Agree ashilleong. I watched something on Steve jobs last night, and it was said that most of his iconic ideas were nit his own, not invented by him, rather innovated by him. Thie client brief should be a free platform of invention from the client, and why wouldn't you take it, some could be gems waiting for a good designer to create great innovation of them. Together the process will be collaborative, and force both parties to explore outside the scope of their own ideas. I think also, often the most successful design comes out of constraint. Things you have to work around become unique and interesting. Take the advice, but keep in mind the final result is yours conceptually, and you need to translate their ideas into a correct response to that brief. Together you will create something both will be proud of. A happy client, makes you a popular designer, so don't rate yourself higher in the process.

Agree with everyone who said that art should speak to them and not be purchased simply to match existing décor. I am a bit of an art hoarder. I have so many pieces of art that I buy simply because I love them or they really do speak to me! I do not have enough walls to hang all my art, so I simply recycle them. I move them around or replace one with another over and over again. When I purchase art for clients I do so in various ways. Art auctions, galleries, online, commissions etc. it really depends on what the client's budget is, how far I can push the client's boundaries but still stay within the parameters of what they like, and most importantly, how the art makes the client feel! I never buy art for a client and just install it without their imput because what speaks to me may not speak to them! I really like your pieces TJG creative! I happen to love photography however, most clients ( at least the majority of the ones I have worked for) seem to be glued to the idea of paintings. every now and then I manage to convince a client to include black and white photography in their home and I do this by bringing my own pieces in, showing them how wonderful they can be in their space and they are usually keen then to purchase some of their own. I try to steer away from art prints if possible because in my opinion, something original can always be found to suit anyone's taste and budget. By buying original artworks, we are supporting our local art communities and encouraging new and emerging artists to continue pursuing their dreams. Good luck with your venture and I will certainly keep your works in mind if the opportunity arises.

I love using dark colours in the right places and in truth, there really isn't a colour that is true black - that would be a none colour and one that can only be truly matched and equalled by its exact equal and opposite (white) for balance and a striking visual effect - like in this kitchen where plenty of natural light streamed in. When I design my colour palettes using "black" there is always an undertone of another colour to contrast or blend (like in the picture you featured here of the formal room at Rothesay). At Rothesay I used a prominent magenta and blue base amongst 8 other pigments which is why it appears to have a rich depth and acts to highlight the ornate ceiling that we painted in Aalto Gallery white. The trims give it contrast but the complexity of colour reflects and absorbs the red accents in the room. In Feng Shui "black" represents water and can be used in the South area of your home (on this side of the hemisphere) - this can be a particularly soothing effect. I used a near black with a brown/aubergine undertone in this bedroom that was once the place of non sleep and now definitely the opposite is in effect. I love using a base colour in my blacks to punctuate bright colours and jewel like tones - it feeds the soul! After all no adventure can be had by playing it safe - right?

there are some interesting putty grey colours in the knots of your floorboards. I reckon it would be worth holding some paint swatches up to the boards and see if you can find one that ties in with those driftwood tones in the timber . Then order a sample pot in a half or quarter strength version of the matching colour then see how it looks. Otherwise it is so hard to go with colours people have named, as every space has different light. If you are happy with the colour of the floor boards, let them guide your choice and you can't fail (as long as not too dark). :)