Knowledge hub14 questions
Interior design, kitchens and bathrooms, answered plainly.
Interior design, kitchens and bathrooms, specified and installed by one team.
Interior design, kitchens and bathroomsStraight answers
What people ask us about interior design, kitchens and bathrooms.
When should interior design begin?
We start interior design early, so it shapes the layout and technical design.
Kitchens, bathrooms, lighting and joinery often decide where services go. We fix those decisions long before decorative finishes go in.
Next Agree an interior design programme alongside the architectural programme.
What does an interior design package include?
Our interior design packages cover layout, materials, lighting, joinery, fabrics and finishes. We produce coordinated drawings for every room.
Your appointment sets out exact deliverables, procurement duties and installation support.
Next Ask us for a room-by-room scope and drawing list.
Can I be closely involved in the design?
You can be as involved as you like. We offer everything from close collaboration to a fully managed turnkey service.
We agree how presentations, samples and approvals work. That way you give us clear decisions.
Next Set the review frequency and nominate your household’s decision-maker.
How do we agree a style without copying another home?
Send us images showing what you like: light, proportions, texture, colour, practicality.
We translate those qualities into a scheme suited to your property and daily life.
Next Build a brief around your preferences and dislikes, not just images.
What is FF&E and is it included?
FF&E stands for furniture, fixtures and equipment. The boundary varies between appointments, so we define it clearly.
We allocate loose furniture, lighting, curtains, appliances and accessories to a defined scope.
Next Ask us for an FF&E schedule showing supplier, budget and purchasing responsibility.
Who orders furniture, lighting and accessories?
Our appointment separates design and specification from purchasing, expediting, receiving and installation.
If you buy directly, we still need accurate dimensions and delivery dates.
Next Agree the procurement responsibility for each item with us.
How do trade discounts, markups and procurement fees work?
We explain the commercial basis for every purchase in writing. That covers any procurement or handling fees too.
Do not assume a particular discount or supplier cost applies until we confirm it.
Next Confirm the pricing basis with us before authorising orders.
How many samples and revisions will I receive?
Our proposal sets out review stages and any sample or mock-up requirements.
The right level depends on materials and complexity, especially for bespoke or natural finishes.
Next Agree the approval process and any additional sample costs with us.
Can I use my existing furniture or artwork?
Send us dimensions, photographs and any installation requirements early.
We then design around the items you want to keep. We consider circulation, proportions, lighting and storage.
Next Create a retained furniture and artwork schedule with us.
How are kitchen appliances and services coordinated?
We resolve appliance sizes, power, water and ventilation alongside cabinetry and services.
We also plan access for replacement. Late changes can affect both joinery and first fix.
Next Approve your appliance models and technical requirements before fabrication.
What should be considered when designing a bathroom?
Layout, falls, waterproofing and ventilation matter as much as tile and brassware choices.
We also plan maintenance access and water performance before you choose finishes.
Next Approve the sanitaryware schedule and bathroom technical drawings together.
Can the home be designed for children, pets or future accessibility?
Tell us about these needs in your brief. We then plan materials, thresholds, storage, controls and circulation around them.
Future adaptability is easier to plan before structure and services are fixed.
Next List your present and future access, maintenance and durability needs.
How do we avoid delays caused by late selections?
We link every choice to its drawing, order and installation deadline.
A visible decisions schedule shows which choices can wait and which will block work.
Next Ask us for the next decisions due and the consequence of missing them.
Can NU coordinate final styling and move-in preparation?
We can include installation, styling, cleaning and move-in support in your appointment.
We programme furniture placement and deliveries once the relevant areas are ready.
Next Agree a final installation and move-in checklist with us.
Next step
Ready to talk about interior design, kitchens and bathrooms?
Read more about how NU works. Or send us your project.