Do you provide free quotes?

Yes, if you want we can give you an estimate or a quote if we have enough detail, just email us at info@empatlka.com some rough dimensions and a sketch and ideally some pictures of the area you have in mind and you will get a quote very quickly by email. If you are happy with the estimate then we can come and visit you when it suits you and talk in detail.

How reliable are your carpenters?

We are very reliable, stick to start times and days agreed, we do what we say we will do, we turn up on time every day in order not disrupt your schedule. And we are there throughout the job, not disappearing for one day to do something else.

Do you provide drawings?

Yes once we receive your deposit, we provide you with a hand drawn from scratch 3D computer scale drawing precise to the millimetre for you to check how it looks and to see if you are happy with the dimensions. If you like you can make any changes until the drawing is perfect.

How do I know you will do a good job?

Before I buy anything I read reviews so I suggest you do the same, we have over 100 independent testimonials on the internet. Please have a look at our testimonial page to see what our clients say about us

You call or email us, we asses your needs and give you an estimate or quote, then we arrange a time to come round and visit you, ask you more questions in detail to find out exactly what you would like, listen very carefully to your ideas and offer design ideas and solutions to best use your space and needs. We go away, email you a final quote. Once you decide to go ahead, we take a small deposit, then send you the drawings, once you have agreed the drawing we can book your place in the diary and we agree a start date. We then turn up with the materials and tools and build your units, then once built we paint them or oil them. Then once we are totally finished and you are delighted, only then do you pay us the balance, lastly if you feel testimonials have helped you choose us, please help us keep them fresh and leave us a testimonial here: https://plus.google.com/101927655300158702077/about?hl=en&review=1

Are you going to make a big mess in our house?

We understand that your home is precious and we do everything we can to make sure we leave it in the state we found it. All our materials are cut to size by a specialist cutting company before being delivered to your home, so minimal cutting is required onsite, even then we cover and protect the floors, cover your furniture with plastic sheets, use dust extractors connected directly to power tools, we even use a fine dust and chemical extractor for really sensitive areas, this is well over the top but we like to do the very best we can and offer the best service, and when the work is all finished we take all our rubbish away and give your place a clean.

What materials and finishes do you offer?

Our units are built of quality Medite FSC certified MDF wood then painted, or made of wood veneer we can oil or use matt water based clear varnish, and also melamine coated wood as typically found in kitchen units. We are also pioneering research in alternative healthier eco friendlier materials, we are the first UK fitted furniture company to use UK sourced strawboard which is totally natural and bound with no glues at all to make our bespoke furniture, we can build your units out of formaldehyde free MDF too, we also use recycled plastic sheeting for decorative purposes with lighting behind and recycled glass as well as many other sustainable materials and finishes to find out more please see our eco page.

Do you paint the units and what colours do you offer?

Yes, we use the best quality professional waterbased DULUX and Farrow and Ball eggshell semi matt white paint . If you would like the eco option using more natural paints please see our environment page. We mostly use white but can paint any colour you like (If you would like to paint your fitted furniture we can offer you free advice).

Do you spray the units and do high gloss?

We can arrange to spray the doors and outside visible parts and make the internal carcass of a white or other colour melamine coated laminate.

Are your charges transparent?

All charges are stated in advance in the final quote, you know what you will pay from the start, everything is listed in the quote. Only handles are optional and to be supplied by you or us, also parking is extra, so they are priced separately. All of which is clearly stated in your quote.

Does your service represent value?

For the quality of service we offer from beginning to end we offer outstanding value, we take great pride in producing only the best bespoke furniture that you will be proud to own for years to come, we offer a 2 year guarantee on our work, we are endorsed by various independent certification bodies, we take customer service very seriously, we understand that there is more to producing furniture than wood and screws, your total satisfaction is our number one priority, but don’t take our word for us see what our clients say.

How flexible are you once the work has started if something needs changing?

Our craftsmen all speak good English and have a great deal of skill and will do everything they can if you feel that something needs adapting, for example you change your mind about how many shelves you want, or the spacing between them, then if it is possible we will do what we can to please you, either free of charge or at extra cost depending on what it is.

Can you fix stuff in my home?

Yes if you need anything fixing in your home while we are there making your fitted furniture, if we can do it we will help you out. I like to offer a service that I would like to use myself so for such things as hanging pictures, fixing doors that don’t close and generally anything wood related tell us when we come to measure up for your fitted furniture.

Do you use real wood?

We use real wood veneers or plastic laminates that look like wood but not generally solid wood, we work with close associates who use solid wood, just ask us for contacts.

We don’t do bathrooms but if we are already working in your house doing other fitted furniture, we will consider any storage you would like for your bathroom.

I have sockets where I want my fitted furniture how will you deal with this?

If you have an electrical, phone or TV areal socket that is ok as we can cut a hole in the back so you can still access them, we can move electrical sockets around if they haven’t got far to go. Phone sockets we can more if there is enough spare wire.

Do you make kitchens?

No we don’t make kitchens but sometimes can make units that go in your kitchen such as a bookcase.

10 Common Interior Design Mistakes to Avoid

Home » Blog » 10 Common Interior Design Mistakes to Avoid

One of the most satisfying components of designing your home is the chance to imprint your personality and character and make it yours. Interior design can be a truly exhilarating endeavour but it’s important to watch for these misery making mistakes to ensure that the process runs without a hitch. Here are 10 of the most common interior design mistakes that haunt the homes of Brits across the nation.

1.Clashing Colours

Certain colours pop, bang and fizz when they are put together. Others ensure a one way ticket to uglyville (can anyone say purple and green?) Certain colour combinations don’t prevail because they weren’t meant to. Solid colour staples are a safe bet and for those that want to push barriers, there are subtle infusions that can work well such as zesty orange with tropical green.

2.Excessive Knick Knacks

It’s tempting to adorn the home with the objects we’ve accumulated over the years but excessive paraphernalia doesn’t so much tell a story as make guests feel dizzy! Less is more is a safe approach. If you need any help with de-cluttering your home, our coach Helen Sanderson can guide you.

3.Adopt a One Size Fits All Approach

The allure of a room is that it combines varying heights, widths and shapes in a cohesive way. Many interior design newcomers instead select samey items with little differentiation. Selecting differently sized items creates a more authentic looking space.

4.Not Having a Budget

With interior design projects, it’s all too easy to get carried away or to not factor in the costs of essential staples. Planning ahead by considering what you need and how much you can afford to pay will keep you on track.

5.Not Asking For Help

Even the most esteemed interior design experts need a soundboard in order to throw about their ideas. When you obsessively delve into designing a room, the sense of tunnel vision can muddy an objective perspective. When it comes to colour, sizing, fabrics and placements a second eye is always useful.

6.Scattered Placement

Many rooms can take on a bit of a random demeanour when you place things carelessly. Whether you have a collection of vases, esteemed tomes or paintings, placing them with forethought makes a world of difference.

7. Painting Before Selecting Furniture

The danger in painting a room before you’ve got your furniture sorted is that the textures, fabrics and colours you opt for may clash with the paint job. When you paint first you are limiting your options.

8. Being Too Samey

To build a sense of character and charm, versatility is required. It’s good to mix and match pieces that are different but still work together to build a cohesive whole. When everything looks the same, your home may look fresh out of a catalogue but it will lack your own personal touch.

9. Having No Focal Point

Every room should have a focal point which draws in the eye and generates attraction. For most of us, the TV is the central focus of the room but a dining table, bookcase, desk, bed or wardrobe can do the trick. Find a focus point and from that point create your room around it.

10. Playing It Safe

Being bold and daring, expressing your personality, interests and quirks is essential in any home. Perhaps you have a penchant for Native American artwork or enjoy collecting magnets; it’s your home – feel free to showcase yourself any way you want. Many people look at their homes as something to impress others. Really, it’s about creating a sanctuary for yourself and your family.