Name: Kelly Hoppen MBE
Company: Kelly Hoppen Interiors
Position within company: Owner
Website: www.kellyhoppeninteriors.com
Kelly Hoppen, author, proprietor, entrepreneur and founder of Kelly Hoppen Interiors has taken over the design world by storm. Her ever-evolving style is underpinned by a subtle coordinated fusion of East meets West; clean lines and neutral tones, blended with charming warmth and sumptuous opulence.With 40 years experience at the forefront of the industry, publishers and businesses continually seek Kelly’s unparalleled expertise, allowing her to indulge her entrepreneurial instincts. She puts her stamp on the homes, yachts and jets of private clients, as well as many commercial projects the world over, including hotels, bars, restaurants, yachts, offices, aircraft and tower blocks.
The Kelly Hoppen brand, keeping true to its core values of high quality, simplicity and timeless elegance, has collaborated with selected brands and partnered with a select number of licensees. Since then, she has widen her licensed product collections to consist of shutters, commercial fabrics for hospitality use, paints, wallpaper, taps, and a bath collection.“A home should be where you feel joy and happiness. It should feel like your own space, reflective of the spirit, life and loves the people who live there,” Hoppen said to describe her own interior design ambitions and visions.
Tell us a little about your background in design…
I have always been interested in design from a young age, I was always moving things around in my home or re-designing my bedroom when I got the chance. Then at the age of 16 and a half I got my first break when I was asked to design a family friend’s kitchen and from then my passion and career grew!
Where does your design inspiration come from?
I get inspiration from everywhere! Nature and travelling is a big part of it but even walking the streets of London just inspires me. There is so much diversity and culture and colour, anyone would struggle not to be inspired.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Who knows. That is the beauty of design – we can predict trends and great things but it could all change in a heartbeat. Of course there will be forever themes that will with stand the test of time, classic designs, however each year we are introduced to new trends and fantastic original designs which makes it so hard to tell where we might be with interior design in 5 or even 10 years.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design, what would it be?
The only advice I have is to believe in yourself and stick to your vision. Allow yourself to be creatively inspired by everything around and follow your gut. I am forever explaining to people that if you don’t believe in yourself, how is anybody else meant to believe in you? If you have confidence in your ability and designs, paired with hard work and determination – you will go far!
How important are The International Hotel and Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
It is very important of course. Anything that recognises a person’s talent and their achievements is always going to be a great thing! It is a platform to let other people know about how hard they have worked and encouraged others to follow in their footsteps!
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself…
Your most treasured possession?
A photo of my father that I have in my home, it is the only one I have. He tragically passed away when I was 16 years old.
Your favourite holiday destination?
Positano Coast in Italy, it’s beautiful and peaceful.
Your favourite food and drink?
I love any fish and vegetables! Also I have a soft spot for Caipirinha’s Cocktails. And anything healthy especially from my daughters Honestly Healthy Cook Book!
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Tucked up at home watching a girly film with my daughter or in the country with my feet up!
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
An actress!