20 QUESTIONS
Steve Hird is Director and Co-Founder of Edward Thomas Interiors, an award-winning, specialist interior design firm operating exclusively within new homes. Now in its eighth year, Edward Thomas Interiors partners many of the UK’s best-known housebuilders, designing and styling bespoke show homes, sales centres, marketing suites and retirement living spaces. Steve’s longstanding career in new homes includes managing director roles with leading regional housebuilders and national PLCs, meaning he is well-versed in the vital role a show home or complex can play in the sales and marketing process. Steve now leads a 35-strong team of interior design experts to deliver imaginative and memorable schemes where people will want to live Would you rather have a garden or a balcony? Garden. I love being outside among nature and country life with our dogs. Would you prefer a luxurious bathtub or a sumptuous shower? Sumptuous shower. Would you rather live in the bustling city or in the country? I’m very lucky to have the best of both; we live in the country but also have an apartment in Berlin. If you were buying a property overseas, in what country would you buy a home? Ha ha, see above! We’ve had an apartment in Berlin for nearly a decade; it’s such a cool city and always changing. Plus, I love the Christmas markets! What is one thing you couldn’t live without at home? The AGA! It’s reliable, stylish and I love the smell when something’s been cooking in there for hours! What’s your favourite way to unwind at home after work? Chilling in the kitchen with a glass of wine, some nice food, my husband and surrounded by our three dogs. What’s your favourite thing about your home? The wildlife in the garden… we have fallow deer and rabbits. Where did you buy your first home? Ossett, near Wakefield. It was an end-of-terrace two bedroom house that needed renovating. I remember removing some wood panelling from the bathroom ceiling and then realising why it was there and what it was covering up! My mum had to lend me the money for replastering! What advice would you give a first time buyer? Save, save, save and get on the ladder as soon as you can. Push yourself with your first purchase as much as you dare, as in time it
What room at home is your favourite? The kitchen. I love cooking and entertaining and have a beautiful kitchen/dining space where I can socialise with friends and family. In my world it really is the heart of the home. What’s your favourite gadget or technology at home? I have a Sonos sound system that I wouldn’t be without. I love having music throughout the home, whether I’m alone or entertaining. We even have a speaker in the downstairs loo! What colour do you think everyone should have in their home? You can’t go wrong with a timeless navy blue. It always looks smart and elegant, and can be dressed up or down. Which three people would you invite for a housewarming party if you could have any guests? I love the theatre, so I’d invite legendary actor Dame Judi Dench and the much-missed comedian and screenwriter,Victoria Wood. Plus, David Attenborough, as I imagine he would have some incredible anecdotes! What’s your favourite memory from your childhood home? When I was five we had a new kitchen fitted and at the same time the back of the house was remodelled with walls knocked down and doorways moved. I remember that we washed up in the bathroom; it was all very exciting! I think this is where I got the bug for building, design and interiors. What interior trend do you hate? Scandi – I’m just not a fan of all the minimalism and prefer more warming colours. Would you rather have a library room or media room at home? A library. I like the look and how it’s evolving. On social media you’ll see everything from wallpaper feature walls with bookshelf patterns to colour co-ordinated books – this appeals to the collector in me! Would you rather have a bigger property or a better location? Now I definitely prefer location but when I was younger, I would’ve sacrificed this for a bigger house. It’s funny how your priorities evolve. Do you prefer modern homes or period properties? In our business, we operate exclusively in new homes so I’m fortunate to experience modern properties every day, but my personal preference is period properties; I love learning about the history. 20 QUESTIONS Steve Hird
will become both more affordable and valuable. What are your views on shared ownership?
I would’ve loved this option when I was younger. I think it’s a fantastic opportunity for first time buyers to start their homeownership journey, understand the buying process and how to manage running a home. What are your views on the property market? Well, I’ve worked in this industry for over 30 years now so I must love it! Right now, I think the market needs some stability as this will give house hunters more confidence. As interest rates soften, I think this will happen but it needs engagement from the whole chain, from first time buyers to families, sideways movers and downsizers. If everyone is motivated to move then it works like a dream and is a sound investment.
118 First Time Buyer February/March 2024
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