We ask our wonderful client Ali - a marketeer and renovation super star, a few questions about her Surrey family home renovation.
Why did you choose shutters for your windows?
The home we were renovating is Georgian, and it was my husband’s idea! I will give him the credit. The house had some original shutters but ones you couldn’t really use. He said why don’t we go shutters throughout, in keeping with Georgian times. We then also researched and found they keep the heat in more than curtains which you need in old buildings.
They are also amazing in the summer and keeping rooms cool if kept shut. Also, after renovating a whole house, the thought of picking fabrics for all the rooms filled me with dread so this was a win win!!! I love the shutters they bring me joy!!
Photograph by Fi Digby Jones for Country Homes & Interiors
You chose both solid panel shutters and louvred plantation shutters for your windows, was there a reason you chose different styles for different rooms?
We wanted the solid panels, which I love, are so beautiful and we get many compliments on them for all the bedrooms and living spaces. We decided Louvred shutters for the bathrooms for practicality so you can still let light in but don’t need to open and close.
Photograph by Fi Digby Jones for Country Homes & Interiors
Were you able to make the shutters bespoke to your different room schemes in terms of colour and finish?
Yes, we chose to colour match a Farrow and Ball colour to go with the window colour
What do you think you can be thrifty on and what do you think you should splurge on when it comes to a house renovation?
Good question…. I think with certain things you can tell the quality of and therefore need to invest.
- Cast iron radiators, we looked and different options, but these make a room and we wanted ones to last a life time so Castrads were the best option
- Hardware - so door handles, kitchen cupboard handles etc we again when high end it makes a big difference
- Taps again you can tell the quality
- Shutters obviously worth paying for quality!
- I guess things that you want to last the distance you pay for what you get. Things like paint, colour matching makes sense when painting a whole house!
Which part of the property renovation process do you enjoy the most?
Seeing it come to life, when renovating a whole property, it takes months and so many decisions!!! It seems to take forever the initial stages but once you see things starting to take shape it feels worthwhile.
Do you have any advice for people undertaking a whole home renovation?
Don’t underestimate the decision-making process and how many decisions you must make. I spent too long sweating the small stuff like plug sockets what style finish etc. If I asked any of my friends what sockets I have no one could tell me. Concentrate on what things matter, what is priority and take time over those decisions. Also have a good group of friends around you, that when decisions start blurring into one you can ask them for help! Sometimes you get overwhelmed and when choosing between two different green paints they can really help….Also, a great team of builders around you that you trust. We couldn’t have done this without KM Grant. Most people fall out with their builders; I really miss ours… I think that tells a story in itself!
Ali's home featured in the October Issue 2025 of Country Homes & Interiors.
