Obsidian Interiors have been shortlisted for Kitchen Design Over £50,000 Award and Bathroom Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2021. Read more about Head Designer, Alison Evans, below:
Name: Alison Evans
Company: Obsidian Interiors
Position within company: Showroom Manager / Head Designer
Website: www.obsidian-interiors.co.uk
Tell us a little about your background in design:
I completed a Higher National Diploma in Design and have worked in the industry for the last 23 years, whilst being nominating and winning several Awards over the years. For some time, I ran my own interior design business and I am currently now managing and designing at Obsidian Interiors.
How would you describe your personal design style?
I would say that my personal design style is modern. I’m really inspired by clean lines, dark woods, and bold looks. Less is more, but I still like a pop of colour or an abstract piece of art.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
My initial design interest came from my Aunt who was an artist and my Dad who had a very good eye for detail. I have more recently been inspired by Kelly Hoppen and Kelly Wearstler who are both very established designers. I’ve always been interested in fashion and design from a very young age and always had an eye for detail.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.
– Arts and crafts; paintings and pieces of art are increasingly popular, people are appreciating the value of handmade, decorative pieces that mean something to them and add to the design.
– Global influence; earthy, warm and natural textures is a massive trend. Influenced by nature, wildlife and natural elements.
– Classics style; still a timeless trend and taking inspiration from the 18th/19th century which incorporates classic art, antiques, history, but mixing it with industrial and modern elements.
– Houseplants; hanging creepers to blowsy. Bringing vibrancy and colour into our homes. Freshens the air, and releasing lots of oxygen.
– Industrial: The industrial style is becoming more popular and super trendy. Furniture pieces that are naturally suited to big, unfinished living rooms. Anything rugged, vintage, and raw. seeing a lot more loft spaces and converted warehouses, the architecture itself is central to industrial style.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
I would say the most important advice when it comes to design schemes is really listening to the clients needs and desires, and having a great installation team that can help to fulfil my designs.
How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
The International Design & Architecture Awards is recognised as the best in the world and to be shortlisted into these categories is just overwhelming. It’s a great platform to see worldwide designer talent and to also showcase mine.
What projects are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on lots of projects at the moment. A new build overlooking Bath spa, a converted barn at the smokery in the Cotswolds, four penthouses in the heart of Cheltenham spa, working alongside and helping big developers on the Lakes by Yoo and New England.
What are some of the products or services that you couldn’t live without?
My computer system, the amazing suppliers I work with and the installation teams.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
My aims and goals for the next twelve months. To drive the business forward and complete all these fantastic projects we are currently working on, to take on two more designers, attract and develop better projects and complete and aim to finished whole house interior section to the business which we’ve been working on behind the scenes.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession?
My Children
Your favourite holiday destination?
Coachella Music festival.
Your favourite hotel?
The Hoxton in Paris.
Your favourite food and drink?
I love a porn star martini and any form of fresh fish.
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
A good run followed by some retail therapy, a lovely lunch by a big open fire with the family and then followed by a lovely evening with girls dressing up, having a few drinks, and lots of giggles.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
I would of gone into the fashion or fitness industry.
Anything else interesting?
The builders and installation teams we work with need to get the credit too. Without them our designs wouldn’t be completed to the highest standard. It’s all a team effect and I couldn’t do it without them. MJL were the local builders that helped me with this project.
Obsidian Interiors have been shortlisted for Kitchen Design Over £50,000 Award and Bathroom Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2021.
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