MEET THE DESIGNER
In the glamorous world of interior design, a lot of hard work goes on in the background. Maureen Bentley of Theofano Interiors explains how planning and composition are the first steps in creating a stunning living space
Maureen Bentley has always appreciated beautiful design. After attending art college in Loughborough, she started her working life as a graphic artist working for various Lancashire-based studios. In 2009 she decided to transfer her expert design skills and love of colour to the world of interiors launching Theofano Interiors, which has evolved into one of the most respected interior design companies in the region.
While the work she does now is a far cry from her early days as a studio artist, she admits to always having had a passion for interiors: “After working at the Lancashire Evening Telegraph as a graphic artist I jumped ship and worked for Europrint Promotions, which was an exciting new venture at the time. While working in the studio we would regularly discuss our personal interior design choices. I recall the surprise when I discovered I’d bought the same French-designed wallpaper that a highly regarded colleague had bought on the same day – I was very impressed! Of all the wallpapers in all the world!”
Maureen’s interest in interior design began at an early age when, as a teenager, she would regularly change her bedroom furniture around. Now, as a home-owner, she continues to re-think room layouts: “I am always interested in moving items around and introducing elements from different rooms, like artwork, lamps and the odd chair. Who can resist an auction house with all those tempting pieces, each with a story to tell. There’s always room for a small table somewhere!”
Having made the leap of faith from graphic artist to interior designer meant there was much to learn, as Maureen explains: “As a graphic designer you never stop evolving. Both disciplines require a good grounding in colour and being able to visualise – many aspects of general design training overlap, which is useful when transitioning from one to the other.
“However, many people mistake interior design as simply putting a few fabrics and colours together but there is so much more to it than that. There is a lot to learn about history, design, composition and the technological and manufacturing processes of wallcovering and textiles along with furniture design. We keep learning all the time.”
A typical day for Maureen and her team at Whalley-based Theofano starts with a general meeting at the beginning of the week, leading into days of site meetings, appointments with clients and meeting customers calling into the shop asking for advice on anything from wallpaper to one of Theofano’s specialist paints from Zoffany or world-renowned Annie Sloan.
“As anyone in the interior design business will tell you, there is no typical day!” says Maureen, who has many personal favourite designers. “I admire quite a few and they all have one thing in common – their unfussy approach to living. From Ben Pentreath and Kit Kemp to Robert Kime, there is a common thread, which is all about living in a way that suits you and no-one else. They are masters of their trade.”
While all styles of decoration appeal to Maureen, she admits to being drawn to interiors that are welcoming, comfortable and relaxed.
“I appreciate a room that is welcoming, where everything is to hand, somewhere to put a cup or a chair to curl up on without fear of marking or getting told off!
“I like to be impressed by a house and take note, for future reference, of how the curtains fall, the furniture arrangements and the textures used.”
When embarking on an interiors project Maureen and her team build a rapport with their clients, many of whom return time and time again to draw on the expertise and knowledge at Theofano. Their initial advice is to always to prioritise room layout, seating and lighting: “This is the most important stage, get this wrong and it will never work – colour and decoration is secondary.”
With so many people reverting to technology and social media for inspiration, Maureen advises that this is sometimes not the best or the most practical ways of planning a project: “I believe people are more attuned to what is available. Images constantly appear showing the most glamorous room settings, but many people totally underestimate the cost of such quality products. A good proportion of our work includes bespoke items from curtains to furniture, wallcoverings and lamps. There is much truth in the old adage, ‘you get what you pay for’.
As for current trends in the interiors industry, Maureen advises: “We try to avoid trends as what is fashionable one year may appear tired the next. I am hoping feature walls have finally been abandoned!”
Having been in business for more than a decade, the team at Theofano have worked on many prestigious commercial and domestic projects throughout the Ribble Valley and beyond, and along the way they have met many interesting people.
“I have met some impressive crafts people whose enthusiasm for their trade is infectious. Some of the best projects are the ones you hate to let go of and even when completed I can always find a reason to pop back to see if everything is okay,” adds Maureen.
“I think everyone has an interest in making their surroundings as comfortable as possible and easy on the eye. We all want to send a subtle message to the world about who we are and what we have achieved.”
