Name: Ebba Thott
Company: SIGMAR
Position within company: DIRECTOR
Website: www.sigmarlondon.com/home
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
Swedish national Ebba, first studied and worked in New York before starting up her own company in London 2001. In 2003, she started Sigmar with partner Nina Hertig, where she is the founder/co-owner & creative director, based in London’s King’s Road. Over the past decade, her work has featured prominently in residential properties throughout the UK, USA, Spain, and Sweden.
After 12 years of experience working with colour and textures, Ebba has been driven to create her own colour collection: “damo” which launched in Spring 2011, sold at Sigmar. The high quality, ecologically sound range of interior, exterior paints have been carefully considered and developed over a long period of time to ensure the various shades are guaranteed to work with each other. Ebba also offers her clients a bespoke colour service.
. Where does your design inspiration come from?
As Sigmar is an Interior Design practice as well as a Specialised Dealer of 20th century design, naturally this era has an impact on my creative expression and naturally there are elements of my own Scandinavian background as well.
However I think as a curious creative person, one incorporates an extensive range of influences into my work, from nature and history to fashion and architecture, though these are constantly evolving to stay fresh. Other sources of inspiration include pioneering creative masters, such as author James Joyce, architect Frank Lloyd Wright and artists Picasso, Braque and Sigmar Polke,after whom “SIGMAR” was named as well as a number of amazing choreographs, composers and film makers.
The client and the architecture is always a prominent influence. I take great pride in admitting that. As designers we are “trained eyes” and the strongest influences, some of which are noted above does influence the style to some extent, but the personality of the client and his/hers/their needs is essentially that I/we are trying to visualise and meet. It is after all their personal space that i am helping to refine.
. In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Sustainability and Mindfulness: As we live fast pace lives with tons of travel and long work hours, people are focusing more and more on creating a retreat, where they can recharge.
Emphasis is placed more on to effect peoples moods as they walk through the door and making sure to have considered their first 30 seconds needs as they enter their home.
. Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2016 and beyond .
Sustainability
Old Hollywood Elegance
Statement bathroom mirrors
Latin American Modernism
Matte metal finishes
. If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to interior design schemes, what would it be?
Plan your lighting well. invest in great lighting as they are easy to move with you and great lamps can make a room. Note the habits, movement through the whole home, so that the layout, colours and materials caters to your needs and can stand the ware and tare of use as well as of the eye.
. How important are The International Design and Architecture Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
Any recognition given by the public as well as your peers will work better for you than any advert ever will as it will gain you credibility.
. What projects are you currently working on?
We have 6 residential projects currently running as it is and we are about to embark on an open space young family’s holiday retreat of a beautiful sunny international coast line, a revamp of an amazing art deco open plan flat in Bermonsey and a 18th century Mansion House in Ireland.
. What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
To work hard, have fun while doing it and put smiles on peoples faces
. Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
Your most treasured possession? My books
Your favourite holiday destination? India
Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar? It always changes
Your favourite food and drink? I love anything with and any form of Peas, red wine is my drink next to simple cold water
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? Practising Yoga, cooking or being out in nature
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? I love what I do