Bedroom Design Companies ~ MFI, Sharpe, Hammonds ...

past_1999

Hi

We are thinking of getting our bedroom re-designed, with a proper fitted wardrobe and stuff. My question: Does anyone have had made any experience (good or bad) with bedroom design companies such as Sharpe, MFI, Hammonds and others?? Any (money-saving) tips and tricks anyone could recommend if engaging with any of these companies before signing on the dotted line (note: we had a designer from Sharpe out already to take measurements and to advise us on what we want, she used a number of "promotional discounts" to discount the price. And although the was competent in what she did, the question remains how good is Sharpe as a company in terms of quality and customer service). If anyone has made any experience, please let me know. Also, if anyone can recommend a good, reliable company I should look at please reply.

silvercar

We've just had a Sharps bedroom fitted. They were very efficient. Knowledgable staff, good fitter etc.

mikeywills

Heres a bit of insider info, as I used to design kitchens and bedrooms. There are a number of companies out there and when it comes to bedrooms they are all very similar in products and range.
I have sold Daval Crown and Hepplewhite in the past, with little variation (unlike kitchens where there is a mot of scope on quality). Hammonds have two sides to their business the direct sales side Hammonds, and the independant retailer side Hepplewhite. They are exactly the same product but you will find the hammonds guys a bit more pushy.

All direct sales companies like hammonds and sharpes will use promotions and discounts as a means to try and get you to make a decision quickly not to miss out. This is because they are on commission, and generally not salaried, or if so not very well renumerated, and make most of their salary through commission. This does not mean that you will get a poor service or a poor design from direct sales but if you don't like that sales approach try the independant retailers instead.
I would suggest getting three designs and quotes for your room before making your decision. As a rule we all buy from people not companies, so if you find the designer sincere, helpful and creative with the design, and you like their products and have checked out their local recommendations then go for it.
To finally get the best price and finesse the sale, see if there is any room to move the price to a round figure, i.e. if its £3259, ask for £3000, when this has proven as fruitful as it can be. Work on the components inside, shoes racks, pullout drawers, extras shelves, internal mirrors, etc, these will cost the retailer a fraction of what you would pay so see if you can get any thrown in for nothing, finally see if there is any 0% finance available, it is always good to have the job complete before paying for it.

Note: never pay in full for anything prior to commencing installation, a fair breakdown would be 25% deposit, 50-65% when starting and 25-10% balance after completion. If you can get better than this then fine, but never put yourself in a position of paying in full for goods you have not received.
Good Luck and happy hunting

Debt_Free_Chick

Did you know that Ikea are doing DIY bespoke fitted wardrobes now? I'm not a huge fan of Ikea, but the wardrobes might be worth a look, judging from what's in the catalogue. The range was "new" in August, so you might not be aware of it.

The online planner is not fully operational, but it does give you a pretty good idea of what they do - here

Have to admit, that I've not yet visited the store to see how good it is "in the flesh".

inspiremetosave

Hiya,
What city are you in? My partners dad has his own company in mirrored wardrobes. Small, family business. Ours look good!!

past_1999

Dear inspiremetosave

I live near Bedford, Bedfordshire (MK postcode) .. is that any good? Can you send me any information by email?

Debt_Free_Chick

OK - I've scrapped the Ikea ones and I'm definitely putting these in. However, I've got a walk-in room wardrobe so don't need to add doors, but it would be easy to put these in a recess and add doors at the front.

maryjane01

Don't buy elfa from Ironmongery direct, if you are placing a big order go to https://www.sososimple.com If you order over £400 you get 20% discount. I have just ordered an elfa system for my new house. They do not stock the walnut fascias, or mesh draws (as opposed to wire) but they have ordered it specially for us (sould be delivered next week). We went to look at the elfa system in store at The Holding Company in Chelsea (the only place in London I know that stocks Elfa), but it is overpriced there and they wanted to charge something like £50 to help design a system for you! What b*ll*cks. It was good to go and take a look at it before buying.

It was fairly easy to put it all together and feels very solid.

At sososomple it seems like a small distribution company run out of somebodies house. They only respond to emails out of office hours and sometimes you have to wait a couple of days. Our order came to £900 with the discount so we have saved a bit by using them.

Debt_Free_Chick

maryjane01 wrote:

Don't buy elfa from Ironmongery direct, if you are placing a big order go to www.sososimple.com If you order over £400 you get 20% discount.

Thank you so much:T

Since I posted, I've been googling for Elfa. Have found sososimple.com but hadn't spotted the discount! Thank you :A

I have just ordered an elfa system for my new house. They do not stock the walnut fascias, or mesh draws (as opposed to wire) but they have ordered it specially for us (sould be delivered next week). We went to look at the elfa system in store at The Holding Company in Chelsea (the only place in London I know that stocks Elfa), but it is overpriced there and they wanted to charge something like £50 to help design a system for you! What b*ll*cks. It was good to go and take a look at it before buying.

It was fairly easy to put it all together and feels very solid.

Good to know, thank you :T

At sososomple it seems like a small distribution company run out of somebodies house. They only respond to emails out of office hours and sometimes you have to wait a couple of days. Our order came to £900 with the discount so we have saved a bit by using them.

I'll definitely make an enquiry there :beer:

Debt_Free_Chick

maryjane01 wrote:

Don't buy elfa from Ironmongery direct, if you are placing a big order go to www.sososimple.com If you order over £400 you get 20% discount.

Well, I did just that. We fitted it yesterday and it's sssssoooo beautiful!!

I'd definitely recommend the whole Elfa system and sososimple were absolutely fantastic. It's amazing how much stuff you can get into a properly designed system, too. What seems to be a small space can actually accommodate quite a lot.

Very, very pleased with it. Thanks for the recommendation MaryJane01 :A