Bryant Interior Furnishings has been based in Bournemouth since the 1970s, during which time they’ve built up a reputation for being one of the very best interiors firms in the industry

Great British Life: Photo Credit: Phil JacksonPhoto Credit: Phil Jackson (Image: 2017 Phil Jackson)

It's fair to say that fabrics and soft furnishings are in the blood of the Bryant family. "It's a nice story really," reflects Anne Tyler-Bryant, Managing Director of the firm. "My great-grandmother was a dress-maker in London and used to make clothes for high society ladies." Her talent and passion passed through the generations to Anne's mother, Carole, who started Bryant Furnishings from her dining room table back in 1970 before moving to the current premises eight years later. Fast forward four decades, and the business has expanded and evolved hugely - they now offer everything from window treatments and upholstery to a comprehensive, bespoke interior design service, catering for homes across Dorset and Hampshire.

Great British Life: Photo Credit: Phil JacksonPhoto Credit: Phil Jackson (Image: 2018 Phil Jackson)

Their key speciality is window treatments, and you'll struggle to find anyone with more experience in the local area. "I've been designing beautiful window treatments for many years and although I know just about everything about blinds and curtains you never stop learning and being challenged. Windows can be really difficult to dress but I love a challenge and coming up with the best solution," says Anne. They make a huge range of made-to-measure window furnishings from all the leading brands of fabrics. They can also supply fabulous curtain poles and state of the art hanging systems by Silent Gliss.

Great British Life: Photo Credit: Phil JacksonPhoto Credit: Phil Jackson (Image: 2017 Phil Jackson)

Anne and her team are always on hand to help clients when it comes to choosing their new curtains and blinds - and with so many things to consider, this is not always an easy feat. "The first thing that you need to consider is function, so whether you want total blackout, UV protection or warmth and insulation. Once these things have been addressed, you'll need to think about the colours, textures and patterns," Anne explains. Bryant Interior Furnishings has an extensive fabric library in their showroom that you can browse through, with the guidance of their experienced staff. "We supply fabrics by all the leading designers, but we also try to support local and independent designers too," Anne adds.

Great British Life: Photo Credit: Phil JacksonPhoto Credit: Phil Jackson (Image: 2018 Phil Jackson)

Alongside this, they also offer a first class upholstery service. Anne explains that re-upholstery is hugely popular and that it can be a great option if you've got quality furniture that is starting to look a bit run down. "Traditional furniture is so well made, and lots of occasional chairs come with sentimental value too, so it can be well worth making the investment," she says. "We're also very aware of the need to be more sustainable and old, quality framed upholstered furniture can be really fun to upcycle."

Great British Life: Photo credit: Phil JacksonPhoto credit: Phil Jackson (Image: 2018 Phil Jackson)

Bryant Interior Furnishings are now proud to offer an interior design service, and to date they have carried out a large range of projects covering everything from individual rooms through to whole homes, both contemporary and period. "The difference with us is that we will only create designs following home consultations. There are many Interior Design companies offering their services remotely, but I believe that you can't really understand a home or try to design it without spending some time in it with the client. We come to your home where we can explain our services from there rather than via a computer," Anne says. The process begins with a free home consultation, which she explains is crucial when it comes to formulating initial design ideas that are tailored to each individual client. "You can learn so much about a person just from walking around their home. It allows us to get a real sense of what people like in terms of design, colour and so on," Anne says. "We take into account exactly who lives in the house - pets included! - as well as their lifestyle and which rooms they use most and when. The design has got to be workable and comfortable, and it's got to last." Anne and her team will then curate a chargeable concept board, which outlines a plan for the layout, furniture and colour palettes, and if the client is happy to proceed, they'll then ensure that the whole project is carried out to the highest possible standard. "We're never too pushy in the first instance, though, because we understand how precious people can be about their homes and that it is a very personal thing."

They are willing to - quite literally - go the extra mile for their clients when it comes to finding exactly the right furniture, too. The team are happy to direct or accompany them to specific furniture showrooms across London and Hampshire, helping clients to find just what they're after no matter how unique or unusual it may be. "Where we really excel is in our knowledge and ability to supply comfortable, quality furniture whatever size or shape it may be," Anne adds.

For Anne, though, it all comes down to helping people create a home that they are truly happy with, however big or small the project may be. "Customer satisfaction is my favourite part of what we do," she reflects. "We're not happy unless they're happy. When you've designed someone's home and they feel comfortable in it straight away, you just know you've hit the spot." And with Bryant Interior Furnishing's impressive level of experience, you know that you're going to be in very safe hands.

Visit their showroom on Alma Road to speak to one of the team - they'll be able to guide you through the various options that are out there, as well as their extensive wallpaper, paint and fabric libraries. Find out more at bryantfurnishing.co.uk