HomeSmiths
Here at The Frame House we don’t just deal with artists, we also work with interior designers and one who we have worked closely with for many years is Jacqui Smith of HomeSmiths. Based in West Sussex, HomeSmiths have had major success within both the healthcare and residential sectors maintaining a high quality of work throughout, an impressive feat given the different challenges in each arena.
Like ourselves, they are a family run business, so we’re very appreciative that Jacqui took the time to sit down and answer some of our questions as we know that time is not your own when you’re the boss!
Why did you become an interior designer?
As a little girl I loved decorating dolls houses and used to drive my parents potty by constantly rearranging my bedroom furniture. At school I loved art and had plans to be a graphic designer but was encouraged to take a more academic route and ended up studying economics at St Andrews University. Having graduated I went into marketing, never really felt I fitted. It was not until I met my now husband David, a cabinet maker, and started helping friends with their own interiors projects, that I started to seriously consider a career change. The final push came from some corporate coaching sessions with Executive Mentor Mike Pegg who identified that I loved creating environments. My husband and I started HomeSmiths the following year.
Where do you find your inspiration?
Everywhere! Nature mostly and many of our healthcare schemes will have their roots in the history of the local area.
Which job have you been most proud of?
A private residential project in East Sussex and a Dementia home in Ipswich.
How do pictures affect a home’s decor? Why are they important?
Art is so important in a home. It adds personality and can often provide the lynchpin to a scheme. In healthcare design it can help support way finding too.
Why do you work with The Frame House?
The Frame House are a joy to work with. They have not once let us down and I am proud to have them as part of the extended HomeSmiths team. The team are super helpful from first enquiry to install, dealing with whatever an often-unready site throws at them with flexibility and humour. We would not use anyone else.
For more information on HomeSmiths and to see their portfolio check out their website: