Looking to reinvent your home? Or building your dream house? The very efficient home designer, Kelly Hoppen, shows the way
“Living is feeling and how you want to feel can be reflected in every aspect of your home.” Great words of wisdom to live by, Kelly Hoppen’s relentless passion for design has made her a brand today. Given the opportunity to design a family friend’s kitchen, it made her explore her inner tastes and talent, and soon become one of the most successful home designers in Britain.
In a conversation with Ms Kelly Hoppen, Creative Director, YOO, we studied the graceful yet powerful world of design. “From an early age I had a passion for seeing show houses. I loved looking around them as it was a great opportunity to see design in action as well as visualizing how designers expect their clients to live within the space. This has now become a part of my lifestyle,” explained Ms Hoppen.
It was with the help of her mother that her entrepreneurial streak flourished. Ms Hoppen today has a celebrated interior design studio, which employs 35 staff members. Creating stunning interiors for houses, apartments, yachts, private jets, ski chalets, sports centre, hotels and numerous corporate spaces, for an ever expanding, international, high-profile client base from the world of business, sports, film and fashion, there is no looking back for this talented designer. Some of Ms Hoppen’s most renowned projects include the British Airways first class cabins, the Royal Mougins Golf Club in the South of France, Rhodes W1 Restaurant in London and boutique hotel Murmuri in Barcelona. She has even designed homes for some of the most rich and famous such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Elton John, Madonna, The British Royal Family, Victoria & David Beckham and many more.
Acknowledged as one of Britain’s most influential style gurus, Ms Hoppen mixes an elegant décor with little details of luxuriousness and excitement! Picture an all white décor, with a very simple layout, and there you notice a rug of pure cashmere and a here a sudden burst of orange flowers to add some drama. Taking clean lines, sleek designs and neutral shades as the starting point, she builds on to create spaces that are innovative because of their style and detailing.
Individualistic design
Why is it that design is so universal but yet so individualistic to each and is expressed in so many different ways? The diverse branches of design, ranging from fashion to interiors, is so far fetched and an integral part of every day life, even though we may not realise it. Agreeing, Ms Hoppens expressed, “Style and design is a reflection of who you are, your interests, etc., of not following trends, but being individual yet classic.”
Reflecting her personality through her work, she pays attention that her design style should be same for her clients. However, it is necessary to adapt designs to suit her client’s needs, the way they live and the way they interact with their home. “When I am commissioned to design homes, my clients understand my style, they understand that I start with a neutral palette, design with texture and then accent with colour. I really enjoy working with clients who have a clear vision of their personal style and it is lovely working with someone who has lots of their own ideas enabling you to bounce off each other, but keeping in line with my design principles,” she shared. Swearing by her signature look of neutral colours, a minimalist setting and splashes of colours and accessories, it is her creativity and ability to visualise the final outcome that makes her one of the most sought after designers today.
Word of advice
While designing a house, Ms Hoppen states that it is very important that the design will stand the test of time, will not date and will always look chic. Throughout all her projects, she would describe her style as timeless elegance, which ensures that these principles are adhered to and will be passed on to future designers. With so many design elements and principles, it is possible that one may be caught off guard and may make wrong choices. That’s what it is with so many designs today. She shared that designers today often overdo trends and try and be too clever. So remember, there can still be too much of a good thing and over kill is never a good look. Advocating the principles of less is more and just about enough – that’s a word of advice for upcoming interior designers.
“I am not a big believer in adapting your home to move with trends as it is very dating to an interior. Adapt your home for the season by changing your accessories, update your sofa with some new cushions, hang some new art. But stay strong on the design front so that is always fresh, but yet so classic,” she advised.
Design India
Keeping in mind Indian homes, they are on a different tangent than most western homes. Ms Hoppen’s design philosophy has always been influenced by the combination of East and West, and India, therefore, is a tremendously exciting country for her. India brings together the best of all worlds, the cutting edge in technology, design and the best in luxury. According to her, it is very important to keep in mind the place and kind of people living there and also climatic factors while working on design. Also, the simplicity and balance of eastern style would come into play while conceptualising for India, as it has a taste and commands a design of its own, we think.
A striking inspiration to all the creative people out there, India inspires Kelly too. “Travelling always inspires me and India presents an incredible canvas for modern design. My design philosophy has always been influenced by different flavours, from customs, architecture to the very essence of a place,” she said.
Coping with the demand of untapped luxury in today’s houses, Ms Hoppen signed off by explaining that luxury is all about relaxing and creating a feeling of sanctuary. This can be created with an uncluttered ambiance to help rebalance the body and soul.
Ms Hoppen has successfully implemented her unique approach across a multitude of business areas, firmly establishing her reputation not only as an award-winning designer; but also as a retailer, author, educator and innovator. The Kelly Hoppen brand, keeping true to its core values has even partnered with a select number of licensees to offer consumers a range of home products. Whether it is wallpaper or taps or furniture, Ms Hoppen has a range for all! If that’s not enough, it’s time you contact her to adorn that space for you.
