Elle Designs Ltd have been shortlisted for Luxury Residence – UK Award, Residential £5 Million Plus (Property Value) Award and Interior Design Scheme – UK Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2020. Read more about Design/Creative Director, Toni Bond, below:
Name: Toni Bond
Company: Elle Designs Ltd
Position within company: Design/Creative Director
Instagram: elledesigninterior
Tell us a little about your background in design
We have been developing high end residential projects for over 25 years and have generated a very loyal client base who we work with on many new builds, town houses and country house projects both in the U.K, Europe and further afield. Elle Designs Ltd have a very experienced and talented team.
How would you describe your personal design style?
Elle Designs Ltd’s design ethos and aesthetic has, and always will be, to apply or to add a timeless and elegant feel throughout our projects; if necessary punctuated with an unexpected element to add interest. However, we are always striving for something above and beyond what is expected and to exceed our clients’ expectations. We simply do not accept second best and work tirelessly to that end; our talented team scrutinise every design detail in order that finishes are seamless and to the standard expected by discerning clientele. Styles are constantly evolving so we always keep an eye on what is on trend. We feel that no stone should be left unturned in the pursuit of excellence and working closely with the other main protagonists on projects maximises the chances of achieving this. If we believe anything, it is that classic contemporary elegance is timeless and that often less really can be far more. We use softer, subtle background palettes punctuated with a mélange of carefully chosen colours in appropriate places. We prefer things that have scale and endeavour to build this into our work alongside all and any necessary partners. Our design intent tries to encapsulate stunning visuals with a sub-text of practicality and a grander vision for all year round living
Where does your design inspiration come from?
Inspiration can come from virtually anywhere, different cultures; travel is a huge inspiration but I am inspired by places even closer to home. It can be anything really, art, fabrics, fashion. Inspiration is everywhere, and is only limited by your own imagination and the desire to integrate what you see into your designs. Staying interested is key. Our starting point is to allow for natural creativity and flow followed by a more detailed design overlay. Early instruction allows our team to build this into the planning phase and it therefore becomes intrinsic as opposed to an afterthought in any project. Project design can become far more seamless and integrated if professional designers, such as ourselves, are instructed very early in the life of a project and helps us to exceed the clients’ vision; we always strive for perfection and to create stunning spaces.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Clearly, and quite rightly, there has been an ever growing focus on sustainability, but I feel that we should not replace style with a more utilitarian option to achieve this. Environmental issues will come to the fore making designers question the current status quo and as creative individuals, we will look for forward thinking green options.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.
- Lifestyle – how do you want to live post Covid-19/Generally supporting our own Artisan makers and taking a more holistic/organic approach to design.
- Families are now looking for their own private spaces within their homes.
- Less is more – less waste and more style.
- Quality and Beauty alongside sustainability.
- Design something that could actually last a lifetime.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Begin with a spine of practicality, if you don’t, however beautiful the final creation, it will be difficult to live with on a daily basis.
How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
It is a privilege to be considered among such great designers. All good designers grow and take pieces of inspiration from others, so if you have enough of them in one room you’re almost guaranteed some innovation.
What projects are you currently working on?
We have a range of projects from new build out of the ground grand maison to established old country houses and a fabulous Spanish retreat on the Costa Blanca.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
To develop our client base further and become synonymous with excellence, creating beautiful homes for clients along the way.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession?
My partner and family
Your favourite holiday destination?
Maldives for chilling, Rome for romance
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
Villa Sant’Andrea – Le Caprice
Your favourite book, film & song?
Godfather Part 1- Doctor Zhivago
Your favourite food and drink?
A simple spaghetti vongole with a crisp rosé
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Walking on any beach with the sun shining
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
Possibly a hotelier
Elle Designs Ltd have been shortlisted for Luxury Residence – UK Award, Residential £5 Million Plus (Property Value) Award and Interior Design Scheme – UK Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2020.
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