CASE STUDY – How an interior designer can help bring ambitious deli dreams to life

The Gower Deli was a life long dream for Private Chef Christos, who had a long time established himself in the food industry UK-wide and locally in The Gower.  Christos is your typical busy chef: hard working, committed to his passion and ambitious.  Whilst this is a recipe for success, it doesn’t always leave much time to do important things such as designing your new deli.

Christos contacted SA1 Interiors because he resonated with the designs on our website, which give a feeling of calm and down to earth, whilst not being overly contemporary or ostentatious.  He liked the style of the designs and felt we were a good match for his project.  We couldn’t have agreed more. 

He knew what he wanted for the deli having seen many ideas, but like many of our customers he needed help pulling it all together and creating something for the premises that met his business goals.  Industrial touches so it was contemporary but also a bit rustic, classy and not crowded.  He wanted a pleasant atmosphere. 

SA1 Interiors got to work.  We created mood boards, 3D drawings, space plans all to help visualise what Christos wanted. Once complete the designs helped the trades teams do their part and ensure everything was done to plan. 

Christos still had to run his current business whilst all of this went on, working long hours dealing with many things including all the bumps in the road that come with renovating. Luckily, we were able to work closely with the trades daily to ensure nothing went off track.  This is one of the benefits of working with an interior designer – an extension to your team, someone to take the hassle away, someone to help with the time consuming tasks. 

One day, I had a call from Christos, it was close to the completion of the project.  He said “I have to tell you something…I went to the deli today and I cried” – I instantly panicked, what could go wrong at this stage? However, he said “I cried because I am so happy, I have dreamed of this, and you have helped me create my deli that I have always wanted”

I think this is the feedback every designer wants to hear, that they have helped dreams come to life.  Coincidentally, this happens to be my dream too, and I am eternally grateful for people like Christos who put so much faith in me.  It was a big deal for him, meaning it was an even bigger deal for me. 

Working on these projects is fantastic, but they are rarely without some lessons.  Here’s our three top tips for renovating a new premises:

1.        Keep a close eye on the budget from day one. It will escalate due to surprises.  Be prepared to make changes to the design to suit. 

2.        Choose tradesmen you can trust and work well with.  This is crucial for the progress of the project.  As a designer tradesmen usually have their preconceptions of what I do, but within hours that changes when they know we are on the same side. 

3.        Have a back up plan and be prepared to make swift decisions on designs.  Not all of your design will come to fruition, you may have to lose some things to make the practical elements of the business work.  But whatever you do, always consult the designer on things that will change how it looks.  Christos was fantastic with this from day one – he always trusted my input and never undermined anything I created.

Thanks to all involved in creating this design.  Tradesmen are added to my Little Black Book so feel free to get in touch for recommendations.

You will find The Gower Deli in Pennard, Southgate, The Gower, Swansea.  They serve THE best food, Christos is an amazing Chef and I feel very lucky to have made these connections.  Check their socials for updates on themed nights.  @theGowerDeli