Name: Caroline Milns  

Company: Zulufish Ltd

Position within company: Interior Designer

Website: www.zulufish.co.uk

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

After earning my spurs designing fabrics for Monkwell, I rose to the top of the John Lewis Home Design Studio, managing a team of designers and creating innovative product and textile design. Globetrotting to far flung corners of India, Vietnam and China, I sourced textiles, techniques and crafts, while garnering a deep understanding and refinement of colour. In 2007 I retrained in interior design at Helen Green, and moved on to work for high-end residential specialists Mcvitty Interior Consultants. These positions gave me a firm grounding, invaluable industry knowledge and a clear design style. From here it was a natural step to set up the Interiors department at Design & Build specialists Zulufish, where we strive to create timeless design & inspiring interiors.

How would you describe your personal interior design style?

A deep love of colour and textiles informs our design; we create architectural, textured schemes that breathe life into an interior. Reflecting a love of simplicity & a sense of order, the originality and authenticity of our design schemes are always carefully considered yet effortlessly inspirational. Comfort & practicality are key, yet always with an elegance, quality and attention to detail. Our textile background and industry knowledge allow us to smart source the finest materials at the most competitive prices, while our in-house architectural team and build knowledge and experience ensure our light-filled homes maximise the space available. We pride ourselves on being able to listen to our clients’ needs and translate their vision into beautifully thought-out spaces, unique to them.

Where does your design inspiration come from?

We’re as often found scouring flea markets as new showrooms, hotels and restaurants for inspiration, and take great pride in staying at the forefront of trends and new technologies.

As a great lover of travelling, often designs are born on trips away when you are free to absorb everything around you.

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

People are now moving away from such a minimal look and they want their schemes to reflect them and what they love. The ‘green sustainable’ subject is also becoming more and more important, and clients are feeling much bolder about colour.

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

– Less fully open plan, more zoning of rooms
– Invest in lighting, as it will transform your scheme
– Maximalist not minimalism
– ‘Blue’ is the new black and metallic add a wonderful glamorous edge to any interior
– Sustainability

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

Invest in something that you will love forever, even if that means spending a bit more. Don’t always follow the trends, go for something with longevity.

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

Incredibly important as they showcase exceptional design from designers around the globe. As they are industry-voted awards you feel that there is a true reflection of the winners each year.

What projects are you currently working on?

6 bedroom house in Primrose Hill
6 Bedroom House in Putney
5 bedroom house in Chiswick
An independent shoe shop in Chiltern St, Marlebone

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

– To push the boundaries on clients ideas of what they think they want within their interiors
– To exceed clients expectations
– To keep creating new and innovative interiors that excited

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself:

Your most treasured possession?
Vintage lights from the Rosebowl market in LA

Your favourite holiday destination?
Skiing in Aspen, Colarado

Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?
North Island, Seychelles

Your favourite book / film / song?
Any Human Heart by Willian Boyd

Your favourite food and drink?
Chinese and lychee martinis

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? (in no more than 25 words)
On a sailing boat with my husband and children eating fresh fish and drinking rose

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