Celebrity Life

From prestigious townhouses in London and luxury chalets in Italy to a large city-centre apartment in Singapore, and a hotel and clubhouse in China, Katharine Pooley has done it all.

Once a banking executive, the London-based interior designer is today an award-winning decorator of choice to the global elite, having grown her business across the world since founding it in 2004. The award-winning designer, who also once lived in Hong Kong, Thailand and Singapore, shares her vision, beliefs and creative process.

[caption id="attachment_211782" align="aligncenter" width="671"] Katharine Pooley.[/caption]

The current pandemic has made the world stay home and put more focus on our living spaces. Has Covid-19 influenced interior trends of late?

Absolutely. Covid-19 has reinforced the importance of home as a place of sanctuary and comfort. I also see a greater interest in the environmental impact of design and making responsible design choices that have a positive effect on the surrounding environment.

What are some of the strongest trends to emerge this year that will continue well into the future?

Generally, the strongest trends are for more spacious and more luxurious interiors that are highly personal, multifaceted and include standout features like swimming pools, bars, gyms and large terraces that many used to enjoy in the very best hotels and private members’ clubs. Colour trends are for soothing, light and tonal interiors with the introduction of small quantities of richer accent tones like aubergine, burnt orange and deep inky blues.

Speaking about trends, I’m always curious about the lifespan of an interior design trend.

I don’t like to follow trends; our clients expect to set trends, not follow them. They are not interested in having what everyone else already has. They want what nobody even knows they want yet. I do often look to other industries for inspiration though, such as the fashion industry.

[caption id="attachment_211783" align="aligncenter" width="683"] The stairs in a Mayfair townhouse completely redesigned by Katharine Pooley.[/caption]

How often should we actually refurbish our home so that it doesn’t look dated?

I believe if designed well, an interior should not need updating. However, many of our clients would look at a partial refresh every decade as the family evolves and sensibilities change. Also it is only natural that clients may want small changes and additions over the year so we continue to work with them to ensure the interior evolves in line with their lifestyle. I am very proud of our aftercare service!

What should we look out for in ensuring we don’t jump atop a trend wagon blindly to find that a fad has passed in a flash?

I find it helpful to look at the fashion world. Some styles are so timelessly elegant, original and cleanly realised, they never date. Think classic Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Celine etc. Aim to create the same ambience in your interior, one that is effortlessly glamorous, chic and understated, but also unmistakably luxurious. Don’t be driven by what is fashionable but more by what is beautiful. These classic pieces will continue to be elegant even as trends rise and fall around them.

What are the key must-dos and the major no’s in decorating for our tropical climate?

There are obvious finishes to be avoided and embraced in tropical countries. I know from my many years living in Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong that harder finishes will prove more durable and sanitary in humid conditions. I love to use resins, high-gloss lacquers, poured metals and polished marble together with textured timber and stone to create layered, rich interiors that are durable as well as luxurious. The most important thing when using hard finishes is to balance them with soft textured fabrics so that the space remains inviting and atmospheric.

[caption id="attachment_211784" align="aligncenter" width="744"] A Moroccan-styled room in the tropics.[/caption]

What would you like to see Asia do more of?

I think that some of the architectural design in Asia (and elsewhere, we are equally at fault in Europe) can be so contemporary and cutting-edge that it has lost its soul and does not speak to the surrounding landscape nor the humanity of those who will live within it. I would love to see more natural texture and warmth in these designs, and a little more richness and layering perhaps.

What is your creative process like when designing a home?

I start by taking a detailed brief from the client, analysing all floor plans and, where possible, visiting the site. This will then lead to the conceptual design stage where through sketches, conceptual imagery, modelling, layout development and loose finish and fabric schemes, a design starts to take shape. Once the client is happy with the conceptual direction, the detailed design work commences.

This takes the form of three packages. Firstly, a very detailed architectural drawing package including all elevations, sections, plans, bathrooms, kitchens and joinery. Secondly, a specification package covering all door ironmongery, joinery detailing, lighting, floor and wall finishes, AV equipment and systems, and bathroom and kitchen fixtures and equipment. Thirdly, an FFE (furniture, fixtures, equipment) package which breaks down in a clear and comprehensive way every furniture piece, window treatment, fabric and accessory. These three packages are presented to the client along with CGI renderings and rendered elevations that show every piece in the interior in each room for client sign-off alongside associated costs.

I try to keep the process very simple and straightforward. Total transparency is key as well as really listening and responding to the client at every step. The client often requests revisions and changes at each stage and we then work to accommodate all their feedback and achieve total sign-off to move forward with their blessing and trust to the procurement stage, building works and finally, installation and handover.

[caption id="attachment_211785" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] The elegant living room of The Clarence at St James’ House, designed by Katharine Pooley.[/caption]

How much of a project is you, and how much of it is your client?

I would say it is 50/50 – it is a partnership and a meeting of minds. All of my clients become very important to me as they are entrusting me with something very personal to them, along with intimate knowledge of their life and how they like to live. My vision is always inspired by my client and anchored in who they are as people. The fun part of my job is to draw this out of them in the early stages and then leave them alone for all the hard work of creating it, and then surprise them with it at completion. Many clients have become close personal friends so I must be doing something right!

What would be the basic guidelines for good design for a high-rise city apartment?

Flow is key, the spaces must lead into and open into each other. Natural light must be utilised and finishes should use the same narrative throughout. In a small space, every piece must have aesthetic value and flexibility, and the lighting must be exquisite.

What’s a completed recent project that you are most proud of, and why?

The property I completed last month in Mayfair, London for an international client has to be seen to be believed. It is a townhouse set across seven floors, including a spa, pool, gym, home cinema, seven bedrooms and multiple entertaining areas and terraces. It’s fresh, chic, luxurious and full of awe-inspiring art, chandeliers and joinery. It was for a young client and we turned around the interior in five months and during the Covid-19 shutdown. I am very proud of that in particular, as we worked tirelessly to ensure the client and his wife were thrilled with the final outcome!

This story first appeared on Prestige Singapore

(All images: Katharine Pooley/London)

The post Interior Designer Katharine Pooley on Post-Covid Decor Trends and Curating Dream Homes appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Socialite and fashionista Denise Lo invites us into her home to discover how she makes her trinkets and objects the stars of the show.

Perched above Kennedy Road, the balcony of Lo’s Christian Dior-inspired home overlooks the heart of Hong Kong. A self-proclaimed hoarder, Lo has made her residence a museum of personal likes, souvenirs and artworks amassed from her extensive travels. Her previous home, a little further uphill on Bowen Road, was an exercise in minimalism – “completely concrete and graphite, with dark-grey and light-brown tones” – but after a tenant moved out of Lo’s Kennedy Road space, she took the plunge and moved in. The move coincided with her new role at Dior at the time, which seemed reason enough to make the change.

[caption id="attachment_211027" align="alignnone" width="1055"] Socialite and fashionista Denise Lo invites us into her colourful, eclectic home.[/caption]

Her stint at the brand appears to have influenced her home decor quite heavily, with light grey coloured walls and white panelled trims reminiscent of the signature colour of the maison’s stores. Paired with these are light, warm wooden floors that are the opposite of the concrete aesthetic she describes at the old home. When it comes to the layout, practicality is Lo’s priority: the kitchen at Kennedy Road used to be three times the size, but since Lo doesn’t cook, she slashed the area to make room for a study and guest bathroom – she has guests over often. Lo also installed extensive storage space behind three of her panelled walls to store her treasures.

The living room features a large, pale grey plush sofa, a light grey rectangular ottoman and two white chairs from Restoration Hardware surrounding a large wooden coffee table. When designing her home, Lo considered the overall feel before deciding how to decorate it, wanting a very comfortable, light and airy setting. Most shelving, aside from the two ceiling-length bronze shelves flanking her television, are painted white to keep the atmosphere light.

Travel is a large source of inspiration. “I’m a shopaholic,”Lo admits. “I love to travel and buy different things but somehow whatever I buy looks good in my house. Sometimes it’s ethnic, sometimes it’s a Dior-esque sort of thing, or sometimes it’s just cute.

“I’m definitely eclectic and buy so many things, but they all mean something and bring me joy – that’s why I can never get rid of things.” Not surprisingly, she’s looking for a bigger place to make room for her ever-expanding collection.

Lo adores elaborate table settings. Occupying almost half of her home, her long rectangular dining table seats up to 12, with plush light-grey chairs to match the rest of her house. For our shoot, she sought the help of good friend Monica Cheung to style her home.

As a result, her dining table was bursting with an assortment of flowers in a variety of vases, all from French brands such as Astier de Villatte.

[caption id="attachment_211028" align="alignnone" width="927"] Denise Lo has a penchant for flowers and vibrant trinkets.[/caption]

“Elaborate table settings make me so happy,” she says. “Even looking at all the pictures again after entertaining, as well as putting it together, makes the entire living experience more pleasurable. I just love tableware. I have four complete settings, but the problem is where to store them all.” Most of Lo’s tableware including the coloured crystal glasses are from Dior. She’s also a fan of kitsch designs and quirky decor, such as the Señor and Señorita vases displayed on the dining table.

Lo’s design mantra revolves around how she feels: “Everything in your house must be something you like. You could be buying the most expensive furniture, but if you don’t feel like you’re at home, then it’s a problem,” she says. “I like my home to be comfortable, to have things that I love, so that when I look at them it brings me so much happiness. All the things here, I don’t get tired of them – even pieces I’ve had for more than 20 years. That’s why it’s very hard to practise the Marie Kondo method. How can you throw everything away? That’s not me.”

One of her favourite pieces is a decorative foldable screen by Coquecigrues that’s hand painted with bamboo leaves and figurines, which she bought at La Boutique Living on Shelley Street. Art is also a large decorative element in Lo’s home, which she mainly credits to Sotheby’s Asia chairwoman, Patti Wong, who introduced her to art collecting.

“My favourite artist is Yoshitomo Nara,” she says. “I love anything Japanese. Takashi Murakami and Ayako Rokkaku are also among my favourites. I like girly, colourful things.” Lo also has two colourful and cartoonish paintings by American pop artist Mr Likey, which add bursts of colour to her living room.

The post Modern Wonderland: Denise Lo Invites Us Into Her Colourful Home appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Discover Philippe Starck’s Amazing Dining Chair Collections ⇒ Philippe Starck a French designer, architect and creator captured the design world’s attention with his unique projects. From architecture to luxury furniture, his avant-garde pieces are a sight for sore eyes. Take a look at his most famous dining chair collections.

⇒ Spring Kitchen Trends You Can Follow at Home⇐

Ghost

Inspired by the Louis XV-style dining chairs, this modern take on elegance adds a stylish flair to the dining area, being able to become both the centerpiece or an accent that perfectly blends in with the other furniture in the room, allowing more creative customization and styling.

Continue reading Discover Philippe Starck’s Amazing Dining Chair Collections at Luxxu Blog.

Dining Room Trends: New Use Of Metals ⇒ Industrial design has been the trend to make the most out of metallic accents for years, but in 2020 we see these materials taking a cozy turn and being incorporated into homey, modern environments. The dining room is no exception and LUXXU has compiled a few examples of modern, unique Dining Room Trends solely focused on metallics.

⇒ Be Amazed By Paris Fashion Week 2020’s Runway Looks ⇐

Copper Legs

Add some chic to your dining space by including metallic accents into the furniture, such as copper legs for your chairs and table.

Continue reading Dining Room Trends: New Use Of Metals at Luxxu Blog.

Home Decoration: Black & Gold Trend Lives on with these Modern Stools ⇒ Be mesmerized by three marvelous modern stools that highlight this exquisite color combination

One of the most utilized color combinations in the industry of interior design is undoubtedly black and gold. When mixed together, these two shades create a dramatic and timeless effect.

Continue reading Home Decoration: Black & Gold Trend Lives on with these Modern Stools at Luxxu Blog.

Modern Sofas: 10 Statement Upholsteries for a Striking Home Decor ⇒ Discover the most sumptuous creations to upgrade your home interiors, from the living room to the outdoors!

In today’s article, LUXXU Blog will showcase a series of remarkable modern sofas that are the epitome of daring and innovative design, not only due to their curvaceous nature but also their versatility in materials and comfort.

Continue reading Modern Sofas: 10 Statement Upholsteries for a Striking Home Decor at Luxxu Blog.

Discover the Best Online Stores to Buy Remarkable Lighting Designs ⇒ If you want to find the best contemporary and modern lighting options out there, then the following online stores will certainly help you!

When it comes to interior design and home decoration, one of the most fundamental aspects to take into consideration is lighting. Nowadays, the market and demand have evolved in such a manner that there are hundreds of thousands of options for homeowners to choose from.

Continue reading Discover the Best Online Stores to Buy Remarkable Lighting Designs at Luxxu Blog.

Home Decoration Ideas: 10 Ostentatious Mirrors for a Unique Aesthetic ⇒ If you want to elevate the interior design of your dining or living room, then these mirrors would be the perfect addition. 

Wall Mirrors have the astounding capacity to give depth and character to a room without requiring too much effort. These highly decorative items can altogether transform an interior and certainly offer a brighter touch and can easily become complementary designs to one’s lighting and furnishings.

Continue reading Home Decoration Ideas: 10 Ostentatious Mirrors for a Unique Aesthetic at Luxxu Blog.

Maison et Objet Review: One-of-a-Kind Furniture & Lighting Designs ⇒ Revere in the most innovative display of design products courtesy of the Parisian trade show and all the innovative brands and designers that were a part of it.

Maison et Objet is perhaps best known for being an international trade show that offers the best solutions in regards to interior design and one’s lifestyle.

Continue reading Maison et Objet Review: One-of-a-Kind Furniture & Lighting Designs at Luxxu Blog.

Dining Room Ideas: Boost Your Modern Design with Dazzling Upholsteries ⇒ If you are looking for to upgrading your dining room, then the succeeding interior design projects will help you out

The dining room set is one of the most important divisions of a home and as such a lot of attention needs to go into decorating the space that will hold all the family dinners. In order to create a harmonious and modern dining room, LUXXU showcases a curated selection of luxurious dining chairs and even armchairs, all made of the noblest materials and highlight a unique aesthetic, that will help you out create the most sumptuous interior design.

Continue reading Dining Room Ideas: Boost Your Modern Design with Dazzling Upholsteries at Luxxu Blog.