
Kelly Hoppen and Daniel Hopwood style off: The Great Interior Design Challenge judges go head-to-head
This article features an exclusive interview with renowned interior designers Kelly Hoppen and Daniel Hopwood, judges on 'The Great Interior Design Challenge.' They share their perspectives on current trends, design philosophies, and common decorating pitfalls. The interview delves into their individual approaches to interior design, highlighting both their agreements and stylistic differences.
Daniel Hopwood emphasizes a shift away from strictly following trends towards fostering creativity and individualism in design. He advocates for a hands-on approach to selecting home decor, encouraging people to physically engage with items rather than relying solely on online purchases. Hopwood also suggests mixing different suppliers, incorporating vintage pieces, and customizing items to create a more personal and satisfying home environment. He expresses a desire for design to continuously evolve, creating new aesthetics rather than merely revisiting old ones, though he notes the potential return of glamorous elements like onyx, gold, and velvets.
Kelly Hoppen, on the other hand, champions classic and timeless design, preferring not to be overtly influenced by transient trends. She observes the growing presence of cubism and the incorporation of crystals and precious stones in furniture, an evolution from previous metal-focused trends. Hoppen voices a longing for neutral backdrops and a return to the foundational elements of design, such as thoughtful color palettes and textures, which she believes are sometimes overlooked in the pursuit of varied trends.
When discussing specific design elements, Hopwood declares the 'feature wall' as 'the wall of fear,' suggesting that if a patterned wallpaper is desired, it should cover the entire room to fully realize the designer's intent. Hoppen, however, believes the feature wall concept has evolved, with creative applications like using wallpaper behind bookcases or in niches becoming the new norm. On the perennial debate between paint and wallpaper, both designers find it difficult to choose, acknowledging the distinct effects each can create, though Hopwood leans slightly towards paint for its ease of room transformation.
For incorporating dark colors, Hopwood recommends experimenting with them, particularly in hallways or TV rooms, to create a moody atmosphere or make adjacent rooms feel lighter. He suggests specific dark blue shades like Farrow & Ball's Hague Blue paired with tan leather. Hoppen, humorously, states she wouldn't recommend dark colors, implying her preference for lighter schemes. Regarding small rooms, Hopwood advises embracing their inherent coziness, using diagonals to stretch the eye, and opting for fewer, but over-scaled, furniture pieces. Hoppen suggests light colors on walls and furniture, maximizing natural light with mirrors, and using light wood or ceramic flooring.
Both designers agree on common decorating mistakes. Hopwood points to a lack of confidence, urging individuals to commit to their design decisions without compromise. Hoppen identifies 'too much too quickly' as a frequent error, emphasizing the need for patience, careful planning, and editing to avoid impulsive choices and over-filling a space. They also advise on where to invest financially in home decor: Hopwood stresses research and planning, suggesting a wishlist and prioritizing items, while Hoppen highlights the importance of not cutting corners on lighting, plumbing, hard finishes, and furniture. Interestingly, when asked about colors they would avoid, Hopwood states he would work with any color to make it work, while Hoppen expresses a strong aversion to the combination of brown and blue.
The judges reflect on their favorite aspects of working on 'The Great Interior Design Challenge,' both praising the camaraderie among the team and the inspiring nature of the contestants' journeys. They describe the show as fun, fast-paced, entertaining, inspiring, and humbling. Their personal style is summarized as constantly evolving (Hopwood) and purist, harmonious, and gracious (Hoppen).
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