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Interior Design Tips With Katharine Pooley – Interior Designer Katharine Pooley creates incredible luxurious inspiring residential and commercial projects for the most discerning clients. With a fine selection of luxury furniture to match the incredible luxury lifestyle, she forgets no details when it comes to interior design projects.

Interior Design Tips With Katharine Pooley

See Also: Living Room Design – A Simple Yet Luxurious Setup

Interior Design Tips With Katharine Pooley

This London-based interior designer is an intrepid traveler and has visited more than 150 countries making dreams become a reality in each one of her projects.

Continue reading Interior Design Tips With Katharine Pooley at Luxxu Blog.

We asked Internationally renowned designer Katharine Pooley to identify the top 10 home-decor trends in a post-pandemic world.

s the world now looks to home as a place of sanctuary and comfort, there’s a greater interest in the environmental impact of residential design and a stronger desire to create a sense of indulgence and relaxation at home that’s on a par with the very best hotels and private clubs, says London-based Katharine Pooley. Ever since founding her own business in 2004, the former banking executive has gone on to win multiple international accolades, publish a book in partnership with Assouline, and establish herself as a globe-trotting decorator to the elite spanning North America, the Middle East, Russia and China. In addition to her studio in Chelsea, she has a standalone home accessories boutique in Knightsbridge as well as a showroom in Doha, Qatar.

Her team of 45 interior designers and architects take on projects encompassing architectural design, interior design, property development and even product design. Some of her most high-profile projects include the five-year renovation of The Clarence at St James House, and the complete refurbishment of a historic Hyde Park residence. Pooley, who’s lived in Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore, shares the top 10 home-decor trends that will take our homes by storm in the next decade.

Colourful, large-scale contemporary art

“I’m using a great deal of large-scale contemporary art in residential interiors now as clients look to personalise their homes, and add visual interest and colour in a joyful way. It’s been a stressful year, so I find uplifting and peaceful abstract paintings most popular. Large-scale art creates a ‘wow’ effect and represents an intelligent investment during times of economic fluctuation.”

Hand-painted botanical wallpapers

“I’ve created some incredible, timelessly elegant interiors recently in Europe and Asia, where the bed headboard was framed with an artful display of hand-painted silk wallpaper in a contemporary interpretation of a classic chinoiserie design. It’s most glamorous when created using a tonal palate where subtle colourations emphasise the artistry of every brush stroke.”

Impactful feature staircases

“A noticeable trend in luxury residential interior design is the inclusion of grand sweeping staircases. Clients realise that in both contemporary and traditional interiors, nothing impresses more than an architecturally awe- inspiring feature staircase leading to the main entrance hall. Usually clad in marble and featuring an original design for the balustrade metal work, they’re something I love to design, as they set a luxurious tone for the rest of the property.”

Games rooms and home cinemas

“With lock-down restrictions and the resulting closure of private members clubs, restaurants and bars, there’s a growing trend in luxurious residential design that incorporates large spaces for entertaining and relaxation. I’ve just completed a seven-floor home in London with two subterranean floors that feature a games room with a billiards table, large bar, home cinema, ping-pong table, and cards table for playing poker.”

High-impact chandeliers in natural finishes

“Chandeliers are no longer confined to the ‘single pendant with faceted crystal droplets’ parameters of old. The best and most luxurious now boast a modern and stylish design aesthetic. Often abstract or sculptural in shape, these chandeliers feature beautiful natural finishes like rock crystal, alabaster or porcelain. This way, they transform the space in which they’re hung and are an exceptionally memorable talking point.”

Exterior terraces and balconies

“The past year has shown everyone the universal importance of having generous and spacious homes – especially with large exterior spaces. Especially popular now are large terraces that incorporate with infinity pools, fireplaces and seating areas wherever possible to maximise living and entertaining spaces outdoors.”

Large “his and hers” walk-in dressing rooms

“My clients invariably travel a great deal and have wonderfully large clothing and accessory collections that reflect the many different seasons and locations they visit and live in. A personally designed walk-in wardrobe to house and display these collections is therefore a must-have and a growing trend. A Katharine Pooley bespoke dressing room usually features intricate joinery, a mixture of open and closed storage, a beautiful contemporary chandelier and an elegant dressing table or central island. A ladies dressing room is most usually designed in soft-toned luxurious finishes like bleached sycamore or birds-eye maple with inset polished metal and mirror panelling incorporated throughout. A gentleman’s dressing room tends to be darker, with more masculine detailing in gunmetal or bronze.”

Large wine display rooms and joinery pieces

“So many of our clients take pleasure from collecting special vintages of wine and champagne. And they like to display their collections in original bespoke rooms with joinery in unusual and interesting finishes. This is an example of highly personalised, one-of-a-kind customisation — a client can be sure no one else will have the same design.”

Feature fireplaces

“We look to our homes for comfort in a time of uncertainty and regardless of climate or location. An open fire is comforting and gives the home a heart and a central focus. Recently I have designed and installed contemporary, sleek marble-clad fireplace walls as well as more traditional marble and stone mantle pieces. Depending on the architecture of the property in question, either design will add depth and richness to an interior.”

Spa-like luxury bathrooms

“Clients are also looking to replicate the spa experience at home, be it with the addition of large swimming pools, treatment rooms and specialist gyms or just by renovating existing bathrooms to give them a luxurious spa-like feel. I’ve noticed a growing trend for beautiful large- scale book-matched slab marble for bathrooms, especially light-coloured Italian marbles like Calacatta Oro or Milas Lilac, which have dramatic and linear veining.”

Images: Courtesy of Katharine Pooley

The post Katharine Pooley’s Top 10 Home-Decor Trends For 2021 appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

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.

Design magpie and nomadic aesthete. These are words often used by clients to describe the aesthetics of Katharine Pooley. During a 2 week tour in Southeast Asia, the director and founder of one of the most sought-after interior designers in the United Kingdom met up with PrestigeOnline.com to discuss her eponymous label, the inspirations behind her designs, her recent projects and on building an empire.

The following text has been edited for clarity and length. Images provided by Katharine Pooley Ltd. [dual-images right-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/11.jpg" left-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/41.jpg" right-caption="Pooley strikes a pose in the entrance hall of a large villa in Kuwait that was entirely designed by her. Next to her is a fabulous cabinet clad in turquoise which was designed by Kam Tin." left-caption="A stalagmite console spotted at Pooley's boutique in London, decorated with coral and malachite accessories."]

For readers who might not be familiar with your brand, what would you like them to know about Katharine Pooley Ltd?

It's a brand that's been going for 15 years. We have 47 people in our staff team and a management board of around 12 people -- all of them have been with me for over a decade which is nice, because I think it really helps with our aesthetics. Besides London, we also have offices in the Middle East as well people based in Canada and also Hong Kong.

I also lived and worked in Hong Kong for about 16 years, while my family lived and worked in the Middle East. So, I'm quite culturally well-versed with how people like to live their lives which I think that makes a big impact especially when you're designing someone's space. I don't have a particular brand style; for me, it's about visualising the client's dreams and making it reality. Every house is very different, there's not one that's the same.

Any recent projects that you'd like to share with our readers?

We just completed a 46,000 sq ft residence in Qatar which is big, even for English standards. This will be my third home for this client, who only saw it this afternoon for the first time. He never saw a mood board or anything and just said, "Go ahead". As you can imagine, there's a lot of trust involved in this project.

We also just did The Great Gatsby suite with Turnell & Gigon, which is a company that provides fabric to the royal family in the UK.  Initially, I was quite intimidated to be asked to this because these are very established designers, very well-known and very well-regarded. You also have to use their fabrics, and Turnell & Gigon are renowned for floral and classical fabrics -- but they also do very contemporary fabrics. So, I decided to do a Great Gatsby theme because a lot of my clients really like Art Deco. Lots of gold and blacks, silver and platinum, very lavish. I also had all the mantle pieces made up in marble with white feathers coming out and the ceiling. We took dry flowers and had them cascading down the ceiling, very impactful and magnanimous. Once everything was done, we threw a party where anybody who is an interior designer in the UK was in attendance including people who never come out of the woodwork.  It was very well received.

[caption id="attachment_136595" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] A breathtaking cliff-side villa overlooking Cape Town complete with an infinity pool[/caption]

Can you tell us a bit more about the interior design process at Katharine Pooley Ltd?

Each client will have a brief, but we'll also work with them along the way. For example, we'll have mood boards, and fabric choices, we'll make CGI and renders so they'll see what they're getting. We do a lot of presentations before we commit to anything so that they have a really good feel of what they like. A lot of our clients also come with their own images which they've taken from Pinterest and Instagram that really helps us to understand their briefs. Generally speaking, I like to think that I'm quite a good reader of my clients so I usually understand the brief. A lot of our work is also repeat business so we already know their tastes quite well.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

I can't say I've ever been frightened of doing a brief; there have been times where I thought to myself, "Does the client know what they want?' and would therefore  need to go back to ask more questions. If a client is living overseas, we'd need to spend more time with them to really understand from a cultural perspective -- every nationality has a different culture, so it's very important to understand this. Having been able to live overseas for many years really helps me in bridging that together. For example: Our clients in India love gold while bronze is coveted in the Middle East, whereas chrome is quite popular now in England. Everybody is different, so it's really just about understanding the different requirements.

[caption id="attachment_136591" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] A bathroom decorated with slabs of Milas Lilac marble for The Clarence At St James development located just beside London's St James Palace[/caption]

Who has been your biggest inspiration?

It would probably be my father as we're like two peas in a pod, very similar. He's very well travelled, orderly and has great passion for the universe. Travel also plays a major part of my design ethos; I get inspiration from everywhere I go, every nationality, every person that I meet along the way. In fact, my photo album in my smartphone is full right now  because I'm constantly taking photographs during these journeys. Traveling is really important to me.

Any interesting observations that you've picked up while traveling?

Every time I travel, I learn something different. I was recently staying at The PuLi Hotel and Spa in Shanghai. For me, Shanghai tends to be more classical, but they can also do a twist of modern mixed with Chinese traditions. It was really nice to go there and see all of that in harmony. I've always done east meets west, old and new. Antiques with new things. These actually work very well together, but it's got to have a story behind it.

[gallery ids="136676,136677"]

What's your absolute favourite part about decorating a home?

Each decoration has a different element to it. I personally love fabrics with specialist finishes; I feel that I have a great synergy with fabrics. The designing and installation process is also my favourite part as I love seeing things come to fruition. To get to witness our client's reactions after a brief is completed is also one of the nicest things.

Any fabric trends that our readers should know about?

I always say that you shouldn't follow trends; you should set them instead. There are so many amazing fabrics such as Turnell & Gigon, Holly Hunt, C&C Milano, Rubelli, Jason D'souza, de Le Cuona... I have my favourites.

What is your vision for the Katharine Pooley brand in the near future?

It's very funny building what I call an empire. Rome wasn't built overnight, so my advice would be to just take your time. I don't want to grow so big that it's unmanageable. However, I also want to go out with a bang just like Gatsby -- I want to be remembered, that's quite important for me. I'm going to keep doing this for another decade, and start being more selective about which projects that I take on. It has to be ones that are memorable and special, doesn't matter where or who for. They just have to feel right.

I also want to do more personal projects; I just did my first one just last year. I want to do some hotels because you get more recognition for them, and I would love to do a private jet or a big plane like a 747, and maybe some boats.

The best way I would summarise all this would be "success, in a humble way". I never want to be so famous where you are photographed everywhere. It's great to have a career where you feel regarded and respected; it's great to have a job where you love getting up every morning; and to also have some spare pennies so you can spoil the people around you.

The post An interview with interior designer Katharine Pooley appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.