" 'Less is more' runs the old adage. Ildi Gerrard is a phenomenon of enthusiasm, sensitivity and talent. With an erring eye for colour, form and the happy juxtaposition of objects in the 'House & Garden' she can be relied on to develop a decorative scheme that will transform undigested clutter into a model of Shabby Chic. Thoroughly versed in the practicalities of homemaking her well honed feel for economy will make the very most of your existing furnishings and fittings. Perhaps with a shift of lighting, a touch of paint and the elimination of the unsightly – plus the addition of a few meaningful objects calculated to bring sophistication to your interior or even the most limited of outside areas – Ildi will bring a lifetime of experience to bear on the most unpromising of space."

Brunswick House – Vauxhall

"I had eight days left to empty the five story, twelve roomed house, my mother had lived in for over fifty years! The deadline was looming, I was now paralysed and intimidated , having procrastinated since my mothers demise, time had run out!!!! ....I bravely passed on a few large pieces of furniture, the easy part! ...But it's all the stuff that remains, all the inexplicable matter, the accumulations of ornaments, and the outdated paperwork, it's destiny; landfill. Into this nightmare ildi and her " TOO MUCH STUFF " team appeared, bringing with them faith, flair, hope charm, energy & charity! The mission, was accomplished!This is a great service for procrastinators, hoarders, out of control collectors & DIY phobics, "TOO MUCH STUFF" takes pride and an eco approach in all they do."

Gloucester Crescent - NW1 

"Ildi came round to see me when I was wanting to give my kitchen a fresh look by fitting new worktops, shelving, splashbacks and so on. She quickly understood the kind of thing I was looking for, showed me a range of options and made a number of very helpful suggestions. She was dynamic. extremely obliging and kept within the constraints of a fairly imited budget. She is also imaginative and has artistic flair. I'm delighted with the results!"

Ewen Maclachlan

"I have been suffering from my hoarding for years.  For ever really. I knew something had to be done so I got a chap in to take down a wall. I was overwhelmed. A friend suggested I meet up with Ildi. She came and gave me a free consultation, which I really enjoyed. She had lots of ideas that had never occurred to me before. Despite living here for thirty five years.

My flat was full, every space piled high. She pointed out that I do have some very nice things, but they were hidden amongst the clutter. And I had been continually replacing things as I needed them because I either had no idea where they were in the flat, or because the effort of moving loads of things just to reach them was too much.

It took just over two weeks.  That time included all the sorting and most of the decorating. Every cupboard and shelf was explored and cleaned properly. The things that went back were also cleaned properly. For the first time in ages I was able to get close enough to the bedroom window to open it.

I had lots of things that I had held on to as future projects. These have now been done. For example a bit of marble I found years ago is now a lovely shelf in the hall. Amazing.

The most astonishing thing about working with Ildi is that each day, she took all the unwanted stuff away. Out of my flat. Space began to appear.  She took things to charity shops and to the recycling centre. And I have a pile of stuff for a garage sale soon. Ildi helped me to think about how I wanted my home to look, where things would be better stored to make them easy to use. She was so kind and I soon stopped being so embarrassed at having let the place deteriorate so much.

It was an invigorating experience, taking control of my home again. I really couldn't have done this work alone. And it was work. My home looks fantastic, so pretty. And I still have plans for the future.....perhaps a new kitchen!  Something to look forward to. Thank you Ildi! (Did I say she takes everything away?)"

Carole Phillips