The Susan Llewellyn Academy Introduction day gives an overview of what the Interior Design business is about. This is a thoroughly interactive day to include discussion and lectures. Subjects covered include the psychology behind interior design and how a design scheme is conceived, after which delegates are guided through creating their own design scheme. The classes take place on a Saturday or Thursday to fit in with busy lifestyles. If you are unable to make these particular dates but are interested in future classes, please email us and we will contact you to let you know our plans.

Why you should do it

If you want to fall back in love with your home, introduce glamour but on a budget, or carry out a makeover to sell your property in a tough climate.

Who should do it

New and existing homeowners, interior designers, prospective sellers, buy to let owners, property investors, property developers, estate agents...

Susan will regail with you stories of how she has helped her clients solve problems the majority of homeowners have to face. She has achieved results for them with ingenuity and more importantly, cost effectively, from a makeover for the owners of a Mayfair apartment that wouldn’t sell, to bringing glamour on a tight budget to a council estate flat. Susan will ask you to bring photos of your property and a wish list of issues that need to be tackled to the session. Then working directly with her alongside a small group of like minded individuals sharing experiences of their own projects, by the end of the day you will have experienced inspiration and hands on expertise.

So whether you want to introduce an element of glamour, achieve a total makeover... or just love your home.

Why you should do it

If your home makeovers never quite match up to pictures in magazines, you have practical issues to solve that need a creative solution, you want a professional help you to achieve your dreams or just need to know where to start.

Who should do it

Home owners, aspiring interior decorators, property developers, design students.

This is not a theoretical course working on hypothetical projects. By bringing your own photographs and floor plans of a real property with real issues – no matter how simple, and pictures from books and magazines of interiors and styling that you like, Susan will work with you to analyse the best solutions to meet your needs and aspirations, as well as those of your family.

During the day you will learn how to source fabrics and furniture, match colours and use professional techniques that are the tricks of the trade to make the most of your scheme. You will put together a scheme board, by the time you leave giving you a snapshot for future direction.

Why you should do it

Learn more about the origins and details of period properties, put the original features back into your home or respectfully decorate around them to make the most of the heritage of your building.

Who should do it

People interested in restoring their homes or properties, students and those with an interest in interior design and architecture, decorators, property developers, estate agents..

An essential guide to tracing the history of your house or property, pay homage and respect to the period of the building, when it was built and what materials were used. Dado rails to sash windows, Victorian tiles, Lime wash paints and pine doors are some of the subjects that may be covered. Susan and her team of experts will tell you how to research, where to begin and share with you insights into their experiences, resources and solutions.

Why you should do it

Avoid making a potentially expensive mistake. Dressing a window is not easy and can be an expensive investment. Do you want your curtains and blinds to complete a design scheme which is minimal and simplistic or dramatic, creating theatre and grandeur?

Who should do it

Home owners, interior designers, property developers, stylists.

Spend the day with Susan and her experts identifying different fabric samples by sight and touch, combining patterns and discussing different styles and finishes. Learn how to tackle problem windows and how to instruct a curtain maker.

Why you should do it?

From Renaissance and Palladianism, Arts and Crafts through to the Modernist classics of today – a fascinating insight into culture, interior design history and the evolution of design and manufacture.

Who should do it?

A must for anyone interested in the story of their own pieces, or with an interest in the antiques of the past and investing in the antiques of the future.

Susan Llewellyn’s fascinating insight into the history of furniture and evolution of styles from the 15th Century to 20th Century. Mornings will be spent at The Susan Llewellyn Academy in the heart of Chelsea delving the depths of Susan’s archive of material and knowledge, exploring timelines and discussing the fashionable trends of the periods. The morning’s visual feast will be followed by afternoon visits to the furniture galleries at the V&A.

Why you should do it

Look to the past to be inspired for the future and re energise your creative instincts.

Who should do it

Everyone with a need to satisfy or kick start their inner creativity through learning and inspiration.

We all need to take a step back occasionally to allow ourselves the time to continue learning and re-engage with our inner creativity. Be inspired by the development and achievement of others.

Join Susan for a day to take part in an illustrated discussion on past artists, decorators and designers to explore how their creativity and ways of thinking continue to help us learn, be inspired and grow with our own creative development

Why you should do it

If you feel intimidated when briefing an architect or builder, need to conquer nerves and apprehension to make a coherent presentation, business pitch or for any occasion when you have to present yourself public.

Who should do it

Everyone who needs a confidence boost and strategies to hold their own in business and personal situations; students, interior designers, homeowners working with architects, builders and suppliers, entrepreneurs, business people, those seeking employment.

We all experience nerves when we are not particularly confident in a situation. Susan Llewellyn’s training as an actor and graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art paired with her experience lecturing interior design and pitching design schemes or making presentations to her clients, including international royalty, make her an ideal mentor. Susan’s style is witty and engaging with an extraordinary ability to make the shyest people feel at ease.

During the 1 day course Susan will advise you on preparing notes in advance, help you to project your voice - and breathe - during your presentation as well as give you techniques to appear at ease, speak with authority and present yourself confidently.