Interview with Kelly Hoppen
An interpreter and transformer of spaces, Kelly Hoppen has over the last 40 years extended her unique style to a wide selection of projects across the globe.
Working across residential homes, hotels, fabric collections and most recently partnering with Australian international bathware designer and manufacturer, apaiser, Hoppen’s work is characterised by a rich aesthetic that can convert any space into a peaceful, stimulating and luxurious haven.
We spoke to Hoppen about her evolution in interior design, her East meets West design ethos and her recent work on the redesign of LUX* Belle Mare resort in Mauritius.
fluoro. What do you aspire to bring out of a space when you commence a new project?
Kelly Hoppen. I aspire to realise the dreams my clients have for the space. I want my projects to be elegant, timeless and beautiful.
I don’t think of my role as dictating my own style to my clients, more as an interpreter. I try and get inside my clients’ heads and discover their taste and personality so I can guide them towards a look and atmosphere that is tailored especially to them and their lifestyle.
Good design should fit like a great pair of jeans; a home should not be filled with passing trends.
f.You work on a diverse range of projects, from designing homes to hotels and bathware. What varies from project to project and what remains the same?
KH. My design philosophy and work ethic never changes. I am committed to every project I do, and feel as attached to my projects as the clients are.
My signature style remains the base of all my designs. I love using luxurious textures and warm opulence mixed with a neutral colour palette and clean, simple lines.
f.Has your work as a designer changed over the years?
KH. I would not say it has changed. I have simply gained more experience in the industry. My design style and ethos is timeless so I have not had to radically change it over the years, I would say that it has evolved.
f.Is the above a reflection of your personal development or did it follow from your acquired experience?
KH. A little of both I would say. I am driven and I want to succeed which is key to being a successful entrepreneur, so I am always looking to develop and grow myself and my business. A lot of the growth happens organically and from experience.
f.You just moved from your studio in Notting Hill to a brand new space. How did designing your own workspace differ from designing for clients?
KH. I absolutely adored designing my new studio. There is more freedom in designing for yourself than for clients. Every single aspect, every single detail was 100% me. Often with clients you have certain aspects that you wouldn’t have chosen yourself such as clients’ artwork.
My new studio is beautiful and it’s the perfect space to showcase my e-commerce range but also functions as a busy and vibrant studio and office. It is very inspiring and suits my team so well.
f.How was your vision brought to life in your collection with apaiser?
KH. I am well known for my East meets West design ethos, and the apaiser collection perfectly embodies that. The bathware range is made up of three designs that are inspired by different Asian influences.
The Harmony was inspired by the petals of a lotus flower, The Bande was inspired by the Obi, a sash used in traditional Japanese dress and The Origami was inspired by the traditional Japanese art that gives it its name.
apaiser manufacture beautiful handcrafted stone bathware which is effortlessly elegant. They are also renowned for their natural organic feel, sculptural lines and eco- friendly pieces, which I am a big fan of. I am such a fan of a long bath after a hard day so I was dreaming of doing a collection of bathware for a long time, apaiser were perfect partners to bring my designs to life.
f.Tell us about the redesign of LUX* Belle Mare in Mauritius.
KH. LUX* Belle Mare was an incredible project to work on. Mauritius is breath-taking, and I wanted to do a redesign that showcased that beauty, so I tried to create a simpler form of luxury. The design is very clean, white and simple but with pops of colour and sumptuous textures and luxurious materials, which add comfort and elegance to the space.
f.What’s a project we can expect to see from you later this year?
KH. I am about to move into my new home, which is really exciting. It is truly the most excited I’ve ever been for a project. I am also celebrating my 40th anniversary in the business, which is absolutely crazy!
My hotel collections are also new. My beautiful collections of hotel fabrics in collaboration with Richloom and hotel furniture in collaboration with Gervasoni are the result of a lot of hard work that has really paid off.
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Kelly Hoppen will continue to inspire residential and commercial spaces, not only through interior design but also through her growing collection of home accessories which is available through her website.
www.kellyhoppeninteriors.com
www.kellyhoppen.com
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