Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our interior design services, process, and what to expect when working with Bahono.

An interior designer offers comprehensive planning and execution of interior spaces. This includes spatial layout development, selection of furniture and materials, lighting design, color scheme coordination, and procurement of furnishings. We also manage contractor relationships, oversee installation, and ensure the final result matches the approved design. Our work covers residential properties, commercial offices, retail spaces, and hospitality venues across London and surrounding areas.

Pricing varies based on project scope and property size. For residential projects, fees typically range from £3,000 to £15,000 for a full room redesign, while complete home renovations start from £20,000. We offer three pricing models: hourly rates (£75-150/hour), flat project fees, or a percentage of total project cost (usually 10-15%). Initial consultations are charged at £150 for a two-hour session. Commercial projects are quoted individually based on square footage and complexity. We provide detailed estimates after the first consultation.

Project duration depends on scope and scale. A single room redesign typically takes 6-8 weeks from initial consultation to completion. Full apartment renovations in London usually require 3-4 months, including design development, procurement, and installation. Larger homes or commercial spaces may extend to 6-9 months. The design phase alone takes 3-6 weeks, followed by ordering custom furniture (8-12 weeks lead time) and construction work. We provide a detailed timeline during the planning stage and update you regularly on progress.

This depends on the extent of work being done. For minor refreshes like painting, new furniture, or decorative updates, you can usually remain in your home with minimal disruption. However, major renovations involving structural changes, kitchen or bathroom remodeling, or work affecting multiple rooms simultaneously often require temporary relocation for safety and efficiency. We work with contractors to minimize dust and noise, schedule work during agreed hours, and complete projects in phases when possible. We'll assess your specific situation and provide recommendations during planning.

Interior designers have formal education in spatial planning, building codes, structural requirements, and technical aspects of construction. We can modify floor plans, specify materials for construction, design lighting systems, and coordinate with architects and contractors. Decorators focus primarily on aesthetic elements like furniture selection, color schemes, window treatments, and accessories without altering the structure. At Bahono, our team includes qualified designers who handle both structural modifications and decorative elements, providing complete solutions for your space.

Absolutely. We often incorporate existing pieces that hold sentimental value or remain functional. During our initial consultation, we'll assess your current furniture and determine what can be retained, repurposed, or repositioned. Sometimes a quality sofa just needs reupholstering, or a dining table can be refinished to fit the new aesthetic. This approach not only reduces costs but also maintains continuity with pieces you love. We'll be honest about what works and what doesn't, always respecting your attachment to certain items while ensuring the overall design remains cohesive.

Yes, we create photorealistic 3D renderings for all major projects. These visualizations show exactly how your space will look, including furniture placement, color schemes, lighting effects, and material textures. You'll receive multiple views of each room, allowing you to see the design from different angles. This helps you make informed decisions before any purchases or construction begins. We also provide floor plans, elevation drawings, and material boards. Revisions to the 3D models are included in our standard service, ensuring you're completely satisfied before we proceed to implementation.

Your involvement level is entirely up to you. Some clients prefer to approve major decisions and trust us with details, while others want to review every fabric sample and paint color. We typically schedule 4-6 key meetings throughout the project: initial consultation, concept presentation, design development review, final approval, and installation walkthrough. Between meetings, we communicate via email with updates and questions. You'll always have final approval on significant purchases and design choices. We adapt our communication style to match your preferences and availability.

The initial consultation lasts approximately two hours at your property. We'll discuss your requirements, lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and budget. We'll measure the space, photograph existing conditions, and assess any structural considerations. You'll share inspiration images, discuss functionality needs, and explain what isn't working in your current setup. We'll also review your timeline and any constraints. Following this visit, you'll receive a proposal outlining our recommended approach, estimated costs, and project timeline. This consultation is charged at £150, which is credited toward your project if you proceed with us.

Yes, we manage the entire procurement process. Once you approve the design and selections, we place orders with suppliers, track deliveries, coordinate schedules, and arrange installation. We work with established trade suppliers across the UK and Europe, often accessing better pricing than retail. All items are delivered to our warehouse for inspection before being brought to your property. We schedule deliveries to minimize disruption and ensure installers are available when needed. This service is included in our fee structure, and you'll receive detailed invoices showing all purchases.

Definitely. We design for various budget levels and will work within your financial parameters. During the initial consultation, we'll discuss your budget openly and honestly. We'll then create a design that maximizes value within that range, prioritizing elements that matter most to you. If your budget is limited, we might suggest phasing the project or focusing on high-impact changes. We provide detailed cost breakdowns so you know exactly where money is allocated. Our goal is to deliver the best possible result for your investment, whether that's £10,000 or £100,000.

Our office is located in Islington, and we work throughout Greater London including Chelsea, Kensington, Notting Hill, Hampstead, Richmond, Wimbledon, Canary Wharf, and surrounding boroughs. We've completed projects in areas from Chiswick to Greenwich, covering both North and South London. For properties outside central London but within the M25, we typically add a travel fee. We occasionally take on projects in the Home Counties (Surrey, Hertfordshire, Essex) for larger commissions. Contact us to discuss your location and we'll confirm whether it falls within our standard service area.

Yes, we design both residential and commercial spaces. Our commercial portfolio includes offices, retail stores, restaurants, hotels, and medical facilities. Commercial projects require different considerations such as building regulations, accessibility requirements, brand identity, and high-traffic durability. We understand these unique needs and work closely with business owners to create spaces that are both functional and aligned with their brand. Whether you need a corporate office in the City, a boutique in Mayfair, or a clinic in Harley Street, we have the expertise to deliver results.

Our process includes revision rounds specifically to address this. After presenting the initial concept, we welcome your feedback and make adjustments. Most projects include two rounds of revisions in the standard fee. We'll discuss what aspects you'd like changed and why, then refine the design accordingly. It's rare for clients to reject a design entirely because we invest time upfront understanding your preferences. However, if the direction isn't working, we'll explore alternative approaches. Our goal is your satisfaction, and we won't proceed to implementation until you're genuinely excited about the design.

We stand behind our work and the products we specify. Furniture and materials come with manufacturer warranties, typically ranging from 1-10 years depending on the item. For custom pieces, we work with craftsmen who guarantee their workmanship for at least 12 months. Any installation work is covered for defects for one year. If issues arise with items we've sourced, we handle warranty claims on your behalf. Additionally, we offer a complimentary follow-up visit three months after project completion to address any minor adjustments or concerns. Your satisfaction is important to us beyond the final installation date.

About Bahono

Creating spaces that reflect personality and enhance daily living through thoughtful design and practical solutions.

Our Foundation

Bahono was established in 2015 by a team of three designers who shared a vision for creating interiors that combine functionality with aesthetic appeal. Based in London, we began working on residential projects in Richmond and Islington, focusing on understanding how people interact with their living spaces.

Over the past eight years, we have completed 187 projects across Greater London and the Home Counties. Our portfolio includes apartments in Kensington, townhouses in Hampstead, and contemporary homes in Surrey. Each project reflects our commitment to practical design solutions that suit the way our clients live.

We work with a network of 23 trusted contractors, suppliers, and craftspeople who share our standards for workmanship. This collaboration ensures that projects are completed on schedule and meet the specifications agreed upon at the outset.

Interior design studio workspace

What Guides Our Work

Client-Focused Process

We begin each project with detailed consultations to understand requirements, preferences, and budget parameters. Regular communication throughout the design and implementation phases ensures that the final result aligns with expectations.

Practical Functionality

Our designs prioritize how spaces will be used. We consider traffic flow, storage needs, lighting conditions, and maintenance requirements. Aesthetic choices support these practical considerations rather than compromise them.

Sustainable Choices

We source materials from suppliers who demonstrate responsible environmental practices. Where appropriate, we recommend energy-efficient lighting, low-VOC paints, and furniture from manufacturers with verified sustainability credentials.

Transparent Pricing

All project costs are outlined in detailed proposals before work begins. We provide itemized breakdowns of design fees, materials, and contractor charges. Any necessary changes during the project are discussed and approved before implementation.

Completed interior design project

Our Approach to Interior Design

We view interior design as problem-solving. Each space presents specific challenges related to layout, light, budget, and the needs of those who will use it. Our process involves analyzing these factors and developing solutions that address them effectively.

The team at Bahono includes designers with backgrounds in architecture, furniture design, and project management. This range of expertise allows us to handle projects from initial concept through to final installation, coordinating all aspects of the work.

We maintain long-term relationships with many clients, returning to update spaces as their needs change or to work on additional properties. This ongoing connection provides insight into how our designs function over time and informs our approach to new projects.