Smartstyle Interiors is an interior design studio based in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, serving clients across Kent and East Sussex. Below you’ll find answers to our most frequently asked questions about our holistic interior design services, process, and what to expect when working with us.

Holistic Interior Design

What is holistic interior design?

Holistic interior design is a unique approach offered by Smartstyle Interiors in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. We consider your home as a dynamic environment, supporting your wellbeing, lifestyle, and happiness—not just its appearance. Our holistic interior design services connect the physical, emotional, and visual aspects of your home, creating uplifting interiors for clients across Kent and East Sussex.

How is holistic interior design different from traditional interior design?

Unlike traditional interior design, which often focuses on aesthetics, holistic interior design by Smartstyle Interiors looks at the bigger picture—how your space functions, how it makes you feel, and how it supports your daily routines. Our holistic approach ensures homes in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, and East Sussex are not only beautiful but also practical, nurturing, and tailored to your unique way of living.

What are the benefits of a holistic approach to my home?

Choosing holistic interior design in Kent or East Sussex means your home will work for you on every level. Our clients experience improved comfort, better flow, reduced stress, and uplifting spaces that support health and happiness. After a holistic redesign, many clients in Tunbridge Wells and beyond find their homes feel more authentic and easier to live in.

Will holistic interior design still reflect my personal style?

Absolutely. At Smartstyle Interiors, holistic design is all about you—your needs, tastes, and lifestyle. We use in-depth questionnaires, inspiration boards, scale drawings, and collaborative discussions to ensure your home in Kent or East Sussex is a true reflection of who you are.

Can holistic interior design help with specific challenges, like family needs or working from home?

Yes! Holistic interior design is especially effective for addressing real-life challenges, whether it’s creating flexible family spaces, improving storage, supporting remote work, or enhancing relaxation. We design solutions for homes and commercial spaces in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, and East Sussex that make your space work better for your everyday life.

General Service & Process

What services do you offer?

Smartstyle Interiors provides bespoke interior design and styling services for homes and commercial spaces in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, and East Sussex. Our services include initial design consultation, space planning, decorative design, lighting schemes, bespoke cabinetry, and final styling. We specialise in holistic interior design, ensuring your space looks great, works brilliantly, and feels fantastic.

How does your design process work?

Our interior design process for clients in Kent and East Sussex is structured in four key stages:

1. Brief – We start with a detailed questionnaire and a briefing meeting to understand your needs and lifestyle.

2. Concept – We present ideas, moodboards, layouts, and samples.

3. Design – We develop detailed plans, quotes, and schematics, refining the design with your feedback. There can be between 2-4 meetings for this stage mattering n the size of project.

4. Presentation – You receive a comprehensive design pack with all plans, specifications, and a clear implementation plan.

When should I hire an interior designer?

It’s best to hire an interior designer as early as possible, ideally before any building work begins. Early involvement from Smartstyle Interiors ensures smart planning and avoids costly changes later. We serve clients throughout Tunbridge Wells, Kent, and East Sussex.

What is the difference between an interior designer and a decorator?

An interior designer plans and optimises the structure, flow, and function of your space, as well as its aesthetics. A decorator focuses mainly on surface finishes and furnishings. At Smartstyle Interiors, we do both—ensuring your home or business in Kent or East Sussex works as beautifully as it looks.

Do you offer consultations before starting a project?

Yes, we offer in-depth proposal meetings for interior design projects in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, and East Sussex. This allows us to discuss your needs, explain our process, and provide a detailed proposal so you know exactly what to expect and the cost of the design stage.

How do you incorporate my personal style into the design?

Your style and lifestyle are at the heart of our process. We use a detailed questionnaire, inspiration boards (often via Pinterest), and in-depth discussions to ensure your home reflects who you are and how you live.

Can you work with my existing furniture and décor?

Absolutely. We’re happy to incorporate your treasured possessions and existing pieces into the new design, blending old and new to create a space that feels truly yours.

Do you provide project management and coordinate contractors?

We can act as your advocate on-site, liaising with contractors and overseeing work in progress if required. This service is billed hourly and ensures your vision is realised smoothly.

How long does a typical project take from start to finish?

Timelines vary depending on the scope, but we’ll provide a clear schedule at the outset. Delays can occur if feedback or decisions are delayed, so prompt communication helps keep things on track.

What happens if I don’t like the initial design concept?

Your communication and feedback is vital. We allow for a couple of rounds of revisions at each stage, and we won’t proceed until you’re happy. Additional changes beyond the agreed rounds can be made at our standard hourly rate.

Pricing & Budget

How do you charge for your services (hourly, flat fee, or percentage)?

Our interior design fees are typically structured as a flat fee for the design phase, with clear breakdowns provided in your proposal. Additional services, such as on-site advocacy or extra meetings, are billed hourly. For sourcing and managing bespoke items, we charge a handling fee as a percentage of the trade price.

What is included in your design fee?

The design fee covers all meetings, design work, plans, presentations, and documentation as outlined in your proposal. It does not include the cost of site visits during building work, liaising with your own trades, furniture, fittings, or implementation.

Do you require a deposit or retainer?

Yes, a non-refundable booking fee is required to secure your project in our schedule. This ensures your slot is reserved and work can begin as planned. This booking fee will be outlined in your proposal.

Can you work within my budget?

At Smartstyle Interiors, we discuss budgets from the start and outline what is possible with your available budget. We always aim to design within your budget but will speak at the start to say if your budget can meet your design expectations . All fees and estimates are agreed in advance, and we’re transparent about any additional costs for clients in Kent and East Sussex.

Are there additional costs I should be aware of?

Additional costs may include extra meetings, design revisions beyond the agreed rounds, travel outside Tunbridge Wells, and the purchase of furniture or fittings. All such costs are clearly outlined in your proposal and contract.

Do you pass on trade discounts to clients?

We pass on the benefit of trade discounts to our clients, less our standard handling fee for managing the process. If a trade discount isn’t available to us, then the selected item is included on a shopping list so you don’t incur any further fees on it.

Design Details

How do you choose colour schemes and materials?

We select colours and materials based on your preferences, lifestyle, budget and the unique qualities of your space. Moodboards, samples, and swatches are presented for your approval, ensuring the final scheme feels right for you.

Can you help with small spaces or single-room projects?

Yes, we work on projects of all sizes, from single rooms to entire homes or commercial spaces. Every space deserves to work brilliantly and feel fantastic.

Do you provide custom furniture or bespoke joinery design?

We offer bespoke cabinetry and joinery design as part of our service, creating clever and beautiful storage solutions tailored to your needs. We can provide design drawings to take to your own manufacturer or work with our cabinet maker to manufacture and install the bespoke item.

How do you ensure the design is functional as well as beautiful?

Our holistic approach means we consider how you use your home, not just how it looks. We plan layouts, storage, lighting, and flow to support your daily life, ensuring your home is both practical and uplifting.

Logistics & Timeline

How far in advance should I book your services?

We recommend contacting Smartstyle Interiors as early as possible, as our schedule can fill up quickly—especially in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, and East Sussex. Early booking ensures we can plan your project thoroughly and secure your preferred start date. When we send out your proposal, it will include our next available slot in our design calendar.

Do you handle purchasing and delivery of items?

We can manage the sourcing and purchasing of furniture, fittings, and bespoke items for you, charging a handling fee for this service. Delivery times depend on suppliers, and we’ll keep you informed throughout.

What is the lead time for furniture and accessories?

Lead times vary depending on suppliers and whether items are bespoke or made-to-order. We’ll provide estimates and keep you updated on expected delivery dates.

How do you manage delays or unexpected issues?

We keep you informed at every stage and work proactively to resolve any issues. Delays can sometimes occur due to supplier or contractor schedules, but we’ll always communicate promptly and find solutions.

Client Experience

How involved will I be in the design process?

Our design process is collaborative, with meetings staged to work through each phase alongside you. Your involvement is essential, and we encourage you to share your ideas and feedback throughout the process. All key decisions are made together, ensuring your interior design project in Kent or East Sussex feels right for you.

What should I prepare before our first meeting?

Please complete the client questionnaire and create Pinterest boards with your inspiration. Gather any ideas, photos, or notes about your needs and preferences. The more information you provide, the better we can tailor the design to you.

How do you communicate updates during the project?

We provide regular updates via email and scheduled meetings. All meetings are booked in advance, and we respond promptly to queries during office hours (Monday–Friday, 9am–5:30pm).

What documentation will I receive at the end of the project?

You’ll receive a comprehensive design pack, including all plans, drawings, specifications, shopping lists, scope of work if required, and risk assessments, as well as digital copies for your records. Everything you need to turn your design into reality.