Working alongside interior designers, stylists, architects and independent clients, we love the challenge of developing a bespoke project. Designing and creating both wallpapers and furnishing fabrics which are completely unique to suit a specific interior space perfectly, is one thing we LOVE to do!
At Kirath Ghundoo, we recently collaborated with Partners in Design to create a bespoke wallpaper that would not only work well as a feature staircase wall, but would also match the needs and desires of the client. As big admirers of our wallpaper designs, they specifically loved the wallpapers from the Mix ‘n’ Match ’11 collection and requested we took influence from these geometric and graphical wallpapers when designing. We adapted the patterns and elements from the Aztec, Mosaic and Persia designs and adjusted the colourways, so that the overall impact created from the bespoke wallpaper would be complementary to the other furnishing features within the client’s interior space. Both the client and ourselves love the finished look and we specifically like how the bright pops of colour within the one-off design contrast with the oak wood finishes to create the ultimate eye-catching and contemporary staircase space.
With a huge love and passion for undertaking bespoke projects, we spoke to the founder and director, Kirath Ghundoo herself, to find out how she approaches a bespoke project and what she loves most about them
When starting a bespoke project with a client, what’s the first step in your process?
The first step in the process is discussing the clients vision and any ideas they may have. They might have a specific theme in mind or an open-ended brief for me to interpret. I like to meet my clients face to face where possible and build a rapport encouraging a positive working relationship throughout the design process. Otherwise, we can Skype and keep in touch. Depending on their requirements, I will design a mood board which reflects a number of ideas we can explore. Working closely with the client we decide on a direction to initially start with.
What kind of challenges and difficulties do you face when working and designing in a bespoke way?
Challenges can involve portraying the clients vision and interpreting their ideas. Just like writer’s block, I can get designers block where initial ideas may be limited. Talking to the client or conducting more visual research normally helps me through this, or taking a little break to do something different. Time isn’t always on your side as some jobs have a shorter lead time than others. Working within budgets and keeping to timescales can sometimes be challenging, especially when there’s a number of changes to be made throughout the design process. It’s important the final designs are perfect before print and most importantly, the client is happy.
How long does it take to complete a bespoke project? Are you often tasked with working to super tight deadlines?
Luckily, so far, I’ve worked with clients who have had a good lead time on projects from 6-8 weeks to 6 months. It depends on the requirements of the brief and how many people I’m working with, if it’s a bigger team, my work can go through a number hands which delays the design process. Working to super tight deadlines is challenging as it forces you to think on your feet and respond to creative ideas quickly. Sometimes this often ends up being my best work!
Do you offer bespoke design services on a wider variety of surfaces and materials?
Yes, I work on wide width wallpapers on a standard white and luxury gold base which is super stunning! I also design interior furnishings on velvets and can create a bespoke collection onto the luxe or marble velvet finish. I’m flexible in my approach to offering different surfaces and materials to work on. If they are not visible on the website, get in touch as our manufacturers offer a number of substrates.
Can you explain the whole design process when working on a bespoke project for a client?
The client may have a brief or it may be open ended and during the first meeting it is important to collect as much information as possible to help provide an estimate. During this first meeting we discuss the budget and what is feasible with the clients requirements. After the first meeting, I will provide an estimate of costs covering various options and send these to the client for approval. If both parties are comfortable, we can proceed with the design work which usually starts with a mood board which can be physical or Pinterest ideas. If it’s feasible for the client, it’s nice to work closely keeping them informed of design developments. Their input throughout is invaluable as it helps steer a direction for the overall design. I send drafts back and forth until we are ready to print colour pattern way samples which are sent to the client if this is a requirement. Upon approval final designs are sent to print, making happy walls and furnishings around the world!
Do you feel pressure when working on a bespoke project? (I.e. to fulfil the clients needs or compared to when you work on your own collections.)
It’s a different type of pressure for each. When I’m designing my own collections there is a sense of pressure to create designs that I feel people will positively respond to. I’m a perfectionist too and often go back and forth with creative decisions before I decided on the designs that make the collection.
Designing for a bespoke job is pressurised in terms of ensuring I can deliver their vision, the work fits into the timescale and budgets. The client has chosen me to work with which is a real honour and a lovely feeling, which in turn makes me work extra hard on creating a bespoke wallpaper or fabric they are super happy with. I’m always open to constructive feedback as this is how I’ve grown as a designer.
Why do you think clients consider having bespoke designs over designs which are readily available to buy?
Some clients want a piece that is unique and adds character to a space, if their budget allows, a bespoke design can be a luxury. For some projects, readily available collections do not reflect the theme and a bespoke design can offer the client an element of control through pattern and colour choices. Depending on the exclusivity of the space whether that be a residential or a commercial premises, a bespoke wallpaper may be their only option as it’s the same as buying into a luxury piece of art for a space. Often when clients request a bespoke piece, they are a real fan of my work and brand and I feel blessed to work on these projects!
Do you gain new inspiration for new designs after completing projects and seeing how your bespoke designs are used?
Yes, always! It’s exciting seeing the final wallpapers or fabrics in situ and sometimes that can challenge new ideas I have about future collections. After completing one bespoke project, I’m always ready for the next challenge as they test and push my creativity.
Overall, what’s your favourite part of the process?
It has to be the clients reaction and knowing they are happy with the design, space and overall service. It’s crazy imagining a design in your head that ends up in somebody’s house, office or hotel somewhere in the world! It’s nice to know there are people out there who want to invest in your creativity and talent and support small businesses.
Do you have an idea in mind for a bespoke wallpaper or fabrics project? We’d love to collaborate and find out more. Please get in touch at hello@kirathghundoo.com to discuss any bespoke interiors projects, large or small.