The other day I caught up with some friends for dinner. I’ve known these friends since I was a teenager. We’ve been to each other’s 21sts, weddings and everything in between. As we were catching up, I was asked how work was going. I talked a little about what I was working on; an apartment, a heritage home and a few other projects. Somewhere in the conversation I got the feeling that one of my friends thought that what I did was essentially choose furniture.

It is often said that moving house is one of the most stressful things you can go through. In 1967, a landmark psychological study called the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale, officially proved it, ranking a ‘change in residence’ as a major life stressor. Decades later, nothing has changed. Just ask anyone who has moved! But when you are downsizing, the stakes are even higher.

Recently I was at the showroom of a furniture trade supplier. They were hosting a presentation of their new collection. This was a pretty typical event – interior designers, decorators and stylists get treated to a sneak preview of furniture and a selection of pastries and caffeine offerings. It’s a great way for interiors designers to see, feel and sit on furniture!