British-born Claire Saumarez-Roth moved to Belgium as a trailing spouse but, as with so many others, found herself falling in love with the country and has now put down roots here.
Claire lives in Uccle and works as an interior designer. In an interview she told this website about her work here, including what she says is her biggest challenge: Brexit.
Q: What do you think are the main differences between UK and Belgian tastes when it comes to interior design?
Claire: “They are definitely different but there are so many varying tastes as well. In Belgium, generally we see a trend for cleaner, more modern and sleek interiors. Perhaps the authentic interior architecture, here, is paired down to incorporate more modern lines and it is definitely more minimalist. In the UK we tend to have less square meterage to play with so the designs we see more commonly are multifunctional and slightly more traditional.”
“The interior trend in the UK is maxi not minimal at the moment, showing where your travels have taken you, great grandma possessions on show (a sprinkle of brown furniture coming back I’m pleased to say) but incorporated in an effortlessly stylish and sometimes eclectic way.”
“My own design style would appeal to those seeking a sympathetic take, safeguarding the history of the space but providing a practical but sympathetic update. I’m told my style is elegant but comfortably homely.”
What are the current trends prevalent in your sector?
Claire: “I would say that we are getting more and more conscious about sustainability. Interiors that last and stand the test of time and don’t follow trends, using natural materials and organic textures. Adding interest through mixing the old with the new.Loving nature as I do I really try to follow this ethos.”
What, if any, has been/is the impact of modern technology, including AI, on the work you do?
Claire: “I don’t use AI in my own work at CSR Designs yet but I do know that it is being used to create excellent 3D images of room designs very quickly. This means that the skills we were obliged to learn as designers will be obsolete in the coming couple of years most probably.”
How did you come to move to Belgium and why do you target the expat community?
Claire: “My husband’s job brought us to Belgium nearly 11 years ago. I am British, I speak French but am most happy in my native tongue and think it’s like going to the doctor, where I prefer to speak English there too. I guess my clients may feel the same.”
“Being English and moving to France with just GCE French to help me, I became a bit stuck. So changing tack, I launched and ran a retail home decoration business aimed at the ex-pat and Anglo loving international market for the next 7 years. Moving then to Brussels I undertook a 3 year Interior Design qualification at the prestigious London based KLC School of Design.”
What – and who – inspires you in your work?
Claire: “Nature has always inspired my work along with its colours and textures. I like to create schemes that are relaxing and soothing as I believe our ‘burrows’ should be where we feel most at peace. You won’t find me designing anything monochrome that’s for sure.”
“I am lucky enough to now live and work in the south of Brussels, with contacts also within the UK, France and Malta. I like to create a relaxed but elegant aesthetic in a home, featuring objects that tell a story unique to one’s life, of places visited and well-loved family pieces.”
How do you tailor your work to those with less space, for examples, people who live in apartment? Does employing an interior designer necessitate wealth?
Claire: “I provide help and advice for anyone who needs it and that could be for any sized home. It’s a shame that engaging with an interior designer can be seen as a luxury or intimidating. A 1.5 hour consultation or room design can be so helpful, save money in the long run and can provide invaluable support for a project to take off.I particularly enjoy this kind of work – plus I am very friendly and down to earth.”
Tell us about your background.
Claire: “I come from the south west of England from Dorset. I was brought up on a retired farm so had horses, looked after some cattle and some pet sheep. Spent most of my time outside and love nature and the natural world. I lived and worked latterly for 13 years in Winchester for a dental health company as a Quality Development manager before moving to France to be with my French partner (we met through Axa Insurance).”
“My entire family are mad about property and in the property market so I grew up with my parents talking avidly about property, land and farms over the Sunday lunch table from birth. So it was a given that I would buy a doer upper as soon as I could. I got on the property ladder at the age of just 21 and it was then and there that the proper house improvements began and I’m still going.”
What are the main challenges facing you and the sector?
Claire: “My main challenge has been Brexit. Getting anything sent over to Belgium from the UK is difficult and expensive. Even buying a small pack of free samples means that I am charged a fortune. It’s a huge shame and hits the small and medium sized companies who aren’t able to do business in the EU, meaning their market has shrunk and our choice is narrowed.”
Further info: https://www.csrdesigns.be/
