Notes from the studio
The Journal
Design advice, project stories and the occasional honest opinion, written by Steph from our studio in Hale.
Notes from Steph· 12 June 2026
The Design Mistakes I See in Almost Every Home
From single-source lighting to furniture pushed against every wall, these are the interior design mistakes that quietly stop a home from feeling as good as it could, and the simple shifts that make all the difference.
Design Advice· 14 May 2026
Why the Best Interior Design Projects Start Before a Single Wall Comes Down
The earlier you involve an interior designer in your renovation, the smoother and more cost-effective the whole process becomes. Here's why the best results start with the very first conversation, not the final finishes.
Design Advice· 22 April 2026
Interior Design in Cheshire: What Full-Service Design Actually Looks Like
Interior design in Cheshire, ambitious homes, discerning clients, and one brief that never changes: make it beautiful, make it personal, and make sure nothing looks like it came from a showroom catalogue.
Trends & Inspiration· 8 April 2026
The Interior Design Trends Defining Homes in 2026
From quiet luxury to bold pattern, moody dark interiors to fluted joinery, the six interior design trends we're seeing define homes in 2026.
Design Advice· 2 April 2026
How to Choose an Interior Designer: Everything You Need to Know Before You Begin
Thinking of hiring an interior designer? What to look for, the questions to ask, and how to find the right fit for your home in Cheshire.
Case Studies· 18 February 2026
Bank Medi Spa: Designing a Clinic That Feels Like a Sanctuary
A full commercial redesign of a medi spa in Hale, where the brief was to make a clinical space feel like a sanctuary. How we built calm, reassurance and quiet luxury into every corner.
Design Advice· 20 November 2025
What to Expect From Your First Interior Design Consultation
Nervous about that first meeting? Here's exactly what happens at an interior design consultation, how to prepare, and how to get the most out of it.
Design Advice· 25 October 2025
How to Light a Room Properly: the Most Overlooked Part of a Home
Lighting is the single most transformative thing you can change in a room, and the most commonly overlooked. Here's how we light a home properly, in layers, so it feels warm and considered from morning to midnight.
Case Studies· 22 October 2025
A Family Home in Prestbury: From Bare Brick to Beautifully Finished
A full-house renovation in Prestbury, every room taken back to brick and rebuilt as a warm, elegant family home. The brief, the big design moves, and the details we're proudest of.
Design Advice· 18 September 2025
How Much Does an Interior Designer Cost? An Honest Guide for Cheshire Homeowners
What does an interior designer actually cost in the UK, and what are you really paying for? An honest, jargon-free guide to fees, what affects them, and how we keep things transparent at Cheshire Property Studio.
Trends & Inspiration· 12 August 2025
How to Choose a Colour Palette for Your Home (Without Regretting It)
Colour is the thing people are most afraid of getting wrong. Here's how we build a calm, cohesive palette that flows from room to room, and still has room for personality.
Case Studies· 12 August 2025
Adlington Road, Wilmslow: Designing the Moment You Walk In
A focused project in Wilmslow, reworking an entrance hall, staircase and circulation into a calm, confident arrival. Bespoke oak joinery, marble detailing and beautifully layered light.
Design Advice· 15 July 2025
The Questions to Ask Before You Hire an Interior Designer
Hiring a designer is a big, personal decision. These are the questions worth asking before you commit, and, just as importantly, what a good answer sounds like.
Design Advice· 25 June 2025
Interior Designer vs Interior Decorator: What's the Difference?
The two terms get used interchangeably, but they're really quite different jobs. Here's what separates an interior designer from a decorator, and how to know which one you need.
Notes from Steph· 10 May 2025
A Note From Steph: How I Found My Way to Interiors
A little about me, and how a girl who studied fashion ended up designing homes across Cheshire, plus the one thing I believe makes a house feel like a home.
