December 12, 2012

interior designer kelly hoppen

One of the biggest names out of the UK when it comes to interior design belongs to Kelly Hoppen. While she got her start at a young age - still a teenager - she was quickly designing interiors for high-profile clients, including chef Gary Rhodes and actor Martin Shaw. Kelly's other projects have gone on to include designing first class cabins for British Airways and a hotel in Barcelona. She has also created the interiors for residential and commercial clients across the globe, putting her imprint on properties in New York, Hong Kong and Thailand. Kelly has released various product ranges too - from fabric to wallpaper and paint - as well as books. And more recently she has been the host of Super Interiors for the UK's Channel 5. In 2009 Kelly was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for her services to interior design.

Which five words best describe you? Passionate, motivated, ambitious, determined, curious.
How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? My first design job was designing a kitchen for a friend of my father and my career started from there. My first big design project was for a Formula 1 racing driver.
What's the best lesson you've learnt along the way? That it is the spirit of a home which creates the perfect home in which to live.
What's your proudest career achievement? Receiving my MBE from the Queen in 2009.
What's been your best decision? To persevere with what I love doing. Even though I started my business when I was very young, and it was hard to get my clients to trust me, I am happy that I kept going.
Who inspires you? Nelson Mandela
What are you passionate about? Creating homes for the way people live, not just because they are aesthetically pleasing or filled with design trends. Your home must work for you and how you live.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Nelson Mandela
What dream do you still want to fulfil? I want my brand and company to be established in lots of new territories. I would also absolutely adore to design a film/theatre set.
What are you reading? Vidal: The Autobiography by Vidal Sassoon

images courtesy of kelly hoppen

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