Name: Hollie Moreland

Company: David Hunt Lighting

Position within company: Brand Manager

Website: www.davidhuntlighting.co.uk

Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc.)

I studied in Paris at Parsons School of Design. My speciality was Photography, and my career started in print and graphic design. I have worked in the interiors sector for over 10 years and am passionate about creating a unique brand of lighting with innovative designs. I started developing and working on product development for David Hunt around 10 years ago and formally joined the company in 2011 heading up the creative side of the business.

How would you describe your personal interior design style?

I have small children so my home needs to be both practical and homely. I would describe my personal interior design style as eclectic with a traditional twist! I like to mix textures so will combine linen and velvet pieces with lots of sheepskin accessories. I love using blue at home so my favourite paint colour Farrow and Balls ‘Stiffkey Blue’ is the perfect accompaniment to the vintage blue and white china I collect.

Where does your design inspiration come from?

I live in the North Cotswolds which offers daily inspiration especially when the seasons change. Nature and the countryside is a huge part of my life and I never grow tired of discovering a new shape or texture from the landscape. I spend a lot of time in the Alps which has been a huge influence in a lot of our designs and photoshoots, in particular our bestselling Antler range.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

I feel design is moving back towards natural forms and textures and there is a drive to use sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. The beauty you can find in simple shapes and forms can be breathtaking and there has been a big movement towards the simplicity of traditional Scandinavian design in recent years.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2017 and beyond.

Metallics especially brass and copper.

Natural textures and forms, in particular wood grain and stone

Earthy tones, such as moss green and sandstone

Mid century modern, Danish teak and plush linear velvet furniture

Sustainable materials and natural fibres such as bamboo and linen/silk blends

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to product design, what would it be?

Do not be afraid to put yourself out there when you design a piece. When you work on a design let it lead you, let it absorb you and do not be afraid to stand up for it if you feel strongly about it.

How important are The International Design and Architecture Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?

The Awards are industry leading, and represent a benchmark for design. It is important to recognise designers and their products and celebrate the skillsets involved. It is also a great way of inspiring the next generation of young designers and product developers.

What projects are you currently working on?

We are currently working on our Autumn Winter 2017 Collection which will be launched at Decorex International 2017.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

To continue to build on our manufacturing strengths, introducing new and innovative designs into our range and look at becoming more environmentally sustainable as a company.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself:

Your most treasured possession?

A vintage Hermes ashtray I inherited from my grandmother

 Your favourite holiday destination?

Capri, Italy. I spent many happy summers growing up on this amazing island.

Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?

Favourite Hotel –  Idle Rocks, St Mawes, Cornwall

Restaurant – The Wild Rabbit, Kingham

Bar –  The Greengo, Gstaad Palace, Switzerland

Your favourite book / film / song?

Favourite Book –  Leviathan, or the Whale by Philip Hoare

Film – 1939’s Gone with the Wind

Song – Whatever will be, will be (Que Sera, Sera) by Doris Day

Your favourite food and drink?

Food – A traditional Swiss Raclette

Drink – Has to be a Whiskey Sour.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? 

With my children, going for a horse ride in the countryside, lighting the fire, cooking a roast and watching a film together.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?

I wanted to be a marine biologist or historian when I was growing up, quite different to what I do now!

 Anything else interesting?

I live with my two children and we split our time between the Cotswolds and Switzerland