Domestic refurbishment is an imprecise science. Delays in delivery, budgets that double and builders that go bankrupt on the job are common horror stories, while names of good contractors are squirreled away, not even shared between best friends. Here however are some of the best.
PAT GIDDENS Giddens is the Galliano of the fabrics world with a long list of designer clients. Her great-grandfather first brought the family into the trade and now clients such as Paul Smith go to Giddens for her legendary sewing skills. She is a darling, but clients tend to be designers (seeking everything from blinds to poles), rather than someone needing a pair of curtains â although she is happy to oblige almost anyone. 020 8964 1185
