Four generations of family members have helped an interior design company stand the test of time.
Cloisters Design is celebrating 60 years of transforming people’s homes, thanks to an ‘old-fashioned’ work ethic.
The Hemel Hempstead firm is led by managing director Colin Nunn, of Adeyfield, who followed his father and grandfather into the business. His teenage son is set to become the fourth Nunn to take over the company, already helping out on the weekends.
Colin said: “I think our success is based on personal service. Recommendations have been our driving force. It’s in the small details and about really caring for people’s homes. It was the service people expected in the 1940s and we have worked hard to continue that. We have very much the same ethic as my father and grandfather had.”
The family-run business was founded by Edgar Joseph Nunn in Edgware in 1949. Originally a building and decorating company, it later added purpose-made furniture to its services when the next generation, Len Nunn, joined as a school leaver. He studied furniture-making at night school and still works for the business today – aged 78.
Colin said: “It’s a real family effort. My dad is still going and unlikely to give up working – he loves it. My wife Jacqui is managing and financial director, and my mother-in-law, Lesley (Drummond) also works with us.” He added: “I hear my son Joe telling customers that he is the fourth generation of the business, he’s very keen to come on board.”
The company relocated to Mark Road in Hemel Hempstead 16 years ago and recently moved to a building steeped in history on St. Albans Road. The new office and showroom is on the site of a former pub and off licence, The Brickmakers Arms and The Drunks Cabin.
Colin said: “We’re desperate to find some history on the building. We’ve discovered old architectural fittings and found it on maps as far back as the 18th century. We’d love to know more about it or see some photos if anyone has any.”
Today Cloisters Design is a ‘one-man band’ business that takes on all aspects of interior design, catering for budgets from £8,000 to £40,000. Mr Nunn said: “You can’t just open a business and wait for customers to stroll in, it’s a 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week job and if you really embrace that and involve your family you can really enjoy it.”
