design process

My design process:

Sharing the experience with my client.

My aim is to work with my clients to create a unique, bespoke piece of art that is durable and functional for everyday use.

An initial consultation is an important part of the design process as I think it is important to meet people in this often ‘faceless’ society.

You may have an existing colour scheme that you would like a piece to complement, or have more diverse ideas about colour or design. As the splash back may well be the focal point, you may feel confident to choose a splash back first and let me work with your kitchen designer to develop the colour scheme around it.

The final piece is all hand painted with many layers of specialist paint incorporating various effects that are merged to create a unique product.

After discussing ideas and looking through my sample boards, I can then create a smaller glass sample if required, (27x24cm), using the chosen colours and styles. As all pieces are unique the sample will be indicative, although not an exact replica, of the final piece. Once a sample has been approved the finished piece will take approximately 4 weeks to create. Clients will receive a written quotation before commencing any work.

Inspiration can come from almost any source. As shown in images above.

(The picture featured on the right is from Chris Hadfield "You Are Here" Space aerial photography book.)

Case study:

Private client in Bury St Edmunds.

In the example shown my clients wanted terracotta or gold to be a used for a feature wall, these colours came from a cherished ceramic pitcher. They had the kitchen design completed and agreed but not the colours, I created samples using the terracotta with warmer tones, to tie in with cabinetry in creams, and another sample using gold as the accent colours using cooler tones to tie in with cabinetry in greys. After meeting and placing samples in the location, discussing light sources and overall feel of the room, they decided on the gold with cooler tones. I then spoke and met with their kitchen designer to discuss cabinetry to complement my splashback. To have clients put their new kitchen colour scheme into place around my work was a huge compliment and shows that it is not just a glass splashback but a personalised piece of art.

Customer comment:

"Madeleine created a beautiful splash back for our new kitchen and we love it! She was professional, organized and helpful during every step of the process. She came to our home with samples of her hand painted glass designs, small painted glass tiles in a range of complementary colours, and paint brochures, so that we could discuss our vision for our kitchen. At the same time we were discussing the splash back we were also making decisions about cabinet, wall, and work surface colours with the kitchen designer. As an artist with an understanding of and an eye for colour Madeleine generously shared her thoughts and advice to help us create a beautifully coordinated colour palette throughout. We appreciated that she worked hard to finish the project on short notice, deliver and install it before Christmas. We now own a lovely piece of unique and functional artwork which is a centerpiece to our new kitchen and admired by all who have seen it."

I am based near Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk. Most of my work is in the East Anglian area, covering Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Norfolk & Essex, although I am happy to discuss projects further afield.