How Interior Design Changed Our Lives (And It Can Change Yours Too)

In partnership with Gardiner Smith Interior Design Studio

If you’re longing to turn your home into the calm, beautiful space of your dreams but feel daunted by the price tag, the logistics, or simply don’t know where to start, you're not alone. That’s exactly why Sally and Kate, co-founders of Gardiner Smith Interior Design Studio, are on a mission to change the way people feel about design.

To them, it’s not just about how a room looks, it’s about how it feels. How it flows better when things are organised, making a home feel like home.

And the best part? They’ve lived it themselves. Their journey into interior design has transformed their own homes, their careers and even their family lives. So they know first-hand what’s possible.

 

 

How It All Began.

Both Kate and Sally moved to Guernsey during the pandemic, arriving with their families just as the island reopened. To friends and family back on the mainland, Guernsey was like a "Paradise Island”. But what really helped to make it feel like home was a chance meeting outside the school gates, which led the design entrepreneurs to bond over a shared love of interiors.

That mutual obsession led to hours of conversations and, eventually, the idea to build something more. Gardiner Smith was born from different starting points: Sally with formal training in interior design and Kate with years of hands-on experience renovating and selling homes. What unites them is a belief that beautiful spaces should be accessible, and that everyone deserves a home that feels good.

 

 

We’re here to show that you can start with one room. One paint palette. One idea.

Kate - Gardiner Smith Interior Design Studio

 

The Power of Design.

It started with side projects and Instagram DMs. Kate began offering low cost virtual designs, and the response was overwhelming. “At first I was charging £250 a room,” she recalls, “and they were delighted.” Authenticity was key and clients didn’t mind that she wasn’t formally trained - they were drawn to her eye for design and her honesty. Meanwhile, Sally brought her professional background to the table, along with a flair for solving spatial challenges and creating cohesive schemes.  

Fast forward, and Gardiner Smith now offers full walkthroughs, renders, and tailored design packages. “We work with a third party for CAD and 3D visuals,” Sally explains. “But the design comes from us. And we always make sure clients feel part of the process.”

What hasn’t changed is their desire to demystify design. “So many people assume it’s not for them,” says Kate. “Or that it’ll cost tens of thousands. But we’re here to show that you can start with one room. One paint palette. One idea.”

 

 

A calm space helps you feel calmer. When everything has a place, family life runs more smoothly. It creates room for creativity and rest.

Sally - Gardiner Smith Interior Design Studio

 

Beyond The Aesthetic.

The impact of good design goes beyond aesthetics. “For us, it has changed how we live,” says Sally. “A calm space helps you feel calmer. When everything has a place, family life runs more smoothly. It creates room for creativity and rest.”

Clients often come to them feeling overwhelmed, stuck in decision paralysis, or unsure where to source things - especially on an island like Guernsey. Gardiner Smith not only brings clarity, but also passes on trade discounts and champions local suppliers whenever possible. “We’re not here to mark everything up,” Kate says. “We want people to have a good experience. One client saved over £1,000 on a single rug and that basically paid for their design fee.”

It’s also about empowering others. “I’ve dealt with imposter syndrome,” admits Kate. “But at some point, you have to back yourself. And I hope our story shows other women that you don’t need to have a traditional background to do something you love.”

 

 

I hope our story shows other women that you don’t need to have a traditional background to do something you love.

Kate - Gardiner Smith Interior Design Studio

 

The Gardiner Smith Way.

At Gardiner Smith, it’s not just about the end result, it’s about how you feel during the process. Sally and Kate bring a refreshing blend of professionalism and warmth, with an approach that’s built on trust, transparency, and real-life practicality.

They keep things simple with flat-rate pricing, so you’ll know exactly what to expect, regardless of whether your overall budget is £1,000 or £100,000. There’s no markup or percentage-based fees, just honest design support tailored to you.

They also know what it’s like to juggle family, work, and everything in between, so their designs are rooted in real life. Whether you need a fully designed home or just want help picking a colour palette, they offer flexible support that meets you where you are. And throughout it all, they stay true to their values: no gatekeeping and no pretence, just beautifully curated spaces, crafted with care and clarity.

As Kate puts it, “People feel like they already know us when they get in touch. That’s what makes the process so special.”

 

 

People feel like they already know us when they get in touch. That’s what makes the process so special.

Kate - Gardiner Smith Interior Design Studio

 

Get In Touch...

Visit Gardiner Smith Interior Design Studio, explore their work on Instagram, or drop Sally and Kate an email to talk through your space and your design requirements.

Whether it’s one room or the whole house, they’re here to help you love where you live.