Interior Design in the Isle of Man: A Pandemic Project

A Journey Begins in the Isle of Man

Our story starts in late 2019, when we were appointed to an exciting new interior design project in the Isle of Man. Just weeks later, news of a global pandemic broke. Lockdowns followed. Businesses everywhere, including many of our suppliers and trades, were hit hard.

Then in March, another unexpected challenge struck, a cargo ship blocked the Suez Canal, delaying deliveries of key finishes for our client’s home. It was a perfect storm of disruption.

But with flexibility, strong communication (often via Zoom), and a fantastic client relationship, we navigated every hurdle and reached a positive outcome.

A Word-of-Mouth Introduction

So how did a Lake District interior design studio end up working on a home across the Irish Sea? Like many of our projects, this commission came through a word-of-mouth recommendation.

Our client had seen a home we completed in Grasmere in 2016 and loved its timeless elegance. When it came time to appoint a team for her own home in a village near Douglas, she visited our Staveley studio to share her plans.

That first consultation was key. We explored her vision, tastes, and expectations in detail. By the end of the meeting, we had a clear brief and she left confident in our approach.

Designing from a Distance

Since the property was far from our base, it was crucial that we fully understood the client’s lifestyle from day one. With that insight, we were able to move ahead independently—a real stroke of luck, as the pandemic was just around the corner.

Our on-site visit followed in Autumn 2019. We presented the schemes in person and surveyed the relevant areas. Everyone was excited. Designs were approved, trades were lined up, and installation dates were being set.

Then Came Covid… and the Suez Canal Crisis

Just as the project was gaining momentum, the pandemic hit. Later, the Suez Canal blockage disrupted deliveries even further. The effect on our plans was significant.

With supply chains stalled and installations postponed, we had to re-plan the entire process. Orders were altered, materials re-sourced, and timelines shifted. Even a bar top for the entertaining space was delayed.

Thanks to our trusted suppliers and a few design tweaks, we managed to maintain the spirit and aesthetic of our original vision.

Adapting and Overcoming Challenges

As deliveries began trickling in again, a new problem arose, where to store everything? Fortunately, we secured a storage facility near the project, giving us greater flexibility for future uncertainties.

Weeks turned into months. Delays stretched longer than expected. Through it all, our client remained calm, positive, and incredibly understanding. Her patience made a difficult situation far more manageable for everyone involved.

Staying Connected Through Uncertainty

Back at our studio, we maintained regular contact, keeping the client updated as the situation evolved. Tools like Zoom and Teams became essential for remote design presentations and visual updates. We adapted quickly, and learned valuable new ways to communicate design ideas clearly at a distance.

A Happy Ending

Eventually, the Isle of Man opened up again, and the installation could finally begin.

We’re delighted to report that the project has a happy ending. Most importantly, we have a very happy client.

Coming Soon…

Stay tuned for part two, where we’ll share photos and a closer look at how we transformed this beautiful country home into something truly special.

Please do have a look at our Projects Portfolio for more of our work