Meet our Designers

Karen

Fabrics have been a passion for Karen from a very early age, developed through designing and making clothes. Adoring the texture, drape and handling of fabrics, important knowledge that she gained from her father and her early years at college taking fashion design, Karen began her career with a very brief foray in the bridal industry. However, she quickly realised it was interiors where her true passion lay, switching industries and quickly becoming a business partner by the age of 23.

The biggest step was to create her own show room on the high street in Mirfield, where she still runs a successful interior design business 20 years on. The company thrives on new and innovative design ideas, which Karen interprets for architects and developers alike. A successful relationship has been developed with ONE 17 architects and Darren Smith Homes which Karen drives with great enthusiasm.

The business has grown successfully, which has enabled her to double the workforce and give local students work experience and placements.

Her inspiration, taken from London and trips abroad, is detailed and exquisite, spending hours on Pinterest for ideas, and being a very visual person with an eye for detailing.

Architecturally Karen follows an interior stylist, Dutch born Eric Kuster, who produces top quality interiors under the marque of contemporary luxury design. Her passion for creativity lends itself to guiding others in all aspects of interior decor. Once involved in a scheme, she lives and breathes the project from beginning to end.

Karen’s free time when she’s not working (which isn’t often) is spent on days out with her husband, walking their cockapoo Jess, and socialising with friends and family.

Having grown up in a busy and creative household, where arts and crafts were second nature, Janet has always been able to satisfy her passion for colour and textures. After studying fashion design at art college, she was employed as an assistant ladieswear buyer, where her vision for style and colour was first put to use.

After the birth of her third child, Janet worked in the childcare sector, which gave her great empathy for problematic situations. Her knowledge and skills gained during this period enable her to approach each design project in an open and friendly manner.

Her home is a bustling place most days, with three children, two dogs, a cat and a parrot. Janet’s free time (when she has any!), is spent reading, walking and socialising.

Claire's career began with four years at Batley Art College, where she studied surface pattern and textile design, gaining a Higher National Diploma. Claire has worked in the interiors sector for 30 years, and started at CR interiors nearly 19 years ago. She still enjoys the challenge of developing a brief with customers and working towards a solution for the finished scheme. Many of her customers have become good friends, and continue to visit CR interiors for help and advice. Claire likes the eclectic look of vintage and contemporary design, where colours and pattern design are mixed – but still work. She's also passionate about retro design, particularly that of Orla Kiely.

Claire grew up in a family of builders, where her weekends were spent labouring and mixing concrete. This is where her love of houses and design first began. She bought and renovated her first home at 18, an experience which encouraged her passion for interiors as she bought and sold more.

Although she has designed different styles of interiors, she has settled into a Scandinavian contemporary look, with a quirky twist. She likes to push the boundaries on colour, throwing unusual things into the mix. One recent project, for example, was a Victorian property where she retained the original features, but created finishes in a contemporary style. This led the house to be photographed and featured in five house magazines.

When not renovating properties, she enjoys the gym, music, cooking, and catching up on her favourite designer – Stella McCartney – via Elle Decoration and Living magazine.

Karen and the team are able to listen to your ideas and requirements and translate them into something beautiful, whether that’s a functional study or a contemporary bedroom.
- Marie
Karen and her team always deliver a truly professional service that is second to none. They are dedicated to being in line with current trends, while still working with individual client tastes and coming up with a variety of designs, colours and fabrics to choose from.
- Cath, Darren Smith Homes
Karen and her team were spot on in understanding our brief for our new house, suggesting things we wouldn’t have thought of that were perfect. The end result is fantastic – wallpaper, curtains, blinds and cushions all perfectly coordinated.
- Linda
Karen has a fabulous eye for possibilities and spent time with me exploring what style I was looking for. I have been bolder with my choice of fabrics and wallpapers and have created unique rooms where the style flows throughout.
- Nicola
Since being introduced to CR Interiors in 2010 they have proved time and time again to be experts in their field and excel in both quality of product and customer service.
- ONE17 Architects and Interior Designers
I have used CR Interiors for about 25 years. Every time I move house I rely on not only purchasing curtains and accessories but have the benefit of their interior design service. They have always provided excellent advice and been able to create rooms that suit my requirements and personality, it turns a house into a welcoming home. I have had many friends remark on how good my home looks and this is all to the credit of the team at CR Interiors.
- Elizabeth
Claire knows my style and puts together some fantastic mood boards. She always goes that extra mile and nothing is too much trouble. I receive all my samples of paint, wallpaper and fabric through the post, then I decide on the design and place my order over the telephone – it’s all so easy. I would highly recommend the designers at CR Interiors.
- Diane Campbell
Karen, Claire and their team have advised us and decorated every room in our house. The attention to detail is second to none. The ideas that they come up with, and the help and advice they give with the choices of curtains, blinds, papers and every other aspect of the room being decorated, should you need it, is first class. I would not go anywhere else!
- Karen Ellis

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View our portfolio

Karen

From the blog

Unveling our Spring 2018 window – and our choice of the season’s trends

Two new testimonials from happy clients

From
the blog