What inspires me and my designs?
… N A T U R E
Nature is a great inspiration to me and the seasonal shifts throughout the year. The pure greens and pastel shades that appear in the Spring, to the warm russets and berry shades as we approach Autumn.
Nature presents us with a forever changing colour palette – who says “blue and green should never be seen” when there’s no better combination than green grass against a blue sky. The flora around us sparks my creativity – from the textured bark of a tree to the velvety, green moss climbing up it. Grasses, wildflowers come into play too, as do more careful combinations of flowers in a garden.
Essentially, being in nature has always made me feel good, and it is now proven to be the case for everyone, so let’s work with that and bring the outdoors in.
… N A T U R A L M A T E R I A L S
Natural materials help to ground and balance a design. I’m not a big fan of synthetic materials in general, but sometimes they’re the best option - rugs made from recycled plastics are perfect for a busy home, for example.
However, as a general rule, I try to focus on using natural materials in my client’s homes. For example, wood - I love the look and feel of it, it gives such warmth to a room, improves acoustics in a space and it’s natural. I always try to ensure it’s sustainably sourced and carries the FSC certification. .
But if I’m looking for something that’s not new, then I can be found scouring brocantes and antique shops for pieces with a history and aged patina.
Equally, I love linen, which is actually better for the planet than cotton. The method of producing linen fabric from the flax plant uses far less water than it does to produce the same amount of cotton. This makes it a more sustainable choice. Of course, all materials should be ethically sourced, and if they’re vintage – I have a particular love of French or Belgian linen – then even better.⠀⠀
… T R A V E L
Travel and the places I visit are a huge influence. I’m forever stopping to take photos when I’m on holiday. You can spot so many little details as you walk along – door ways in Morocco, tiled buildings in Lisbon, the architectural details in Venice and one of my favourites, the pastel shades, most typically blue, against the worn stone buildings in France.
The list is endless and I’m always drawn to these details when I’m putting together a scheme. It’s not a literal translation of course, but pattern, colour and little details are carried through.
When working with clients, I’m always keen to know about their holidays and the places they’ve been and loved.
A particular client of mine loved Italy, so I used this as a basis when thinking about their colour palette and what materials to use.
... S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Sustainability, particularly when sourcing, plays a key part in interior design. This is something that’s particularly important to me, so I always aim to maintain a strong sustainable focus.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
We have a lot of British talent, particularly when it comes to textiles from design to manufacturer. It’s not always possible to source products and materials solely from the UK, but I always strive to ensure they’re from no further away than Europe. I think this is something that’s important to my clients too.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Here is a celebration of the colour pink by just a few of my favourite British designers.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
… P E R S O N A L I S A T I O N
I believe a home should echo who lives there, and feel as though it’s a lived in space, rather than a show home.
I like to incorporate pieces that have meaning and tell a story, and encourage my clients to continue to curate their homes for years to come. This isn't a fast process, but should instead be enjoyed for years to come.
You can personalise your home by incorporating photography, travel finds, keepsakes, family heirlooms, your favourite flowers, the list is endless. Simply display things you love and have a special meaning to you.
Feeling inspired to create a home that tells your story? Get in touch to start your journey.
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