Name: Georgina Cave
Company: Cave Interiors
Position within company: Founder / Creative Director
Website: caveinteriors.com
. Tell us a little about your background in design
After working for several years as a specialist painter and having completed several
projects of my own, I was frequently asked to help with the design of peoples homes.
Since interiors had become such a passion, I returned to college and studied interior
design.
I set up Cave Interiors in 2002 working from home and around the needs of my two
young children. As my children grew, so did the projects in scale and variety and by
2010 the business had outgrown my small home office, so I set up my design studio in
Primrose Hill.
Now with a team of three and a growing creative reputation, we are regularly selected
to deliver spacial planning and full design of the interiors in both old and new-build
house projects. Our work now includes the complete renovation and interior design of
an historic landmark building and several listed ones, as well as many lovely homes
from large houses to two bedroom apartments.
. How would you describe your personal interior design style?
I like spaces that are interesting in terms of layout, form & texture. They must work well
with the original architecture, be comfortable to inhabit and should always reflect the
personality of the owner, not the designer. The trick is to create spaces that don’t
appear “designed”. They must be aesthetically beautiful without compromising
function. Mixing old with new is also a favorite.
. Where does your design inspiration come from?
My family home was full of antiques, beautiful art, and a variety of colour and texture.
Whilst beautiful, it was ultimately relaxed and in tune with the people who lived in it. I
am always influenced by the architecture of the building, but most importantly the
people who will be inhabiting them. It is always about capturing the essence of our
clients and how they live, so that we leave them with a home that suits their personality
& lifestyle.
. In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
There has been a real move away from slick minimal design to a more earthy and eco
friendly way of living. Homes, hotels and restaurants, or at least the ones I like, are
more people friendly and less sterile/pristine.
. Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2015 and beyond.
1. Eco-friendly – an awareness of the environment is always key.
2. Function & form
3. Consideration to the existing architecture
4. Home is where the heart is.
5. Recycling the past
. If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to interior design schemes, what
would it be?
A home should make sense to the people who live in them. Therefore design, whether it
be the interiors or furniture itself, should support and enhance the way those people live
and how they function in everyday life.
. How important are The International Design and Architecture Awards as recognition of
talent and achievement?
The awards are hugely instrumental in gaining positive exposure for architects and
designers, and their work. It’s an honour to be shortlisted and have our work
recognised.
. What projects are you currently working on?
The complete design of a 7 bedroom, 7 bathroom new build house with a home
cinema, indoor pool and gym in Highgate, London.
The renovation & refurbishment of a grade II listed house in Camden.
The renovation & refurbishment of a mansion block apartment in central London.
The redecoration of a family home in Primrose Hill .
Consultancy for a new healthy fast food restaurant.
Space planning & interior design of a new build house in the Scottish Highlands.
. What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
To grow the business whilst still working closely with my clients and leading each
project fully from a creative point of view.
. Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
Your most treasured possession? A ring my husband had made for me for our
20th wedding anniversary. It was inspired by the wedding ring I had designed for him,
but is ultimately more feminine.
Your favourite holiday destination? – Turks & Caicos…so far!
Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar? – The Ace New York / Moro / Shoreditch
House (5th floor)
Your favourite book / film / song? A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled
Hosseini/ Argo / Anything by Jake Bugg (currently)
Your favourite food and drink? The food at Moro – a glass of Prosecco
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? –Spending
time with my family either over a long lazy pub lunch, visiting a gallery or catching a
late afternoon movie.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? An architect
Anything else interesting? I love to design furniture to suit a particular space and
person in terms of style & function, plus we have several designs on display in our
showroom that can be adapted to suit. This small showroom / interiors boutique,
fronts our design studio in Primrose Hill and here we represent and promote the work
of other primarily British designers, alongside some vintage finds, and other beautiful
homewares that have caught my eye.