A good project starts with a good foundation, quite literally. Don’t scrimp on this part as you’ll only live to regret it. Do consider the flow and functionality. Spend time here and really test things out before making the final decision. Make sure you understand how you are going to use your space and go from there.
It instantly adds joy to a space, an outfit and a mood, I wouldn’t be without it. Be bold and make that choice - it will make you and other people happy. For a long time I didn’t like lilacs and shades of purple however, I think it’s having a bit of a moment right now and I have embraced these tones. One of our latest projects in New York, Hotel Barrière Fouquet’s New York, has a soft feminine colour palette of pinks and lilacs and it hangs together beautifully.
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Think about how the light will be from morning through to night. Make sure you think about how the room or space will function throughout the day too - do you need a good light for working under? How will you adapt the mood when moving into the evening? I think of lighting a room in 4 zones: low-level floor lighting, mid-level wall lights and sconces and statement overhead lighting, like chandeliers. Finally, add in your cosy lighting options like table lamps and candle light. It’s all about creating the right mood.
Buy the knick knack that makes you smile or the antique that just caught your eye. Don’t be precious about things. Use the expensive fabric and embrace the special artwork. Life is too short to save things for ‘best’.
I'm an avid fan of knick knacks, I think they help make a house a home. I'm always picking things up and styling them within my home. I'm currently developing some brass fire tongs for And Objects and so I'm enjoying using the latest prototype as the temperature drops and we start to have fires again.
There are professionals for this for a reason.
Take inspiration from your location and the building’s own story: in doing so you instantly anchor your space and give it grounding.
No one ever looks glamorous under them. Opt for a softer diffuser, like my Littleton Diffusers from And Objects.
Creating a home isn’t a sprint, it’s a lifelong journey. Take your time collecting pieces and building up the layers. This is especially true when it comes to buying artwork and objet: I have spent years building up my art collection, and I am still adding to it now. Don’t forget to think about framing too. Often this is a quick and easy win on updating a space.
Making a home is a deeply personal experience and you should enjoy the ride.
