Sarah Drew Jones talks to the iconic interior designer for WHEREVER and asks for her insights into the world of design.
Kelly Hoppen is a British interior designer renowned for her signature East-meets-West style, blending clean lines with neutral tones and rich textures. Born in South Africa in 1959, she moved to London at a young age and began her design career at just 16. Over the decades, Hoppen has designed homes, yachts, and commercial spaces worldwide, including for celebrities like David and Victoria Beckham. She is also an entrepreneur, author of several design books, and a former “Dragon” on BBC’s Dragons’ Den. Kelly was awarded an MBE in 2009 and a CBE in 2020 for services to interior design.
Stick with sustainable luxury
Challenging economic times have a big impact on the way people live their lives and of course this translates into interiors. More people want sustainable and modern luxury now, but still hold on to classic pieces in order to feel a sense of comfort and meaning during these difficult times.
“MORE PEOPLE WANT SUSTAINABLE AND MODERN LUXURY NOW, BUT STILL HOLD ON TO CLASSIC PIECES.”
Blend modern and classic
The juxtaposition between modern minimalism and classic elegance will play an important role in upcoming seasons. Also, we love travelling and taking inspiration from different countries and cultures. This is why I predict that global fusion with a return to the east meets west ideology will be huge in interiors.
Colour is key
Splashes of pastel pink, emerald green, Italian suit grey and burnt orange will be the shades of next season.
Art is a growing trend.
More and more people will look to invest in valuable photography and art. Sculptures are making a comeback too, especially organic formed pieces as homeowners look to nature for their inspiration.
Reclaimed wood is back.
Furniture pieces made with reclaimed wood and finished with lacquer, shiny metals or glass will be ‘must-haves’. Whatever texture is used for part of the piece it will be mixed with the completely opposite texture as the finish, like yin and yang.Reclaimed wood is back.
“TRY DIFFERENT SHAPED AND SIZED VASES MIXED WITH A VARIETY OF FLOWERS TO SOFTEN ROOM SETTINGS IN A STRAIGHT AND NEUTRAL INTERIOR.”
Focus on comfort
The texture of fabrics in the home is important. Hungarian and Swedish linen mixed in with silks and velvet – materials that are the complete antithesis of each other – are being used for bedlinen and cushion covers. I’m using waxed fabrics, towelling and sacking on upholstery to give furniture a contrasting modern and rustic feel.
Blinds and shutters
Slatted blinds and shutters are always a classic choice. They look slick, make it easy to block out light, they’re very practical and easy to clean in comparison to curtains which gather a lot of dust. Keep colours muted, and instead use pattern such as paisley, brocade and ikat on bedlinen and cushions.
Pick patterned and textured wallpaper
Some of the must-have prints will include oversized geometric floral and vintage patterns.
It’s all about the accessories!
That’s a rule I live by. Try different shaped and sized vases mixed with a variety of flowers to soften room settings in a straight and neutral interior.
For the winter, try using clusters of candles of different sizes in rooms instead of a few symmetrical lines of candles, it’s a simple way to add interest and drama.
