‘What do you think of these initial ideas?’ I ask, confident that I’ve fulfilled the brief perfectly.
‘Fiona, I really like what you’ve come up with.’ My heart sinks. Belinda is speaking with zero conviction and a smile that doesn’t reach her eyes. She’s got one of those ultra-short fringes that reminds me of when my mum used to cut my hair with the nail scissors, and I’d end up in tears. Only Belinda’s hair is like that on purpose. ‘It’s just…’ She drums her acrylic nails on the table top. ‘It’s just that I want more of a wow factor, you know?’
We’re currently talking through the mood board I’ve designed for their home office-slash-library. I’ve been trying to steer them towards the Nordic look we first discussed, which will sit beautifully with the traditional building – lots of sheepskin rugs, woven fabrics and blonde wood. But they’re now talking about possibly ripping out a lot of the original features and going for a sleeker, even more minimalist design. To be honest, I’m not sure why they bought the house in the first place if they’re so intent on tearing it apart. But I don’t want to lose their business. They’re from out of town and extremely well connected. If I get this right, it could potentially mean a whole raft of new clients.
‘Tell you what…’ I slide the boards towards me, stacking them up like a deck of cards and trying not to think about how many days’ work it’s taken me to put them together. Work that they’ve barely even glanced at. ‘How about we forget this look for the moment and I create something more luxe and architectural instead?’ I flash my eyes and grin. ‘Something that will really knock your socks off.’
‘Yes, that sounds ideal.’ Harry turns to his wife. ‘What do you think, Bel?’
Belinda’s expression instantly lifts. ‘Luxe and architectural! I knew we could count on you, Fiona. We just don’t want anything that’s going to date. And while we really love the Nordic look, it seems to be everywhere these days.’ She picks up her phone. ‘I’ve also seen some amazing photos on Pinterest of this Moroccan-type vibe which could be fantastic in the den. As a contrast to all the minimalism, you know?’
‘Sounds gorgeous!’ I sigh inwardly and wonder how many times they’re going to change their minds. I’m willing to lay money on it that Belinda will want me to design the whole place like a middle-eastern bazaar before declaring that it’s all too much and we should go back to the modern look once again. In fact, I’ll keep hold of this last lot of work in case they come back full circle.
Through the interior floor-to-ceiling windows I spot Molly talking to a couple who are standing awkwardly in the reception area. They don’t look like any of my regular clients. They’re actually quite official-looking – wearing ugly grey suits and serious expressions. Molly glances over at me, her eyes wide and somewhat panicked. She jerks her head in the couple’s direction and I realise she wants me to come out and see to them. However, the Carmichaels aren’t the kind of people you can ditch in order to talk to someone else. I shake my head at Molly and try to indicate that I need her to deal with them.
Molly rolls her eyes and turns back to the couple with a forced smile, but they don’t look very happy at what she’s saying. Molly gestures to the sofa and, after a moment’s hesitation, they sit. I tip an imaginary teacup in Molly’s direction to indicate that she needs to get on with making our teas and coffees.
Twenty minutes later, I’ve managed to instil fresh excitement into Belinda and Harry at the thought of how incredible and original and timeless their new holiday home is going to be.
‘I can’t wait until it’s habitable,’ Belinda says with a sigh. ‘These things always take so long.’
Only because you change your mind so many times. ‘How’s your stay at the Ripple?’ They’re booked into the beautiful five-star hotel on the other side of the lake.
‘It’s lovely, but it’s not like having your own place. One thing I will say, the spa’s incredible. Have you been?’
I nod. ‘I could quite easily live in that spa.’
‘It’s bliss, isn’t it.’
Harry makes a harrumphing noise.
‘Oh, ignore him.’ Belinda gives his arm a playful slap. ‘He’s grumpy because of the distance.’