Interior design is constantly evolving, moving, and adapting to the times. While that’s one of the things I love most about it, I think it’s equally important to set and follow a few principles – that’s how people get to know and recognise you as a designer. So without further ado, these are the ‘rules’ (so to speak) that have steered my career, and continue to guide my work on a day-to-day basis.
INTERIORS MUST STAND THE TEST OF TIME
Interior design should be timeless. When I am designing a space for my client, I want to create something that they can continue to love and appreciate for many years to come. We don’t follow trends but focus instead on creating elegant and refined homes that can effortlessly transcend the latest design styles.
INTUITION IS IMPORTANT
I am a firm believer in following your instinct, as it’s almost always right. I love design, and I respect the process and everything that comes with it. There are so many decisions to make on any given project, and I’ve tuned into (and relied upon) my gut feeling for nearly all of them.
TREAT EVERY PROJECT INDIVIDUALLY
There is no such thing as a ‘cookie cutter’ approach. I start each project with fresh eyes, fresh ideas, and thoughtful consideration of the client. I am responsible for designing people’s homes, so I need those spaces to represent them as much as possible. My overall objectives remain constant: every space needs to be warm, inviting, luxurious and comfortable, and reflect the heart and soul of the client.
STAY AUTHENTIC
Being authentic means different things to different people. The importance of authenticity in design is to ensure that you are staying true to yourself, your vision. Authenticity extends to the quality of the products that we use within our designs, preferring to use raw, real materials and natural fabrics wherever possible to achieve a high-end finish for our clients, that feels authentic to them.
DESIGN IS A TEAM SPORT
As an interior designer, I am responsible for managing the nuances of a project, but it is by no means a solo mission. I work in close collaboration with clients, my team, architects, builders and suppliers to ensure our visions become a reality. My clients come first, and I take the time to listen to their needs, learn their tastes, and produce something that matches the brief.
TEXTURE, TEXTURE, TEXTURE
Regardless of what I am working on, texture is a signature feature in all of my designs. Along with attention to detail, layering has a huge influence on the look and feel of a space. Texture engages the senses, and decorative accents add flair and charisma to any room.
IT’S OKAY TO MIX AND MATCH
Carefully mixing and matching high-quality modern, vintage, and custom pieces. I am extremely fond of history, tradition, and timeless interiors, but I enjoy the effect of combining pieces from different eras and cultures. At the same time, designs must be harmonious and cohesive. I have a great deal of respect for designers, whether they come from the furniture, architectural, or homewares arena. To name a few, I love Hans Wegner, Charles Eames, Frank Lloyd Wright, Philippe Starck, and Arne Jacobsen. Their designs are timeless and still being used and enjoyed today in interiors worldwide.
QUALITY IS KEY
This one is pretty straightforward. Don’t skimp on quality – otherwise, it will show. And you’ll find yourself being forced to redecorate in no time at all. My motto is: “Do everything once, do it right”.
BALANCE FORM AND FUNCTION
As an interior designer, I am to create spaces that are not only visually pleasing but also practical. I understand that these are not showrooms – they are people’s homes, meant to be lived in, loved and used, and as such, they need to be functional, whilst still being beautiful.
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