Meet our Kitchen & Bathroom Designer: Zoe Waller

In this blog series we invite you to virtually meet our designers, find out more about them & their experiences designing over the years and what you can expect if you visit them for your next kitchen or bathroom renovation. 

Today we'd like to introduce you to Zoe, one of our kitchen & bathroom designers based in our Bristol Showroom. Zoe has worked with us at Gardiner Haskins Interiors for 1 and a half years.

Hi Zoe! How did you get into Kitchen & Bathroom Design?

"Many years ago I studied packaging design and I was a structural packaging designer, despite being successful and having several patents in my name, the work was not as creative as I had hoped. I decided to work for Moben in the evenings and weekends to try a different design role. I loved it!

Within a year I was working for a bespoke furniture company Crabtree Kitchens. I quickly learnt the production processes and several years later set up my own company designing and manufacturing bespoke kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms."

What else do you enjoy about design work?

"I love the practical yet creative nature of room design. I have always been a creative individual , but I like to problem solve and work with my clients to ensure their specific needs are considered.

Good Kitchen bathroom and bedroom design encompasses far more than just planning a space. The combination of materials, colours and textures is important too. And the ergonomics of the space should be planned.

I enjoy the variety that my work requires. No-one has the same brief. It is important to me that I listen carefully to my clients. Everyone’s needs and tastes are slightly different. I enjoy that challenge."

Any insider tips for people considering a new bathroom renovation project?

"Invest in good quality products. If you opt for cheaper alternatives you may end up replacing your kitchen or bathroom sooner than expected which is not only costly, but also time consuming and inconvenient.

Plan your renovation in plenty of time and give careful consideration to your budget and your priorities. What is a must have and why? Who will use the space? How long are you likely to live in your home? Do you have colour combinations you would like? Is there going to be any building work?

Don’t worry too much about the actual layout, we can help with that. Bring us a wish list and we will do our best to make it happen!"

What's your favourite bathroom trend for 2023?

"Colour!! In particular reflecting the beauty of nature. Earthy tones, greens, and rustic materials. Easy to live with, timeless and relaxing.

Houseplants have made a huge comeback, and will enhance the relaxed vibe of any space (just find the right one for the environment) I like to allow room for a few plants and ornaments in my designs."

Can you show us some of your previous work?

Smaller spaces can be challenging, but creative planning can ensure everything fits.

This kitchen required room for a washing machine, tall fridge freezer, oven and 600 wide hob, bin and plenty of storage including a larder unit. There were steps into the space and a very thick wall and window recess. It was not easy to design , but I managed to make space for everything.

This kitchen is bright green and white. We can provide kitchen in any colour so go for it! Don’t be afraid to stamp your own mark on your home. This colour helped create such a happy space. The curved units look great and allow the space to feel larger. Open storage gives the feeling of light and space too.

Finally, why do you think your clients choose Gardiner Haskins Interiors?

"We have a good reputation for being a reliable independent store. We have a showroom large enough to inspire, longstanding and strong relationships with our suppliers, and we offer great customer service.

A one to one relationship throughout the process that cannot be guaranteed with a national supplier."

Would you like Zoe to plan, design and project manage your next bathroom renovation?

Contact Us to book your FREE design appointment