Dallas Essentials boutique furnishing
Interior designer Suzy Dallas introduces ‘Dallas Essentials’, a ‘boutique’ furnishing service for property buyers investing in the UK.
Mixing antique finds with designer furniture and investment art, Suzy Dallas has launched a new ‘boutique’ furnishing service aimed at overseas buyers investing in new-build property in Britain.
Suzy expands: ‘There are lots of companies who provide furnishings, fixtures and fittings packages for time-pressed buyers. But the finished look can often be rather soulless and corporate. This is different. My service is for the more discerning type of buyer. They want imaginative, unusual pieces that not only look good but will also hold their value. It’s the antidote to bland.’
Insecurity about the Euro and the rising wealth of individuals in emerging countries like China or Brazil has led to a sharp rise in the number of foreign buyers investing in UK propertySuzy Dallas. A recent report by Savills for instance, revealed that last year (2011), £1.4 billion of international equity flowed into the newly-built prime market alone.
Suzy believes the influx of overseas buyers has put a new onus on designers. ‘As foreign investment continues to rise I feel it’s important that we’re able to offer clients a more inspired choice of furnishings or fittings than the standard developer pieces,’ she explains.
Whether it is for an expat investing in a second home or a foreign buyer furnishing a flat for their student offspring, Suzy Dallas will source everything needed to make a property a home: from voile blinds to dashing cashmere throws as well as furniture and bedding, kitchen equipment and linen down to the finer details such as a set of antique perfume bottles.
Drawing on her extensive contacts, Suzy, who set up her practice in 2005, says: ‘I treat every project as I would any other of my residential commissions: I aim to find the best, not the cheapest, pieces for clients.’
It might be a vibrant Muralto cushion or shapely wing armchair by talented upholsterers James Design. Rugs can be vintage or custom-made by Riviere while a mid-Century coffee table might come from leading antiques dealer Josephine Ryan Antiques. Suzy also likes to contrast textures: teaming linen curtains with a distressed velvet sofa adorned with a faux fur throw for instance: ‘gives a room a more vital, three-dimensional feel.’
Suzy works closely with art consultants and galleries like New Blood, a hub of British talent, to find work by emerging as well as established talent. ‘I’m not looking for art that matches the decor,’ she emphasises. ‘We try to find interesting artwork with investment potential for our clients.’
For London clients she can provide a full concierge service: from finding a plumber to booking theatre tickets to locating the best local school. She can also put clients in touch with reputable property search agents.
Equally, for the competitive rental market Suzy can create an imaginative but more cost-effective scheme. Instead of antiques she uses striking contemporary pieces and luxurious finishes for a ‘wow factor’ that will entice tenants – and boost rental income.
Prices for the boutique furnishing service start at £8,750 + VAT.
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