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Life change

Life change

Catherine Brennan

Guess what you can see on the photo here.....

It's a beautiful reflection of the sun gently hiding behind the clouds, the ripples on the water, warmth in the air, nature at its best, toned blues mixed with off white clouds contrasting with darker low level hills on the horizon, weathered timber on close up in that almost silver grey finish...

Guess where I am.....

Well, I can actually say on the other side of the World - New Zealand. It's a long story but I will keep it short. My husband Neil and I went to New Zealand on our honeymoon back in 2006. We fell in love with the country and promised each other that if one day we had opportunity to move here then we would take it. Neil was offered a job on the South Island, place called Dunedin at the end of last year. The decision of moving to New Zealand wasn't easy as we and our 12 year old daughter consider England home and we love England. Leaving family and friends behind, modern way of living but also missing New Forest is so tough. But on the other hand we get what we have really yearned for which is so much more life balance - time for walks, family time, watching nature and planning new work projects!

Guess what happens to New Forest Designs Ltd....

We are growing! Yes this is actually true. I have been quiet in the last few months as was intentionally slowing things down knowing that we were emigrating but didn't have the heart to close the company down as New Forest Designs Ltd is like my baby. So the plan was let's see how things go and keep supporting existing projects from overseas. Pawel and Emma kept working and delivering a range of services to the clients. You may not be fully aware but Pawel has been working for New Forest Designs for almost a year. He is a brilliant builder, decorator with great many other skills. I will write a separate article of how we actually started working together. That story has a very sad beginning but a happy ending. Emma has been a partner to New Forest Designs much longer and an extremely talented creator of handmade and bespoke roman blinds and curtains. Now we have a new partner to the company - Julia, who has reached out to me only about a month and a half ago! I believe in fate and I'm pretty sure that Julia was simply meant to be part of New Forest Designs. Julia has recently graduated at Arts University Bournemouth and is a qualified interior designer now. She will be now meeting clients, managing projects and will be delivering designs with my help and ongoing support.

Guess what the future holds.....

I trust that we can grow again with the amazing team, support from my past and existing clients and good words from local people and friends. I know that I will give the best shot to keep New Forest Designs in its best form. Who knows maybe with time, I can start the company in New Zealand too and you can come and visit me here on your holidays! My role will be to keep you informed on the existing projects, new interior design trends, showing ways to keep your home fresh and in line with who you are so it reflects you always and truly. You can reach me even at your night time as there is 13 hours difference between us and you can contact Julia in a day time. Check our contact page as our mobile number has changed. So we are pretty much going to be providing 24h service. I'm not certain what future holds for me as my family and I may be back in England next year if we continue missing England but whatever happens I'm not intending to leave New Forest Designs so you will always be looked after whether you simply follow the news or whether you are our client. I can promise that I will be there for you and ask so that you are here for us.

Thank you for your time to read this article