Meet The Interior Designer: Sarah Peake

The article introduces Cat Earp, an interior designer who, after completing the shepherd huts she rents on her Dorset farm, has launched her own design studio. In addition to expanding her homeware range, Earp has also undertaken the extensive design of her family's 16th-century thatched farmhouse. Earp's background in fashion PR for brands like Gucci, Prada, and Mulberry cultivated her creative passion, which she has now fully channeled into interior design. Her initial foray into interiors began with the shepherd huts at Aller Dorset, a project that, by necessity, pushed her to develop her design confidence. Each hut is uniquely designed, often starting with a specific color or a favored fabric in the kitchen, and building the rest of the scheme from there. The positive reception to Aller Dorset and her design work motivated her to start selling her designs and launch The Aller Studio, offering interior design services for projects of all sizes. Earp draws inspiration from fabrics and pieces she loves, alongside the work of interior designers such as Elizabeth Hay, Lucy Barlow, Laura Stephens, Beata Heuman, Emma Ainsborough, Sarah Southwell, and Sean Symington. Her preferred brands for homeware include Alice Palmer, Bettina Ceramica, Matilda Goad, Beauvamp, Hum London, and Hastshlip. A cherished item in her own home is a bespoke plate from Harlie Brown, displayed prominently in her kitchen. She also highlights a new wavy footstool from Isabelle Baldwin as a perfect addition. For local shopping, Earp recommends Aitta in Sherborne and the curiosity store in Dorchester, while online she favors Glassette for its curated selection of independent homeware brands. She recently discovered Birdie Fortescue for its well-priced lamps and lampshades. The renovation of her own 16th-century thatched farmhouse was a significant undertaking, involving changes to the layout, a new kitchen, and new bathrooms. Due to its listed building status, Earp collaborated closely with an architect to navigate planning permissions and structural considerations, ensuring the preservation of original elements while modernizing the space. Her design process involved creating mood boards, collecting fabric and paint samples, and setting up scheme areas in her sitting room to ensure a cohesive flow throughout the house. A strong advocate for bold colors, Earp believes they never disappoint and emphasizes attention to detail in finishes. Key areas of her renovated home include the hallway, which features Farrow & Ball paint, Beata Heuman pendants, Bettina Ceramica wall lights, and a scalloped built-in bench. The kitchen, a major part of the renovation, involved extending the space to include a utility room, pantry, and dog's room. Designed by The Dorset Kitchen Company, it showcases a blue unit color, Farrow & Ball paint, Beata Heuman and Beauvamp pendants, Otto Tiles, and furniture from Birdie Fortescue and Isabelle Baldwin. The cloakroom boasts Soane wallpaper, The English Panelling Company wall paneling, Mandarin Stone floor tiles, a Soho Home vanity unit, Alice Palmer lampshades, Pooky wall lights, and an Alice Palmer mirror. The pantry, a personal favorite, features Ottoline wallpaper and Mandarin Stone flooring, while the utility room continues the blue theme with Farrow & Ball paint and units from The Dorset Kitchen Company. The main bedroom is designed for timeless tranquility, featuring Soane's scrolling fern fabric for blinds and curtains, Farrow & Ball paint, Vaughan lamps, and furniture from Clockhouse Furniture and The Trove. The en-suite bathroom incorporates checked Mandarin Stone flooring, Otto Tiles zellige tiles, The English Panelling Company paneling, Farrow & Ball paint, Etsy mirrors, Soho Home vanity units, Alice Palmer lampshades, and Pooky wall lights. Her daughter's bedroom is inspired by Schumacher's tiger-palm print wallpaper, complemented by Lewis & Wood linen and a ric-rac trim. Her son's bedroom uses English Panelling Company panelling and Farrow & Ball paint, with cushions from Schumacher and a headboard from The Aller Studio. The son's bathroom features playful wallpaper, a Holly Oak House vanity, and a Hastshlip rattan mirror. Finally, the guest bedroom utilizes Ottoline's little wild tulip print fabric, a headboard and cushions from The Aller Studio, and lampshades from Hum London. The guest bathroom features Alice Palmer striped wallpaper, checked floor tiles, and an Alice Palmer bin. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #AllerDorset #CatEarp #TheAllerStudio #DorsetFarmhouse #DesignInspiration #LuxuryInteriors #ShepherdHuts

Vancouver-based interior designer Sophie Burke, founder of Sophie Burke Design, has carved a niche for her understated yet sophisticated approach to both residential and commercial projects. Her distinctive style and client-centric methodology have earned her national recognition within Canada. Burke's design philosophy emphasizes creating spaces that authentically reflect the personalities and lifestyles of their inhabitants, eschewing generic trends in favor of bespoke, intimate environments. Burke's design journey began in Vancouver, where she studied art history at the University of British Columbia, followed by interior design studies in London, England. This international experience, particularly her initial role with Sir Terence Conran at Conran and Partners, exposed her to a rich tapestry of design influences, including European aesthetics and Scandinavian styles, alongside a blend of modern and historical architecture. This diverse background significantly shaped her approach, enabling her to draw from a broad spectrum of design elements. Upon returning to Vancouver, Burke established her own studio, concurrently managing her burgeoning career with raising three children. A hallmark of her work is the profound attention she dedicates to understanding her clients. She views each project as a collaborative journey, often spanning two to four years, during which she delves deeply into clients' hobbies, passions, daily routines, and functional needs. This meticulous process ensures that the resulting interiors are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional and deeply personal, avoiding repetitive or formulaic designs. Burke notes that the year 2020 saw a significant shift in interior design priorities, partly due to global circumstances that encouraged more time spent at home. This led to an increased investment in home renovations and a heightened demand for spaces that offer comfort and appeal. Key areas of focus for clients included dedicated home offices, serene bedrooms, and personal wellness spaces, such as areas for practicing yoga, indicating a move towards creating functional and calming environments within the home. A prominent trend observed by Burke is the growing preference for natural materials, textures, and organic elements. This trend reflects a desire to foster a connection with the natural world, especially as individuals spend more time indoors. She anticipates a rise in the use of green hues, specifically mossy, forest-like tones, in 2021, further emphasizing this connection to nature. Additionally, disruptions in global supply chains have inadvertently spurred a positive development: a greater emphasis on sourcing local design and products. Burke highlights several Canadian companies and florists, such as Provide Home, Barter Design, Lock and Mortice, Marmalade, The Wild Bunch, and Quince, as exemplary local businesses contributing thoughtful and beautiful products to the design landscape. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #SophieBurkeDesign #VancouverDesigner #DesignTrends #PersonalizedInteriors #NaturalMaterials #LocalDesign #PostPandemicDesign

This page provides a comprehensive job board specifically for the interior design industry, hosted by Business of Home. It features a wide array of job opportunities across various roles and experience levels, from entry-level design positions to senior leadership and specialized roles such as architectural drafters and project managers. The jobs are primarily for full-time positions, but part-time, freelance, and internship opportunities are also listed. The platform caters to both job seekers and employers, offering functionalities to filter job listings by location, category, employment type, and compensation. The job board currently displays numerous openings from various design firms and companies. For instance, WECSELMAN DESIGN in Miami is seeking an Interior Designer for high-end residential projects, emphasizing a candidate with strong design sensibility and a curated eye. Jeremiah Brent Design in New York is looking for a Senior Design Documentation Specialist on a contract basis for a historic estate renovation, as well as a Senior Designer specializing in Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E;) for the same project. Mia Todd Studio, also in New York, is hiring a Designer/Senior Designer to lead high-end residential projects from concept to installation. Downey, a boutique residential design firm in New York City, is seeking a Senior Interior Designer with a strong background in architectural design and project management. Bruce Fox Design in Chicago is searching for a Senior Interior Designer with a mature and creative approach to innovative projects. Beyond traditional interior design roles, the board also lists specialized positions. CarbonShack is looking for a Multi-Line Sales Representative for sustainable designer fabrics, Sunthreads, with a commission-based compensation structure and performance bonuses. Marc Phillips Decorative Rugs in Los Angeles has an opening for a Sales Account Manager to cultivate relationships with designers, architects, and trade professionals. Studio Michael Ellison in New York requires a Senior Designer with a passion for luxury interior design and experience in private residential projects. Chused & Co. in Brooklyn is seeking a Senior Interior Designer/Project Manager to lead residential projects, focusing on architectural knowledge and technical drawing ability. Jennifer Messina Interiors in Mill Valley, CA, is hiring an Interior Design Project Manager to oversee all phases of projects, balancing creative vision with logistical precision. Ashli Mizell Inc. in Philadelphia is looking for a Senior Interior Designer for high-end residential projects across the Northeast, coastal Florida, and the Northern Rockies. Jerry Pair in Atlanta needs a Marketing Specialist to engage in various marketing facets within the luxury interior design industry, including e-commerce management and content creation. Julie Hillman Design, an AD100 firm in New York, is seeking an experienced Interior Architect for high-end residential projects. Studio MRS, an Elle Décor A-List firm in New York, is looking for a full-time Interior Architectural Drafter. The platform also provides resources for users, such as a job FAQ section and a dedicated page for employers to submit job postings. Featured jobs are highlighted, indicating potentially urgent or high-profile opportunities. Additionally, there is a classifieds section for other related services, such as office space rentals for designers. The overall structure of the page is designed to efficiently connect interior design professionals with relevant employment opportunities and industry resources. #InteriorDesignJobs #DesignCareers #CreativeIndustry #ProjectManagement #ArchitecturalDesign #SalesAndMarketing #ResidentialDesign #LuxuryDesign

The article offers a detailed tour of interior designer and Instagram personality Sophie Paterson's country home, which she acquired as a concrete shell in 2012, allowing her to meticulously design the interior architecture from the ground up. Paterson describes the house as having a desirable layout, spaciousness, and a social flow that accommodates both family life and the need for quiet. The tour begins with the kitchen, which Paterson considers the heart of the home, used for everything from daily breakfast to weekend dinner parties. She highlights the enhanced lighting by John Cullen, which creates a moody yet cozy atmosphere in the evenings. A round art piece by Fenella Elms, featuring porcelain discs in undulating waves, is noted as her favorite item, positioned above an antique weathered oak bureau from Holland where she stores stationery. The living room is designed as a TV-free zone for socializing, listening to music, or reading. It features a silk blue wallpaper that subtly changes color throughout the day. Paterson particularly enjoys reading by the fire in this room. A Porta Romana coffee table, which she had desired for years, is her preferred piece of furniture in the living room. The utility room, despite being the smallest, is a personal favorite, transformed into a luxurious and functional space three years prior. It serves multiple purposes, including changing her baby's nappy, managing deliveries, arranging flowers, and doing laundry, underscoring its constant use. Moving to the private spaces, the nursery was designed with a preppy and enduring style for her son, incorporating animal heads from Fiona Walker and monogrammed bed linen from her Coze collection. The master bedroom features a striking burgundy wallpaper with hand-painted and embroidered magnolia branches from her Fromental collection, chosen to balance masculine and feminine aesthetics. A Mother of Pearl sideboard from Luxdeco is another cherished item in this room. The master bedroom also includes an LG wallpaper TV, which Paterson, despite her initial professional reservations, has embraced for family movie nights and cartoon-watching with her children. Finally, the child's bedroom, designed for her daughter Ava, was created during Paterson's pregnancy with her son. The goal was to make Ava's transition to a new room enjoyable and special. Ava's love for princesses and animals inspired a four-poster princess bed and a custom-designed wallpaper with Fromental, featuring Ava's chosen animals and family groupings. This wallpaper is noted for its playful details that stimulate a child's imagination while maintaining a sophisticated aesthetic suitable for a teenager. A rocking horse, a first Christmas gift from her grandfather, is cherished as a potential family heirloom, reflecting Ava's passion for horses. #InteriorDesign #SophiePaterson #HomeDecor #LuxuryInteriors #FamilyHome #InteriorArchitecture #HomeTour #DesignInspiration

Sabrina MacLean, an interior designer, discusses her journey in balancing work and personal life, managing a family business, and her vision for HinoStudio. MacLean acknowledges her husband's role in helping her achieve a better work-life balance, contrasting with her earlier years as a workaholic. She outlines a structured approach to her workday, beginning with an early start for dog walking and exercise to manage stress and energize her day. Her routine includes team lunches once a week to foster bonding and a strict no-work-calls policy on Friday evenings until Monday to fully disconnect and enjoy time with family and friends. This deliberate separation from work was a challenging but beneficial decision, enhancing her personal life. Hinojosa Design Studio was founded in 2000 in Miami, Florida, by MacLean's mother, Carola Hinojosa, as a high-end interior design company. The business had a long history in Bolivia before relocating to Miami. MacLean gained experience in sales and furniture design at Holly Hunt after graduation before joining her mother's team in 2010. In 2018, upon her mother's retirement, MacLean took over the firm, rebranding it as HinoStudio. This transition presented significant challenges, requiring her to prove her capabilities, execute designs to her mother's high standards, and earn the trust of both existing and new clients. The firm has since diversified its offerings to include a furniture line and a rug collection, with ongoing development of new products. HinoStudio is also engaged in international projects, collaborating with architects worldwide, which provides new learning opportunities. When asked about recommending places in Miami for a visiting friend, MacLean suggests a comprehensive itinerary focused on dining, drinking, visiting cultural sites, and hanging out. For dining, her top choices are Zz's Restaurant and Casa Tua in Miami Beach, both noted for their food, private club atmosphere, and vibrant social scene. For drinks, she recommends Socialista in Brickell, Mila, and Klaw Rooftop, praising their music, ambiance, and diverse crowds. Miami's cultural growth is highlighted with recommendations to visit the Design District, Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), Rubell Museum, and Wynwood, emphasizing the city's rich collection of art and museums. For relaxation and socializing, she suggests Faena, Soho House, and The Standard for their music and atmosphere, and the farmers markets in Coconut Grove and Key Biscayne on Saturdays. MacLean expresses profound gratitude for her mother, Carola Hinojosa, identifying her as the primary mentor who shaped her into the designer she is today. She recalls being immersed in the world of design from a young age, accompanying her mother to the office and furniture factories since she was seven. Working together was initially demanding, as her mother maintained high expectations, demanding 200% effort. She describes her mother as exceptionally talented, with a keen eye for design and proportion, and a continuous ability to reinvent herself. After successfully establishing a design studio and furniture factory in Bolivia, Carola Hinojosa rebuilt her business from the ground up in Miami after their move in 1999, eventually reaching a prominent position in the industry. Her mother's resilience, persistence, and dedication have been constant sources of inspiration for MacLean. Even after her mother retired and moved to Cape Town, South Africa, she continued to contribute to HinoStudio by collaborating with local artisans, which led to the development of a new product line now sold at Holly Hunt. MacLean's leadership, especially through challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, has enabled HinoStudio to create acclaimed interiors globally. #InteriorDesign #Entrepreneurship #WorkLifeBalance #FamilyBusiness #MiamiLifestyle #CreativeIndustry #BusinessLeadership #DesignStudio #Mentorship

This article introduces Alice Grace, an interior designer who has successfully transitioned her passion for property and design into a flourishing interior design studio and a recently launched homeware collection. Alice's journey began with sharing her home design projects on Instagram, which garnered significant attention and eventually led to her professional venture. Her career background, which includes both teaching and high-end residential property sales, provided her with a unique perspective, though she was always more inclined towards the creative aspects of property, such as designing brochures and writing press articles. This entrepreneurial spirit, despite taking nearly 40 years to manifest fully, led her to establish her own design firm. Alice describes her design style as timeless and considered, emphasizing simplicity and the strategic use of pattern. Her studio aims for an elegant sophistication, often incorporating playful elements to create a distinctive 'Alice Grace' aesthetic. She stresses the importance of understanding each client's unique needs, ensuring that her design approach is tailored to reflect their personal style while delivering exceptional value. Alice's preferred color palette includes warm, muted, earthy tones, complemented by touches of blue. She finds comfort in natural hues like browns, reds, and greens, which harmonize well with natural oak – a material prominently featured in her homeware collection. For fabrics, she often grounds a room with rich velvet upholstery or soft furnishings, contrasting them with lightly patterned linen or embroidered cotton. When incorporating patterns, Alice suggests a balanced approach: selecting one large-scale pattern, alongside grounding plainer patterns that introduce varying textures like bouclé, and then adding a few smaller-scale patterned pieces and a stripe. This method prevents designs from clashing and ensures a cohesive look, as exemplified by a popular bedroom design featuring a busy wallpaper, a velvet headboard, and bespoke soft furnishings with blue accents. Instagram has played a crucial role in Alice's success, initially serving as a platform for sharing her personal life and home designs with a like-minded community. What started as a casual sharing endeavor evolved into a business opportunity as brands began to take notice. Alice views social media as a dynamic landscape, requiring constant adaptation. She notes the shift from aspirational, unrealistic images to a fast-paced, competitive environment, where a smaller, engaged audience is more valuable than sheer follower count. Alice acknowledges the challenge of consistently creating new content, especially when it involves her own home, which necessitates constant reimagining. However, she sees this as an opportunity to experiment freely, unconstrained by client briefs. For aspiring interior designers on social media, she advises establishing a clear brand and personal style early on to stand out in a crowded market. The focus, she explains, should be on providing content that the audience desires to see, rather than what the creator wishes to showcase. Her online community, particularly during lockdown, provided invaluable support and confidence, enabling her to launch her design business and join international design platforms like The Expert. The launch of Alice's homeware collection was a natural progression, stemming from her observations of market gaps during her design work and an inherent desire to create lasting pieces. The collection draws inspiration from an antique mirror inherited from her grandmother, featuring warm oak finishes and soft, curved details. These curves are evident in items such as The Tray, The Bedside, and The Nightstand, alongside modern reeded textures. Collaboration with a local, respected furniture and joinery company, Bath Bespoke, was essential to ensure the collection's quality and alignment with sustainable values. The goal is to create heritage pieces that withstand the test of time and can be passed down through generations. A new collection, including upholstery pieces, is slated for release in the summer, allowing customers to integrate Alice's favorite fabrics into their homes. #InteriorDesign #HomewareCollection #AliceGrace #InstagramSuccess #DesignPhilosophy #SustainableDesign #Entrepreneurship #HomeDecor #FurnitureDesign

The article details the renovation of Mary Portas's London home, a project undertaken by the interior design firm Space A, founded by architects Amelia Hunter and Anna Drakes. Portas, known for her advocacy for British high streets and, more recently, her book 'Work Like a Woman,' sought to create a living space that reflected her values of collaboration, care, and respect, moving beyond conventional notions of profit and growth. This ethos guided the entire design process, emphasizing the support of talented young business owners and embodying a more conscious approach to living. The collaboration between Portas and Space A was significant, leading to the establishment of Space A itself, born from Project OO, a collective studio that Portas initially approached. Portas highlights the importance of supporting businesses that prioritize values beyond mere financial gain, especially in a post-pandemic world, where empathy and understanding the implications of design choices are paramount. This philosophy is also central to her new book, 'Rebuild: How to Thrive in the New Kindness Economy.' A key aspect of the renovation involved integrating the property's original and pre-loved features. Portas incorporated old church tiles she had collected, as well as those found within the house, to decorate the fireplaces and utility room. The vintage sink in the powder room was retained and given a modern twist with vibrant orange paint and House of Hackney wallpaper, creating a contemporary yet eclectic feel. The design elements throughout the home blend timeless quality with bold contemporary touches. The basement features English oak paneling, herringbone flooring, and custom joinery, contributing to a classic kitchen aesthetic. Upstairs, the two open-plan reception rooms are distinctively divided by color—one side in Dulux’s ‘Olive Grove’ and the other in ‘Powder Pink’—creating visual interest and defining separate zones within a fluid space. Consistent with Portas's persona, the home prominently features British brands and artists, such as Grayson Perry's 'Britain is Best' tapestry, which finds a natural place in the decor. When selecting furniture with interior decorator Louise Donald, Portas prioritized collaborating with individuals who demonstrated kindness, honesty, and genuine passion for their products, rather than just the brands themselves. This focus on the human element and the emotional connection to objects aligns with Amelia Hunter's concept of 'five a day for your space,' equating well-chosen design elements to 'metaphorical vitamins and minerals' for psychological well-being. Ultimately, Portas views her home as an extension of her spirit, a place filled with color, character, and warmth, serving as a sanctuary where she can be her authentic self. The project's success is attributed to working with people who understood her needs as a woman, fostering a sense of nurturing and belonging within her living environment. #LondonHome #InteriorDesign #MaryPortas #SpaceA #FemaleEntrepreneurship #SustainableDesign #KindnessEconomy #BritishDesigners #HomeRenovation

Sarah Peake, founder of Studio Peake, showcases one of her most cherished interior design projects: a double-fronted Georgian cottage in South London. This project was particularly significant as it marked her first solo endeavor after establishing her studio. The cottage, located on a wisteria-filled terrace, previously featured an industrial aesthetic dominated by black and grey, and an unsympathetic 1980s rear extension. The initial phase of the project involved extensive renovation to restore original architectural elements such as architraves, doors, skirtings, cornices, and radiators, which had been lost or altered over time. The clients, who had moved into the house after their honeymoon, lived there for six months to understand its nuances before commissioning Peake. Their brief was to create a vibrant, distinctive, yet comfortable and cozy home. The kitchen, rather than being completely replaced, underwent a significant refresh to combine existing features with new additions. A new limestone floor, Lanyan Limestone by Artisans of Devizes, was installed, and the existing joinery was painted in a custom green matched by Dulux. Carrara marble replaced the laminate countertops, and new drawer handles were sourced from Lassco reclamation yard. A French polisher from Portobello Painters restored the timber cupboards, while a custom floor paint from Papers and Paints and 'Stone I' from Paint and Paper Library were used for the walls. To introduce coziness, soft furnishings were added, including curtain fabric from Namay Samay with a Samuel & Sons fringe, an A Rum Fellow rug, an embroidered cushion from William Yeoward, and a white lamp from Porta Romana, effectively balancing the hard surfaces. In the main living space, a bespoke yellow paint color, mixed by Papers and Paint, was chosen for the walls, extending the painted wooden floor from the kitchen. A colorful rug from Ornate Rugs complemented the vibrant walls. A fireplace surround made of Bardiglio marble from Jamb and a chandelier from The English House were key features. The client's appreciation for art was evident with a William Crozier painting from Piano Nobile displayed above the fireplace. The design aimed for an interesting yet unoverbearing space through a mix of patterns, plains, and finishes. A small, low-ceilinged area at the back was transformed into a cozy nook with bespoke TV and bookcase joinery by Billy Crawshaw, carpeted with Tim Page Claremont, and featuring a David Seyfried chair upholstered in Fermoie fabric with Besselink & Jones wall lights. The master bedroom, described as Peake’s favorite, achieved a balance of color and tranquility. The walls and joinery were painted in Fencing Blue by Papers and Paint Library. Curtain fabric from Lasso by Pierre Frey and a Kelly Wearstler headboard with Romo Linara piping were incorporated. A painting by Venetia Berry, already owned by the client, served as the color palette's foundation for the room. Bed linen from Gayle Warwick Siena, a throw from Once Milano, and a custom cushion made from Guy Goodfellow fabric with a Samuel and Sons fringe completed the space. Moving to the landing and stairs, the entrance hall was designed as a crucial introduction to the house. Sanderson ‘Hemp’ wallpaper provided a muted backdrop, contrasting with the more defined colors in adjacent rooms. The French polisher from Portobello Painters restored the handrail, and Edward Bulmer’s Celadon paint was used on architraves and doors. An antique chair, a Sarah Balme painting, a mid-century chandelier from Pamono, and a white lamp from Porta Romana adorned the half-landing. For the guest bedroom, situated opposite the main bedroom, the focus was on the view of the bed. A shaped headboard by Pat Giddens Ltd, upholstered in Holland and Sherry fabric, was a central element, complemented by Afghan hats from Etsy above the bed. Hand-dyed velvet cushions by Kirsten Hecktermann and a custom-embroidered rectangular cushion from A Rum Fellow added luxurious touches. An antique pedestal desk was brightened with modern pieces, including a Benchmark chair upholstered in Vaughan and Holly Hunt fabrics, a raspberry lacquered lamp from Salvesen Graham, and a gathered silk shade by Penny Morrison. Finally, the tiny box room underwent a significant transformation. Previously painted black with acid green wallpaper and a low, angled ceiling, it was re-envisioned with a ‘bed nook’ to maximize standing height. Billy Crawshaw paneled the walls with MDF, painting them in Edward Bulmer’s Fair Blue. Ottoline Devries’ wallpaper and fabric were used within the bed nook, along with Samuel and Sons contrast piping and Colefax and Fowler roman blind borders. A bookcase above the headboard and a wall light replaced a traditional bedside setup. The bathroom, largely preserved due to its existing good condition, received subtle enhancements using leftover stone and marble, Edward Bulmer Celadon paint on woodwork, a touch of Soane wallpaper, and a rattan mirror from Kempton Racecourse, demonstrating that minor changes can have a major impact. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #GeorgianCottage #StudioPeake #SouthLondon #Renovation #ColorfulInteriors #CozyHome #ArchitecturalRestoration

Neydine Bak, co-founder of Verhaal Studio and co-creative force behind various concept spaces such as Collective Africa, Bungalo34, and Flamingo Room by tashas, shares insights into her inspirations, personal style, travel preferences, and culinary interests. Her design philosophy is deeply rooted in creating tangible experiences, a passion stemming from her childhood love for special occasions and her mother’s talent for entertaining. This early influence, combined with her grandmother's encouragement of creativity, guided her towards interior architecture, allowing her to curate meaningful spaces. Bak describes her personal style as classic with a distinctive touch, eschewing trends in favor of pieces that resonate with her and tell a story. She emphasizes that her focus isn't on brand names but on how items make her feel, often incorporating unique jewelry to add flair to timeless silhouettes. This approach extends to her work, where she draws inspiration from individuals who appreciate beauty in everyday moments, citing designers like Tristan Auer for his meticulous detail, Hugo Toro for his blend of heritage and modernity, and Laura Gonzalez for her bold use of color and contemporary materials. Travel plays a significant role in her creative process, with bookstores being a favorite destination during her trips. She enjoys exploring independent shops and local boutiques that offer handcrafted treasures reflecting local culture. A notable purchase was an embroidered linen kaftan from Lima, Peru, valued for its traditional craftsmanship and personal significance. Another cherished item is a piece from South African jeweler Pichulik, whose work beautifully merges tradition and luxury, serving as a reminder of Bak’s South African roots. Her aesthetic preferences extend to a monochrome color palette accented with gold and silver, allowing accessories to stand out. Italy holds a special place in her heart for its rich history, architecture, and craftsmanship, which consistently spark new ideas. South Africa, her home country, is another cherished destination, appreciated for its people, landscapes, and culture. Greece is also mentioned for its raw and beautiful scenery, offering tranquility and inspiration. Bak's home reflects her travels, filled with unique glassware, ceramics, and artwork collected from various journeys. She is currently curating a collection of non-matching crockery and cutlery to create playful and culturally diverse table settings. In terms of literature, "The Culture Map" by Erin Meyer has been particularly impactful for navigating multicultural work environments, and "Lean In" by Sheryl Sandberg provides continuous guidance for workplace complexities. While not a frequent TV viewer, she enjoys films and theatre, particularly biopics and documentaries, and finds inspiration in the set designs of movies like "Dune: Part II" and "Jeanne du Barry." A recent stay at Sterrekopje Farm in South Africa introduced her to Agathosma Betulina, a unique herb that inspired ideas for a new residential project and a fragrance. Her music taste is eclectic, ranging from Tame Impala for upbeat afternoons to Nina Simone for relaxed mornings and 80s retro for nostalgia. She also enjoys Purple Disco Machine for dancing with her children. Cooking is another passion, with Ottolenghi, Donna Hay, Thali, and Matt Lindsay among her favorite chefs to draw recipes from. A treasured possession is a colorful, intricately painted pedestal cabinet from Sri Lanka, valued for its unique artistry and the story behind its creation, symbolizing the joy of discovering hidden gems. Bak's diverse interests and experiences continuously fuel her creative approach to interior design. #InteriorDesign #NeydineBak #VerhaalStudio #CreativeProcess #TravelInspiration #PersonalStyle #CulturalInfluence #HomeDecor #ArtAndDesign

Dublin Design Week, an inaugural event, is set to highlight the contributions of Irish architects and interior designers to both national and international design. The event aims to showcase the significant global influence of Irish designers. One notable figure participating in this event is Maria MacVeigh, an architect and interior designer. After gaining experience in Spain and Chile, MacVeigh established MMV Design in Dublin in 2004. Her design philosophy emphasizes a rigorous process, detailed construction, and the careful selection of materials and finishes, which is reflected in her sophisticated and award-winning interiors. She has a history of collaboration with experienced professionals in the building industry, contributing to her extensive knowledge in the field. Among her distinguished projects is the interior design of Chapter One, a renowned restaurant in Dublin. For this project, MacVeigh meticulously handled every detail, from the specific green-bronze paint on the walls to the various natural stones utilized throughout the space. Chapter One is designed to offer an intimate dining experience, featuring a main area with several nooks, including a secluded demi-salle. A chef’s table is also part of the design, where diners can observe the culinary process from a semi-circular banquette. A central, sculptural marble-topped piece with an integrated induction hob serves as a focal point in the dining room, housing the Gaggenau Experience, which allows guests to witness fine dining preparations up close. The kitchen itself is a display of aesthetic design, featuring stainless steel, deep brown walls, a basalt table, oxblood floor, and green marble worktops. Chapter One undergoes an annual refresh, during which MacVeigh's focus extends to transforming areas like the cloakrooms. Maria MacVeigh's design approach is characterized by a commitment to timelessness, understated elegance, and personalization, moving away from transient trends. This philosophy was evident in a renovated 1950s home project, where she collaborated with her sister. The design aimed to encapsulate the essence of their family home, with a plan that maximized natural light. The project drew inspiration from mid-century modern aesthetics, not only as a homage to their upbringing but also to complement the architectural character of the surrounding neighborhood. Another significant undertaking involved the restoration of a Victorian redbrick property. This project presented the dual challenge of historical preservation and the integration of a contemporary extension and a new kitchen. For this, MacVeigh partnered with Eoin Lyons of LyonsKelly. Lyons, whose expertise lies in finishes, complemented MacVeigh's strengths in architecture, interiors, and fine detailing. Maria MacVeigh is scheduled to participate in a Design Talk at Anantara The Marker Dublin on Thursday, May 22, from 12 pm to 1:30 pm. During this event, she will engage in a conversation with architect and broadcaster Amanda Bone, where she will discuss how her dual professional background provides her with a distinctive perspective on design. Tickets for this event are priced at €35, with a reduced rate of €20 for students. #MariaMacVeigh #InteriorDesign #Architecture #DublinDesignWeek #ChapterOneRestaurant #HomeRenovation #VictorianRedbrick #DesignPhilosophy #AmandaBone

This blog post offers an intimate look into the personal and professional philosophy of award-winning Irish Interior Designer Sara Cosgrove, presented through a series of questions and answers. The article delves into her core values, inspirations, and approaches to life and design, providing insights into the mind of a creative professional. Cosgrove identifies curiosity as her favorite virtue, emphasizing its role in her continuous learning and evolution. She values kindness, intelligence, and good counsel in men, while admiring women who balance grace with grit. Her chief characteristic is determination, highlighting her commitment to seeing ideas through to realization. When it comes to friendships, she appreciates drive and humor, seeking those who encourage, inspire, and challenge her. Her main fault lies in her fast-paced mind, which sometimes leads her to assume communicated thoughts that have only been internal. Outside of work, Cosgrove enjoys mentally stimulating pastimes like board games, crosswords, Wordle, spelling bees, Sudoku, and reading. For physical activity and fresh air, she turns to running and gardening. Her ideal state of happiness involves unhurried time with her children in a beautiful location, specifically mentioning the northwest of Mallorca, allowing space to breathe. Conversely, misery for her is defined by stagnation and being trapped in the ordinary without vision, as she finds it difficult to remain still and avoids downtime. If given the choice to be someone else, Cosgrove envisions herself as a writer living in a period house in a quiet coastal town, surrounded by books, a beautiful garden, and sea air. Her current state of mind is focused, ambitious, and reflective, driven by the motto "less but better" as she plans for the future. Her favorite color is Indanthrene Blue, a signature tone in her work. The monkey puzzle tree, with its architectural, long-lived, and wise appearance, is her favorite tree, while blue and purple hydrangeas are her preferred flowers. She considers self-discipline an overrated virtue, finding it can be exhausting. The talent she most wishes to possess is a beautiful singing voice. In the realm of design, her favorite designers and makers include David Collins, Frank Lloyd Wright, Niamh Barry, and Sophie Dickens. Her literary preferences lean towards poet Eavan Boland, with "Night Feed" as a favorite, and author Agatha Christie. Fictional heroes and heroines that resonate with her are Evelyn "Eve" Ross from Amor Towles' 'Table for Two', Philip Marlowe from Raymond Chandler's novels, and Hercule Poirot by Agatha Christie. Her favorite artist is Diana Copperwhite, and she also expresses admiration for Brian Bourke’s landscapes. Musically, her tastes are diverse, ranging from Ralph Vaughan Williams, particularly "The Lark Ascending," to contemporary artists like Tame Impala, PJ Harvey, Henryk Gorecki, Little Dragon, and Chappell Roan. The principal aspect of her personality is a relentless drive coupled with a love for beautiful things. Cosgrove's idea of good taste is characterized by understated confidence, the ability to edit, and the resistance of unnecessary elements, appreciating individuals with a true sense of their own style. In her surroundings, she values texture and sensory immersion, enjoying layers of interest. She contributes to environmental preservation by investing in durable pieces, supporting sustainable makers, and designing with longevity in mind. Personally, she cherishes antiques, pre-loved clothes, and plant cuttings. While proud to call Ireland home, a second base on the northwest coast of Mallorca appeals to her for its light, food, and beauty. She looks to the future with purpose, focus, and optimism, eager to continue creating, building, and discovering. #InteriorDesign #SaraCosgrove #IrishDesigner #DesignPhilosophy #PersonalValues #Creativity #HomeDecor #Aesthetic #SustainableDesign

Sarah Sherman Samuel, known from Magnolia Network's "Inspired Interiors," offers insights into her eclectic interior design approach, emphasizing her diverse background as a graphic designer, artist, and furniture maker. She discusses the distinction between designing for high-end clients, including celebrities like Mandy Moore, and personal projects, noting that personal endeavors often involve tighter budgets and more hands-on experimentation. Samuel highlights the unique aspect of her show, which showcases the integration of her interior design work with her studio art and decor creation. She believes that working across various mediums enriches each aspect of her creative process, encouraging viewers to explore new skills and grow. Samuel's graphic design and studio art background significantly influence her interior work, leading her to incorporate graphic shapes, forms, prints, patterns, and a strong emphasis on art in her spaces. The interview delves into practical design tips for homeowners. Samuel suggests sourcing vintage pieces from flea markets or vintage stores to make a significant statement on a budget. For art, she encourages homeowners to create their own pieces or use color and paint to achieve a bold impact. When designing children's rooms, Samuel advises against overly themed decor, instead recommending abstract designs with playful colors and forms that can evolve with the child. To create a warm and welcoming home while incorporating modern elements, she stresses the importance of natural materials like warm woods and natural stones, which add softness and texture even in minimalist aesthetics. Samuel also addresses the challenge of combining different aesthetic sensibilities within a shared home. She argues that differing styles can lead to a more interesting and storied result, advocating for a balanced approach where both partners' preferences are represented without one dominating. The key is to find common denominators in material or color and build upon those shared elements. Regarding upcoming design trends, Samuel anticipates a rise in moodier, richer colors, such as deep-colored kitchens and jewel-toned walls, in 2023. She concludes by explaining her philosophy that good design solves a problem, often helping couples or families navigate conflicting styles. Her advice is to identify overlapping preferences and then gradually introduce individual elements that share common traits, thereby fostering a cohesive yet unique living space. Samuel's overall message underscores the value of experimentation, natural materials, and the harmonious blend of diverse influences to create truly inspired and functional interiors. #InteriorDesign #SarahShermanSamuel #EclecticStyle #HomeRenovation #DesignTips #MagnoliaNetwork #DIYHomeDecor #BudgetDesign #NaturalMaterials

Laura Kirar, an internationally acclaimed American-born, Mexico-based interior and product designer, shares insights into her unique style, diverse inspirations, and creative process. Her design philosophy emphasizes the combination of raw materials with her deep understanding of art, architecture, fashion, and music. Kirar’s early influences stem from her upbringing in Chicago, where she was exposed to significant art and architectural collections, including works by Daniel Burnham, Louis Sullivan, Mies van der Rohe, Frank Lloyd Wright, Brancusi, Georgia O’Keeffe, René Magritte, and Salvador Dalí. These foundational experiences shaped her perspective, leading her to view furniture as sculptural objects and spaces as canvases for human experience. Kirar's passion for both art and architecture guided her career choice. She describes her approach as abstract, knowing when to adhere to design principles and when to innovate. The ability to create environments where lives unfold is a powerful motivator for her. Her current inspirations include contemporary artists, fashion designers, and musicians such as Peter Zumthor, David Wiseman, Milena Muzquiz, Monica Rezman, and Marcela Diaz. She expresses a particular fondness for coral pink in all its hues, describing it as luminous and soothing, suitable for various applications from walls to textiles. Travel plays a significant role in Kirar's inspiration, leading her to discover unique shops worldwide. In Mexico City, she frequents Trouve for vintage items. New York offers Les Atelier Courbet, The Future Perfect, and Artemest. In London, she highlights The Carpenters Workshop Gallery at Ladbroke Hall, and in Paris, Pierre Frey for textiles, along with various antique and vintage markets like Marche Biron. Mexico itself is a profound source of inspiration, influencing her sense of color, scale, and textures, and fostering her appreciation for traditional crafts found in its mountains, valleys, and cities like Oaxaca and the Yucatan. Kirar is also a passionate collector, believing that artists benefit from surrounding themselves with inspiring objects. Her collections include vintage chairs, ceramics, pottery, art books, hand-woven textiles, vintage cowboy boots, and silver Navajo accessories, all chosen for their stories. She recently acquired her fourth art piece by Cisco Jimenez, suggesting a new collection in the making. Her personal art collection includes a Cindy Sherman photograph, which has inspired the palette for an entire room. Beyond visual arts, Kirar finds inspiration in film, particularly through MUBI, enjoying classic films, film noir, thrillers, and sci-fi. She also has eclectic musical tastes, ranging from The Cure to opera, classical, rock, punk, and jazz, appreciating the intimacy of live performances. Among her extensive product designs, which number over a thousand, she favors the Mar floor lamp and Vargueno chair from her collection with Arteriors. Her Vir Stil and Paletta bath collections for Kallista have been bestsellers for two decades, and her Caviar chandelier for Arteriors has consistently topped its bestseller list since 2010. Kirar also enjoys cooking, drawing on her Italian heritage to create dishes like pici al limone with sautéed radicchio. She also puts a contemporary spin on traditional Mexican chiles rellenos. Her philosophy is that cooking can be spontaneous and creative, often improvising with available ingredients. This reflects her broader approach to design and life – a blend of diverse influences, personal passion, and creative adaptation. #InteriorDesign #ProductDesign #LauraKirar #CreativeProcess #ArchitecturalInfluence #ArtInspiration #MexicanCrafts #DesignPhilosophy #GlobalTravel

The Petit Palais in Paris is currently hosting an exhibition dedicated to Charlotte Perriand, focusing on the significant role photography played in the development of her renowned interior designs. This unique exhibition delves into Perriand's creative process, presenting her inspirational photographs alongside the finished products they informed. The core idea is to illustrate how Perriand's observations of the natural and urban environment, captured through her camera lens, directly translated into her groundbreaking furniture and interior architecture. Perriand's engagement with photography as a preliminary study method began in 1928, when she joined the influential Le Corbusier/Pierre Jeanneret studio as a furniture design associate. During this period, she dedicated herself to exploring the 'laws of nature' in various contexts, from bustling cityscapes to serene mountain landscapes. The exhibition features a substantial collection of 380 photographs, many of which depict objects and forms discovered during her extensive walks and explorations. This photographic archive underscores her philosophy that the modernist movement was driven by a spirit of inquiry and a process of analysis rather than a mere stylistic trend. Her keen eye for the world around her is evident in these images, revealing a designer who constantly sought inspiration from her surroundings. A key highlight of the exhibition is the direct juxtaposition of these inspiration photographs with their resultant designs. For instance, the skeletal structure of fish bones is shown to have directly informed the design of her 'Banquette Tokyo.' Similarly, the elegant lines of a reclining human figure are presented as the muse behind her iconic 'Chaise Longue Basculante.' Other examples include the 'Chaise Ombre' from 1954, shown with its photographic precursor, and the 'Table Basse' from 1984, which evolved from an 'Art Brut Grès plage Normandie vers' photograph from 1935. The 'Chaise longue bambou' from 1940 draws inspiration from a 'Paysanne corse' photograph from 1937, demonstrating Perriand's ability to translate organic forms into functional and aesthetically pleasing furniture. Furthermore, the exhibition reveals Perriand's innovative approach to design by showcasing how she was one of the first designers to integrate photography as an essential tool throughout her furniture and interior design projects. This method allowed her to meticulously analyze forms, textures, and compositions from the real world, subsequently abstracting and reinterpreting them into her distinctive modernist aesthetic. The exhibit also includes images like 'Immeuble de l’Armée du Salut en construction, vers' from 1931, which inspired the 'Meuble de séparation' from 1954, and 'Pont à poutrelle' from 1933, leading to the 'Table Gigogne' from 1951. These examples highlight her holistic approach, where even architectural elements and everyday structures found their way into her furniture designs. In essence, the exhibition at Petit Palais offers a profound insight into Charlotte Perriand's meticulous design methodology and her enduring legacy as a modernist pioneer. It demonstrates how her photographic practice was not merely a documentation tool but a fundamental component of her creative process, allowing her to bridge the gap between observed reality and innovative design solutions. The careful arrangement of photographs and finished pieces effectively illustrates her journey from capturing momentary inspirations to crafting timeless pieces of furniture and interior spaces, firmly establishing her as a designer who saw the world through a uniquely analytical and artistic lens. #CharlottePerriand #InteriorDesign #ModernistDesign #DesignHistory #PhotographyInDesign #PetitPalais #FurnitureDesign #LeCorbusier #DesignProcess

Rebecca Constable, an interior designer known for creating timeless and inviting homes that also accommodate daily life, recently launched Room by Room Interiors. This new venture offers ready-to-go design schemes, providing an accessible and affordable alternative for individuals seeking design assistance without the commitment of hiring a full-time designer. These schemes include comprehensive guidance, from key design principles to specific recommendations for paint colors, furniture, and accessories. Constable's design journey began after transitioning from a career in management consulting and project management at John Lewis. Following the birth of her children, she sought a more flexible profession, initially redesigning her own home and then assisting friends and family, which organically led to the growth of her interior design practice. She notes the significant overlap between project management and interior design, highlighting the organizational aspects crucial to both fields. Her personal home is characterized by a vibrant and layered approach, incorporating color, pattern, and various textures. Each room is distinct, and Constable frequently uses different fabrics to achieve this variety. She also emphasizes the use of natural materials such as oak floorboards, marble tiles, and quartzite counters, embracing the natural wear and tear these materials exhibit over time. Her favorite room is her and her husband's bathroom, which she describes as a calm and luxurious space for relaxation. Constable's design philosophy is deeply influenced by her Swiss grandmother, whose home featured a rich collection of antiques, self-painted oil paintings, and hand-decorated furniture. This eclectic mix of old and new, combined with a love for color and pattern, defines Constable's style. Her own home reflects this sensibility, blending antique pieces with more modern elements. Regarding her latest endeavor, Room by Room Interiors, Constable explains that the platform addresses the challenge many people face in finding the right design elements for their homes. By curating complete design schemes, the service aims to simplify the decorating process for those who lack the time or inclination to research extensively. This initiative makes professional interior design principles and product selections available to a wider audience. Constable also shared a wish list of ten items that align with her design aesthetic and current preferences. These items include a versatile sofa bed from The House Upstairs, a Folia Scalloped Natural Linen Wall Light from Lights & Lamps for architectural detailing, and a Wilmington Reeded Bedside Table from Alfred Newall, valued for its curves and the timeless quality of limed oak. Other items comprise a Frill Pouffe from Six The Residence for bedrooms or dressing rooms, a Dunes Rug from Pelican House x Lucy Williams, praised for its brown and blue color combination, and an Exton Mirror from Vaughan, considered a timeless piece suitable for various spaces. The list also features Marton Side Tables from The White Company for their utility in small spaces, a Ma Ma Lay Rattan Tray from Kalinko for desk or bedside organization, Brass Wiggle Handles from Bias Editions for a fun and luxurious touch, and a Rosemary Willow Diffuser from Bamford, appreciated for its fresh scent and aesthetic appeal. These selections collectively showcase Constable's commitment to functionality, natural materials, and a balanced blend of classic and contemporary elements. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #RoomByRoomInteriors #RebeccaConstable #DesignInspiration #Furniture #HomeAccessories #TimelessDesign #NaturalMaterials