a wall - a blog post by Sarah Maidment Interiors, interior designer, Berkhamsted, St. Albans, Hertfordshire

Tour De France - Let's Start With Yellow

Yellow abounds as the colour of the overall lead cyclist ( Maillot Jaune) the Tour de France, which starts on 5th in Leeds. Dotted along the routes over Yorkshire are brightly painted yellow bicycles...(More)

Scenic Garden - a blog post by Sarah Maidment Interiors, interior design service, Berkhamsted, St. Albans, Hertfordshire

Secret Gardens

Sanuk (pronounced sanook) means in Thai language, to achieve satisfaction, pleasure and enjoyment from whatever you do. Apparently it is a mindset and rule for the Thai people in whatever they do it has to be ‘Sanuk’...(More)

Brighton deck chairs overlooking the sea - a blog post by Sarah Maidment Interiors, interior designer, Berkhamsted, St. Albans, Hertfordshire

Seaside Rendezvous

Coastal or seaside, although is a key trend this season, is always popular, especially in bathrooms, it must be all the water! Whether your idea of coastal is the pared down natural look, nautical, or bright deck chair stripes reminding you of Brighton beach, there are products for you...(More)

A drawer unit with map decoupage - a blog post by Sarah Maidment Interiors, interior designer, Berkhamsted, St. Albans, Hertfordshire

All Mapped Out

There is something exciting about planning a trip with a map, and keeping the map afterwards to evoke fond memories of the trip. There is a strong trend at the moment introducing maps into your home...(More)