Name: Kelly Hoppen
Company: Kelly Hoppen Interiors
Position within company: Founder
Website: kellyhoppeninteriors.com
Tell us a little about your background in design
I’ve been obsessed with interior design from a young age and had my first job at 16 and a half designing the kitchen of a family friend. This was a life-changing opportunity that led to more projects where I learned along the way, and my career in interior design has now spanned more than 40 years.
My world is design and I love and am passionate still with every project.
How would you describe your personal design style?
East meets West, harmony, neutrals, and purist design define my signature style. I design and always have an experience. First and foremost, I like to get into my client’s head to create the surrounding to live in.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
My inspiration to design can come from anywhere and anything. I am open to all the senses. Music is part of how I design but it can be an experience which provoked a feeling that creates a look.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
I feel that design will look more to the past to inspire the future. Neutral is key with the world we live in creating and identifying oneself or a client’s self is key. Nothing is definite other than our home. Individuality is key and so when designing public spaces, this needs to be taken into account as experience is what people want.
Design will also continue to marry comfort with sustainability in the more immediate future. Design is much more in tune with the need to adopt sustainable practices and products, but this can often come at the expense of comfort which is intrinsic to design itself. Finding the middle ground between these two will be an exciting challenge.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.
– Upcycling
– Luxurious simplicity
– Looking to the past to inspire the future
– Exceptional and memorable experiences especially, when it comes to spaces like yachts, hotels, cruise ships etc
– Detail, detail detail – from thinking about how each texture fits together seamlessly to unique finishes
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Make sure that your designs are functional and fit for purpose; it’s not enough for a space to just be beautiful. And use your imagination more, don’t copy!
How important are The International Yacht & Aviation Awards?
I think it’s very important. The International Yacht & Aviation Awards are a chance to recognise the work in such a competitive market. It’s what I strive for with yacht design. The importance of luxurious simplicity on water and living on water is such an emotional place for interiors. It has to work and not be a city design.
What projects are you currently working on?
We have over 45 projects all over the world right now. We have some incredible licencing partnerships coming to market. I’ve released my first lighting hardware range with FocusSB which has jewellery-like details and gives a new aesthetic to electrical fittings which hasn’t been seen before. I’ve worked with Richloom to create a velvet fabric range with 50 different colourways, giving other designers access to high quality commercial-grade fabrics. I’m developing a perfect neutrals sustainable leather collection with Pavoni and have exciting collaborations coming up with industry-leading wallpaper de Gournay and a collaboration with Loloi. Celebrity Cruises will be launching their newest ship Apex soon which I had the pleasure of designing. It is a truly luxurious way to travel. We have more ships to follow, hotels including a new LUX Grand Baie, the first of its kind in Mauritius.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
– To continue launching amazing new collections in categories I’ve not designed before as I want to continue pushing the boundaries.
– To continue working and launching amazing projects in the travel industry and private homes and yachts
– I would also like to spend as much time as I can on social media creating inspirational content
– Expand the business internationally into new territories
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession?
A photograph of my father which I’ve kept since his death. I am very spiritual and focus on the positive always. I try to inspire and help others through my channel and mentoring.
Your favourite holiday destination?
Too many to choose from but I love being in the mountains or exercising in the sun. Anywhere where it is tranquil.
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
Hotel: Hotel La Scalinatellain – Capri
Restaurant: The River Café which is beautiful for riverside, outdoor dining
Bar: Ronnie Scott’s because of the amazing music
Your favourite book, film & song?
Book: Becoming, by Michelle Obama
Film: Pretty woman
Song: Any Marvin Gaye
Your favourite food and drink?
Italian cuisine is my favourite. I love how a few simple ingredients can create something so flavoursome. Simple food. I also love an Aperol Spritz!
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
I love nothing more than spending an afternoon at home with my Grandson Rudy. He’s pure joy and of course with friends and family.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
I’d be in Advertising.
Anything else interesting?
Last year I launched my podcast ‘The Kelly Hoppen Show’ where I’m joined by an incredible line up of women who share wisdom and knowledge from every walk of life. You can listen on the Apple podcast app or from this month, on board BA flights. I use my Instagram page @kellyhoppen to share design projects as well as mentoring videos I hope it will encourage my followers to succeed in every corner of life.
Kelly Hoppen Interiors along with Pearl Yachts and Dixon Yacht Design have been shortlisted for Master Cabin and Main Salon Award in The International Yacht & Aviation Awards. Kelly Hoppen image courtesy of Nick Haddow.
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