RENOVATING DOESN’T NEED TO BE OVERWHELMING
Sadie Pizzey is the owner of Sadie Pizzey Interiors, an award-winning interior design studio known for creating breathtaking, authentic, and intentional spaces across Surrey and Southeast England.
Sadie Pizzey Interiors specialises in transforming both residential and commercial properties, particularly large-scale renovations and new build construction projects.
Can you tell us more about what your job entails?
I’m incredibly lucky to have such a creative job, working with wonderful clients. But surprisingly, I spend a lot of time covered in dust and buried in spreadsheets!
My team and I work on both residential and commercial projects, collaborating with clients over the course of one to two years. Our job is to take a project from the initial concept through to the final reveal, ensuring every detail is considered. We design everything from bathrooms to bars, and we are responsible for every aspect of the space – from spatial planning and lighting design to cabinetry and flooring.
What’s the biggest myth about interior designers?
The biggest misconception is that interior designers only select furniture, paint colours, and fabrics. That’s actually the job of an interior decorator.
As designers, we’re involved in every detail of a space – from how it functions to how it looks. This includes everything from spatial planning and lighting design to designing kitchens and bathrooms. We’re also on-site, collaborating with contractors and managing every element of the build.
What does the process of working with you look like?
We follow a comprehensive 10-step process to manage each project efficiently. Organisation and attention to detail are crucial, especially with complex construction projects.
Step one is what we call the “Drill Down Chat.” This is where we dive deep into understanding the practical requirements of each space – how the clients live, how they entertain, relax, and use each room. We explore design styles, inspirations, travel artefacts, and personal heritage. Our goal is to create spaces that inspire, embody and serve the unique individuals who live and use them.
When should someone bring in an interior designer?
Ideally, at the very beginning of the project. If we can collaborate with the architect during the planning stages, we can influence the design of the layout early on. This can lead to changes in room placement, window and door positioning, and even the movement of walls. If we’re brought in later, we do our best to adapt the design to the existing plans, but getting involved from the start is always the best approach.
What are common downsides of not using an interior designer?
Renovating a home or commercial space is a significant investment, both financially and personally, and I’m acutely aware of the disruption and challenges that come with it. Time and again, I see costly mistakes that could have been avoided. Without an interior designer’s guidance, issues like poor space planning, mismatched aesthetics, functional shortcomings, budget overruns, and a lack of cohesion can arise, leaving a final result that feels disconnected and uninspired.
However, we firmly believe that renovation should be an enjoyable, rewarding journey. It’s an opportunity to breathe new life into a space, creating an environment that sparks joy, enhances functionality, and reflects the unique essence of those who live or work there.
What’s the most challenging part of your job?
While we truly love what we do, there’s one part of the job that requires a lot of patience: managing deficiencies. We oversee everything from countertops to light bulbs, and tracking down missing parts or dealing with damaged goods can be time-consuming. As a high percentage of items arrive with missing parts or damaged, it’s all about the detail – photographing, returning, and following up on items until everything is right!
How do you bring value to a project?
Our value lies in our ability to innovate. We don’t follow trends; we design spaces that are timeless and personal to our clients. Our process is highly organised, which ensures that projects run smoothly. We obsess over the details and provide contractors with precise drawings to minimise errors and delays. Additionally, we help clients navigate the decision-making process, ensuring they make choices that are both functional and beautiful, without the stress of decision fatigue. We’re also great at maximizing budgets – advising where to splurge and where to save.
What’s your top tip for anyone thinking of starting a project?
My top advice is to invest in a fantastic team. The best projects are always the result of strong collaboration between the architect, contractor, interior designer, and garden designer. Everyone should be passionate about the project and committed to communication and problem-solving. Obstacles will inevitably arise, but a well-integrated team will work together to overcome them.
FOR MORE, VISIT sadiepizzeyinteriors.com OR call on 01483 399653.
