People Magazine reports that The Duchess of Cambridge has her hands full in preparing the royal couple’s 10-bedroom country house for their move-in.
The former Kate Middleton studied art history at St Andrew's University and is now putting what she learned in school to actual practice. So instead of hiring the royal interior designer, Kate decided to be hands-on with the said project.
Prince William’s wife was accompanied on some occasions by Simon Knight, owner of Knights Oriental Rugs in Henley on Thames. Kate and Knight worked together when she visited the antique rug store and bought several Turkish kilims from there.
According to Knight, “She knew exactly what she wanted to look at, as she had looked at my website.” He added, “She is very hands-on and down-to-earth, helping to get things out. She really wants to be involved.”The Norfolk property is currently a work-in-progress wherein the roofs were completely re-tiled and a sunroom was added as an extension.
The princess has been spotted in other design haunts as well, including the Design Centre at Chelsea Harbour, Vaughan Designs, Sanderson and Mulberry Home.
As for the bedroom, it will be most likely that Kate and Prince William will opt for the 4500 mattress from Healthbeds. A similar bed is currently used at Kensington Palace and the princess even sent a thank-you note to the company expressing how “pleased she was” with the bed.
The princess has also made it a point to seek professional help. Interior designer Anne Allen provides the princess with advice for products and some of the interior design details. It was also reported that Ben Pentreath was hired by the royal couple to give professional assistance on the architecture and interior design of their country house.
Knight commented that “Her mother also has a very good eye for design-she has furnished a number of large country houses. I think the Duchess of Cambridge has an interest in it and it’s something that she really enjoys doing.”
