Interior Style Hunter Podcast, The Business of Interior Design

In this podcast episode, I speak with contemporary artists|makers, Zoe Wilson and Daniel Freyne who will both be showcasing their works at Collect, the Leading International Fair for Contemporary Craft and Design.  Daniel Freyne is not your traditional blacksmith, he goes against the norms to create beautiful, unconventional craft forms using steel. Zoë Wilson is another artist to keep your eyes on. For almost 12 years she has been a stone carver, creating bespoke hand-carved geometric stone artwork using a traditional mallet and chisel. It is fascinating to hear Zoe and Daniel discuss their craft journey. We gain a deep insight into their world of craft, looking at the materials they use, their relationship with these materials, their skills, and much much more. What was so interesting to note was that both makers placed great emphasis on the process that the materials undergo before they are transformed into the final piece. 

“Now in its 18th year: Collect, The Leading International Fair for Contemporary Craft and Design, produced by the UK Crafts Council, is returning in 2022 as a hybrid fair. The fair will be physically at Somerset House in London from 25-27th February and, in partnership with Artsy.net, online from 23rd February – 6th March. Tickets are now available to buy at: https://www.craftscouncil.org.uk/collect-art-fair”

In this episode, we welcome Alexandria Dauley and Sophie Ashby, Founders of United In Design.  We talk about the social changes that have happened across the globe this year and how the United In Design charity is going to address issues around diversity in the interior design sector.  Key Points From This Episode Introduction to both, Alexandria and Sophie, Founders of United In Design. [0:00:17]  United In Design takes action in the interiors sector.  [0:01:54]   What is United In Design all about? [0:07:19] How did you both start working together? [0:16:40] What is it that you are asking people to do and what is your hope for this charity? [0:20:01] What are the seven pledges? [0:24:20] All this and more inside today’s episode! So make sure to tune in to hear it all. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Website - United In Design Instagram - United In Design

In this episode two leaders in the design sector, Karen Howes and Jonathan Holmes join me to discuss their latest creative campaigns to support small makers, craftsmen, artisans and suppliers to the design sector.  Taylor Howes and LuxDeco have stepped up to the plate and used their influence and leverage to create some positivity during the Covid-19 pandemic. To find out more about their campaigns visit the links below: LuxDeco - Think Big Shop Small Taylor Howes - Keep Creativity Going Listen to the podcast to find out more and how you can get involved. 

Welcome to the second season of the Interior Style Hunter Podcast, hosted by Grant Pierrus.  In this eighth episode, we welcome Nick Shute and Stefan Dodds, Co-founders of Dodds & Shute.  We uncover some fascinating insights into Dodds & Shute and their approach to disrupting the design sector through sustainable procurement. Key Points From This Episode Introduce yourselves and tell us more about your business [0:00:01]  The progression of sustainable procurement through the design sector and the influence Dodd & Shute have in the market. [0:03:36]   What is it that Dodd & Shute do, what service do you offer? [0:05:07]   Getting the function, design and sustainability element to work in a project, is a challenge - how do we solve the problem?  [0:07:36]   What are furniture companies actually doing to change their sustainable credentials? . [0:9:23]   Where does the responsibility lie - producer, designer/architects/consumer - and how to get all parties to stand up. [0:13:11]   Where do Dodds & Shute get their best ideas? [0:24:00]   What is the biggest challenge faced through building your business  [0:25:31]  All this and more inside today’s episode! So make sure to tune in to hear it all. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Website - Dodds & Shute Instagram - Dodds & Shute

Welcome to the second season of the Interior Style Hunter Podcast, hosted by Grant Pierrus.  In this seventh episode, we welcome Oliver Stephenson, Director of Life Kitchens. We uncover some fascinating insights into Life Kitchens and their approach to adding value to the design of a kitchen. Key Points From This Episode Tell us about Life Kitchens. How you started it? Why you started it? [0:00:01]  Why are people investing in kitchen design? What is your approach to adding value to the design of a kitchen?  [0:07:24]   What are the most common features that people are requesting in kitchens? Is there a design element that Life Kitchens is introducing to clients that is very popular at the moment?  [0:09:52]   How is Life Kitchens set up to work with the design trade? [0:15:05] Understanding a bit more about your processes. Where are your best ideas coming from? [0:21:20] How customers can “try before they buy”; the virtual reality platform offered by Life Kitchens.  [0:25:03] What can we look forward to in the next 6 months? [0:33:57] All this and more inside today’s episode! So make sure to tune in to hear it all. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Website - Life Kitchens Instagram - Life Kitchens

Welcome to the second season of the Interior Style Hunter Podcast, hosted by Grant Pierrus.  In this sixth episode, we welcome Bernie de Le Cuona, Founder and CEO of de Le Cuona. During our discussion we uncover some valuable insights into sustainability in the interior design sector. De Le Cuona have invested heavily in sustainability and Bernie and I discuss the technicality of doing so, but also the benefits, which aren’t always financial. Key Points From This Episode How has the vision of the de Le Cuona brand changed over the last 27 Years? [0:03:46]  Where does Bernie de Le Cuona find design inspiration. [0:07:25]   What does sustainability mean to Bernie de Le Cuona? What does it mean to the de Le Cuona Clients? [0:08:43] Launch of the first organic collection for the home by de Le Cuona [0:12:06] Why should Designers and Architects be suggesting organics to their clients? [0:12:40] How has the development of this organic linen set you apart from your competitors? [0:16:55]   All this and more inside today’s episode! So make sure to tune in to hear it all. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Website - de Le Cuona Instagram - de Le Cuona Website - Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)

Welcome to the second season of the Interior Style Hunter Podcast, hosted by Grant Pierrus. This series of interviews is going to give you an inside view of the design world from a business perspective.  In this fifth episode, we welcome Charu Gandhi, Founder and Director of Elicyon Limited. It’s all about the business of interior design on today’s podcast.  Key Points From This Episode The fast changing and diverse career options in the Interior Design sector. [0:01:12] Should an established Institute be looking at the intersection between Interior Design and Interior Architecture? [0:05:11] How will the luxury interior design sector develop over the next few years? [0:10:38] How does Charu see sustainability in the design sector at the moment and suggestions in how designers can drive this movement?  [0:14:35] Is style becoming class led as opposed to being locally influenced?  [0:18:42] What is luxury?  [0:22:28] What does a modern interior design firm look like? How does it play out in the market?  [0:25:58] Three incredible projects Elicyon have recently completed. [0:35:18] Awards, press and mentions. [0:40:33] All this and more inside today’s episode! So make sure to tune in to hear it all. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Website - Elicyon Limited Instagram - Elicyon RIBA Architects Registration Board BIID SBID

Welcome to the second season of the Interior Style Hunter Podcast, hosted by Grant Pierrus. This series of interviews is going to give you an inside view of the design world from a business perspective. Our goal is to learn how some fellow entrepreneurs have overcome certain issues in their business and apply it to our own circumstances.  In this fourth episode, we welcome Sandrine Zhang Ferron, Founder of Vinterior. Vinterior exists to turn everyday places into remarkable spaces by filling them with pieces of real character. They believe that everyone should be able to create a beautiful home or workspace, whatever their lifestyle, budget and taste. And that’s exactly what they are doing. In this episode we learn more about how tech helps democratise interiors.. Key Points From This Episode Who does Vinterior serve and how does Vinterior curate the dealers? [0:7:15] Discussing tech platforms and how these are disrupting the interiors sector [0:12:38] How does Sandrine Zhang Ferron ensure she’s operating at her best, touching on wellness and innovation? [0:16:36] What is the biggest challenge in growing Vinterior? [0:17:55] What can we look forward to from Vinterior? [0:19:08] All this and more inside today’s episode! So make sure to tune in to hear it all. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Website - Vinterior

Welcome to the second season of the Interior Style Hunter Podcast, hosted by Grant Pierrus. This series of interviews is going to give you an inside view of the design world from a business perspective. Our goal is to learn how some fellow entrepreneurs have overcome certain issues in their business and apply it to our own circumstances.  In this third episode, we welcome James Malcolm Green, Gallery Director of Achille Salvagni Atelier and Founder of Mayfair Design District We uncover some fascinating insights into the Mayfair Design District. Key Points From This Episode Why James founded the Mayfair Design District. [0:06:35]   Making collectible design accessible. [0:13:50]  What should the buyer be looking for? What does an “edition” actually mean? [0:17:54] How does PAD influence the collectible design sector [0:23:00] Highlights of what to expect within Mayfair Design District this September. [0:27:24] All this and more inside today’s episode! So make sure to tune in to hear it all. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Website - Achille Salvagni Atelier Website - Wick & Tallow Bespoke Ltd Instagram - James Malcolm Green Instagram - Wick & Tallow Bespoke Ltd Instagram - Mayfair Design District

Welcome to the second season of the Interior Style Hunter Podcast, hosted by Grant Pierrus. This series of interviews is going to give you an inside view of the design world from a business perspective. Our goal is to learn how some fellow entrepreneurs have overcome certain issues in their business and apply it to our own circumstances.  In this second episode, we welcome Rion Willard, Director and Architect of The Thinking Hand Studio Architects (TTHS Architects) and host of the podcast The Business of Architecture UK.  We uncover some fascinating insights into the similar challenges that both interior designers and architects face. Fees in particular.  Key Points From This Episode How to build a successful partnership between interior designers and architects? [0:06:15]  How do you work with an Interior Designer?  [0:10:14]  How do the two sectors work together and overlap? [0:23:44]  What are the biggest challenges facing the Architectural sector at the moment and are they similar to what designers experience?  [0:29:21]  Fees, not standing up and educating the market place about the incredible value that design brings to humanity  [0:34:49]  All this and more inside today’s episode! So make sure to tune in to hear it all. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: TTHS Architects - Website The Business of Architecture UK

Welcome to the second season of the Interior Style Hunter Podcast, hosted by Grant Pierrus. This series of interviews is going to give you an inside view of the design world from a business perspective. Our goal is to learn how some fellow entrepreneurs have overcome certain issues in their business and apply it to our own circumstances. In this first episode, we are joined by Jonathan Holmes, CEO of LuxDeco. In just 6 years, LuxDeco have grown from a team of 4 to a team of 35 and now serve clients in over 60 countries. Their curated online destination helps design enthusiasts to discover and shop luxury interior products. All this and more insidetoday’s episode! So make sure to tune in to hear it all. Key Points From This Episode How Jonathan built LuxDeco from a team of 4 to a team 35 in just 6 years[0:05:38]   Why LuxDeco decided crowdfunding was the best way to raise capital[0:11:53]   What is crowdfunding?[0:14:38] What does LuxDeco plan to do with this investment?[0:19:50] How do you get involved? [0:24:06] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: LuxDeco - Website LuxDeco - Instagram LuxDeco - Invest

Welcome to another episode of The Interior Style Hunter Podcast. Today on the show we are very happy to be talking to Elliott March and James White of March & White. March & White is an international design house with studios in London, New York, and Los Angeles. The company has a focus on narrative, luxury, and relevancy and James and Elliott are here to tell us a little more about its history and future. In our conversation we chat about the different design spaces March & White inhabits before considering the effects of this interdisciplinary dynamic. We chat about the emphasis they put on a client’s narrative and weaving it into a project and also get into the three core values that run through all the work that they do. Elliott and James share some of their favourite projects, spaces and ideas around personal style before we finish off the show with our usual quick fire questions! For all this and much more be sure to tune in! Key Points From This Episode: The three prongs of design at March & White. Working with specialists across disciplines and cross pollination of ideas. The narrative-focused design process at the company. Staying competitive through honesty and a consistent story. Elliott and James’ personal favourite projects and why. Personal style and aesthetics and how this fits into a professional setting. March & White’s business journey and some of the lessons learned. The company’s three key principles that permeate everything. Our guests’ best spaces and activities for inspiration and ideas. Looking forward to the future with March & White. A round of quick-fire questions with Elliott and James! And much more! Tweetables: “I think that becomes the challenge, how do you repurpose some of this beautiful material for everybody.” — @marchandwhite [0:05:34.7] “It has to be a beautiful way of living, it has to be luxury and it has to be relevant.” — @marchandwhite [0:16:59.2] “It’s really important to us, delivering something that is unique.” — @marchandwhite [0:28:08.3] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Interior Style Hunter March & White Elliott March James White 125 Greenwich ST Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage (called Endeavour during the episode)

Welcome to yet another episode of the Interior Style Hunter Podcast. Today we have the privilege of interviewing Sue Bond, a South African-based interior designer. Sue’s career started out from her love for property and her ability to transform a house into something beautiful. Her business has always been a very personal one, and she sort of fell into it rather than choosing it. Sue has worked extensively around the globe, doing projects with clients in Hong Kong, South Africa, Spain, Russia, and all over the UK. Inside today’s episode, Sue shares her journey and how her business has transformed over the years, from project to project. We also dive into the personal nature of Sue’s business and why she prefers to build her clientele through word of mouth. Finally, Sue shares more about her love for art and how she incorporates home-grown and locally based artists and creators into her projects all over the world. For all this and more, be sure not to miss out on this incredible interview! Key Points From This Episode: How Sue’s first interior design client came from her real estate days. Why Sue’s business has remained very personal. The world-wide exposure that Sue has been able to get for her business. What art means to Sue, and how she lives with art. Why Sue believes that some of the most talented artists are from South Africa. How Sue incorporates South African art and textiles in her work overseas. The details of Sue’s extreme makeover installation technique. Using your personal design style to attract the right clients for your business. Why Sue gets her absolute best ideas from her travels. How different cultures approach the sharing of their interior design. What Sue has learned, in the design space, from her travel experiences. The biggest challenges Sue faces in growing her business. What we can look forward to from Sue Bond Interiors. A round of quick-fire questions with Sue. Tweetables: “As my confidence in what I’ve been able to produce for my clients has grown, the size of the projects has grown.” — Sue Bond [0:01:38.1] “There’s nothing nicer than handing a project over where you’ve literally changed someone’s life.” — Sue Bond [0:14:07.1] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Sue Bond - Elle Decoration Home tour: Sue Bond’s Fresnaye house  Sue on Instagram

Welcome back to another episode of Interior Style Hunter and today we are lucky enough to be joined by the two directing Sophies of Kitesgrove! Sophie Elborne is the Creative Director and Sophie Coller is the Managing Director and they are here to tell all about their company and the way they compliment each other and direct the team that works there. We chat about the company’s design ethos and their approaches to different types of projects. We also get into some of the challenges that they have faced and that are currently relevant to their work. One of the main points that emerges from the conversation is the focus and tailoring that Kitesgrove affords the needs of their clients, preferring to work specifically to these than to have a set aesthetic and mode of operation. We also cover some of the spaces from which our guests take inspiration and look at potential dream projects before getting into our usual round of quick fire questions. For all this and much more, be sure to tune in to hear what they have to say! Key Points From This Episode: How the two Sophies work together and compliment each other’s strengths. Kitesgrove’s design ethos and their approach to staying fresh. Challenges and problem solving and how this inspires our guests. The differences in approach towards residential and development projects. Tailoring interiors to the needs and tastes of a client. Some of the exciting new collaborations in which Kitesgrove is involved. Where our guests get their best ideas. Dream projects for the future with the two Sophies. The biggest challenge that faces the company right now. Some of the lessons Kitesgrove have learned around their team. Things to look forward to for the short term future with Kitesgrove. A round of quick-fire questions with our guests! And much more! Tweetables: “It’s about understanding how someone actually moves around space and who is actually going to be living there and using it.” — @kitesgrove_news [0:07:04.7] “It’s not always a given for clients to recognize that a space is not really quite suited to them.” — @kitesgrove_news [0:09:05.7] “Ultimately you want to walk around a space and feel a sense of discovery and you want to feel inspired.” — @kitesgrove_news [0:16:15.3] “Very few good ideas come from me, I have to tell you, it’s normally from the team.” — @kitesgrove_news [0:33:38.5] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Interior Style Hunter Kitesgrove Kitesgrove Instagram Sophie Elborne LinkedIn Sophie Coller LinkedIn The Alchemist, By Paulo Coelho Heckfield Place Hotel Heckfield Place Instagram

Welcome back to the last episode of Season 1 of the Interior Style Hunter Podcast, where you get an inside view of the design world from a business perspective. Today’s episode is a unique interview featuring your host, Grant Pierrus. Grant is the owner of the award winning London based interior design blog, Interior Style Hunter! Inside this episode, Grant shares his story of how he got started in the interior design space, the major tipping points in his career, and why Grant values building a strong design community above all. Stay tuned to today’s special episode to find out more! Key Points From This Episode: Grant’s story and how he got started in the interior style space. Why Grant did not tell anyone about his blog, initially. The tipping point that lead to Grant “outing” himself on his blog. Grant’s year 1 goal: building a strong profile. What makes Interior Style Hunter unique in the design sector. The point when Grant realized he needed to switch careers. Collaborations and projects that Grant has enjoyed the most. How the design world has changed over the last few years. Grant’s focus on building a strong design community. How social media has helped Grant grow his business. Interior designers worth watching, according to Grant. The challenge of finding the balance between work and life. Why Grant decided to move his team to the virtual office concept. Critical lessons that Grant has learned in his business over the years. The importance of building an incredible team for your business. Grant’s biggest achievement working in the interior design space. Future goals for Interior Style Hunter: building a strong community. Grant’s personal goals for himself and his business. How Grant structures his work life schedule to set boundaries. Tweetables: “You need a network around you and it’s those opportunities within that network that are going to build your business.” — @interiorshunter [0:06:13.1] “The design world at the moment is very stressed.” — @interiorshunter [0:12:35.1] “The interior design sector is not very well supported by institutes.” — @interiorshunter [0:13:29.1] “It’s not about the big numbers; it’s about the real relationships that you build with people.” — @interiorshunter [0:19:43.1] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Grant Pierrus Twitter Interior Style Hunter Blog Interior Style Hunter Facebook Group Christie’s Rachel Laxer Interiors Joanna Wood Henry Prideaux Interior Design Kim Stephen Taylor Howes British Heart Foundation Girl About House blog by Sarah Mailer Amara Interior Blog Awards

In this episode of the Interior Style Hunter Podcast we are joined by none other than Joanna Wood! With decades of experience, a hugely successful company, and a resume to die for, who better to discuss the past, present, and future of interiors than Joanna. In our conversation we talk about some of the fundamental building blocks to Joanna’s practice and how history and lineage play an important part in her approach to fresh and new spaces. We discuss specific projects that she has worked on, notably the recent refurbishment of The King’s Library. Joanna gives us great insight into what has helped her stay relevant and inspired over so many years and we get some behind the scenes details on her business secrets and tips! Joanna emphasizes the importance of internal and external relationships and swears by having a strong team performing at their best. We also get to hear a little about Joanna personal favourites in media, design, and destinations. For all this and much more be sure to listen in! Key Points From This Episode: Joanna’s recent project at The King’s Library. The approach that Joanna takes when slipping into the mindset of a space. Changes that have happened in the last few decades in interior design. The latest trend back towards maximalism, patterns and colours in interiors. Looking back at the past for inspiration across the centuries. The inclusion of personal favourites and hero pieces in a client’s space. Business lessons that Joanna has learned over the years. The importance of a strong and high performing team and good relationships. How Joanna brings herself and her personality into her work. The spaces and places that help Joanna feel inspired. Some of the biggest challenges that Joanna has faced running her business. The best and worst decisions that Joanna has made in retrospect. Looking forward to the future with Joanna and her company. A round of quick-fire questions with Joanna! And much more! Tweetables: “I like presenting options and I also probably like pre-organizing myself into whoever’s life it is.” — @joannawooduk [0:03:59.9] “Now there’s mid-century and then there’s mid-century rubbish.” — @joannawooduk [0:11:49.4] “I love that purity of line of early Georgian.” — @joannawooduk [0:12:55.2] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Interior Style Hunter Joanna Wood Joanna Wood Twitter The King’s Library Cath Kidston The Lord of the Rings Things Tony Blackmore

In this episode of the Interior Style Hunter Podcast we are joined by none other than Simon Rawlings, the Creative Director of David Collins Studio! In his role at the studio Simon has overseen the realisation of some of the world’s most iconic hospitality, residential, and retail spaces. He has been working at David Collins for almost two decades and during this time has worked around the world on industry defining projects. In our conversation, Simon shares a lot of his experience and opinions and what he thinks has come to define his and the studio’s work. Simon has played a huge role in creating David Collins’ signature style, near-obsessive attention to detail with virtuoso use of colour, as a means of crafting mood through environment. We hear from him about some highlights from his career, the importance of internships and youth initiatives, and his preference for designing spaces rather than photographs. For all this and much more tune in!   Key Points From This Episode: A brief history of and introduction to David Collins Studio and Simon’s involvement. The work David Collins Studio did at Harrods. Simon’s project highlights at David Collins over the years. The cultural exchange that happens on any new project. The amount of Simon’s personality and style that is embedded in his work. Simon’s dream project! David Collins Studio’s internships, community and youth involvement. Where Simon gets his inspiration, best ideas and his focus on the visual. Simon’s thoughts on Instagram and social media. The focus that Simon puts on immersive spaces over photogenic design. Some helpful design-business advice from Simon around saying no. Looking forward to the future with Simon and David Collins. A round of quick-fire questions with Simon! And much more!   Tweetables “What I loved and what I was really good what concepts, was design, was big ideas.” — @srettiwtnomis [0:04:32.7] “We are around 60 people, 60 designers, we have projects all over the world. 75% of our projects are outside of the UK and that’s something that we work on quite strategically.” — @srettiwtnomis [0:06:00.2] “The beginning part of any project, for me is the most important.” — @srettiwtnomis [0:15:18.4] “I really work hard with the graduates and the newer designer within our studio to really help them understand that process of conceptualization.” — @srettiwtnomis [0:23:41.9]   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode Interior Style Hunter Simon Rawlings David Collins Studio Gordon Ramsey Marco Pierre White Cafe Rouge The Berkeley Harrods Pret a Manger Pump Street Chocolate Saul Cathcart

Welcome back to another episode of the Interior Style Hunter Podcast! Today on the show we have the lovely Karen Waddilove. Karen is the Head of Events and Corporate Partnerships at Amara, the online destination for luxury home brands such as Missoni Home, Mulberry Home, Ralph Lauren Home and Versace Home. She has been with Amara for almost a decade and during her time she has had many exhilarating experiences acquiring new brands such as Ralph Lauren. Amara has also been involved in the online interior blogging scene for quite some time with their Amara Interior Blog Awards. On today’s show we discuss Amara, what they do, how they were founded and when the decision was made to capture the interior blogging sector the way they have. Keep listening to find out more! Key Points From This Episode: Amara’s journey from being an idea to where it is today. The growth of the company within 14 years. What makes Amara Interior Blog Awards different. Dividing blogs into different categories and niche’s. How the blog awards have had a positive effect on Amara as a company. Bringing micro communities together and building relationships. Amara’s connection with different bloggers and the importance of networking. Integrity: staying original, true to your brand and true to yourself. Where Karen draws her ideas and inspirations from. Challenges faced while growing the company. The reversal of opportunity, from approaching brands to having brands approach them. Ensuring the customer has the best and most efficient experience online. The challenging task of editing brands, what to do and what not to do. What to look forward to from Amara in the near future - Christmas Season. And much more! Tweetables: “We’re a really strong, creative, caring company.” — @kjwaddilove [0:10:13.1] “As a PR team we’re about relationship building, we don’t spend a lot of money as a company on advertising.” — @kjwaddilove [0:11:10.1] “Don’t try and dilute your brand and be everything to everyone, you just can’t.” — @kjwaddilove [0:14:57.1] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Amara Amara Interior Blog Awards Karen on Twitter Karen on LinkedIn Pride and Prejudice Book Animals are Innocent Book

Welcome back to another episode of the Interior Style Hunter Podcast! Today we are so lucky to have Jane Rockett from Rockett St George on the show!  The company is an online store for luxury and quirky homeware that has been running for the last ten years since Jane and her partner Lucy founded it. In our conversation we cover the genesis of Rockett St George and what Jane had in mind when they started out. We then go on to cover questions of aesthetics, patterns and Jane shares some exciting news about their new line of paints! As an experienced and open hearted designer, Jane has so much wisdom to offer and she gladly opens up about fearlessness, progression and originality, all inspiring perspectives. We finish off our conversation looking to the future of design, online shopping and Rockett St George, which by all accounts looking blindingly bright! Tune in for all of this and more! Key Points From This Episode: The beginnings of Rockett St George and how it started ten years ago. Initial goals and standing out from the crowd from the get go. Affordable luxury and defining the common thread of aesthetic at Rockett St George. Rockett St George’s new line of paints. The use of leopard and python skin prints for furniture. Getting over the fear of failure and the bravery to try. External mimicry and using it as a means to inspire more originality. The great relationship between Jane and Lucy that is the foundation of the business. Where Jane gets her best ideas. The growth of Rockett St George and how it has occurred organically. The best business decision Jane has ever made. Why you should employ people who do their jobs better than you can. Looking forward to the future with Rockett St George. A round of quick-fire questions with Jane. And much more! Tweetables: “When we started there weren’t smart phones, so magazines and newspapers were the only place to go for inspiration.” — @RockettStGeorge [0:03:35.7] “Employ people who have expertise in their role.” — @RockettStGeorge [0:26:00.2] “If you get the key people in place it means that you can step back and spend your time being creative and growing your business.” — @RockettStGeorge [0:27:33.9] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Interior Style Hunter — https://interiorstylehunter.com/ Jane Rockett — https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jane-rockett-b6a01612b Rockett St George — https://www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk/ Rockett St George on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/rockettstgeorge.co.uk/# Harvey Nichols — https://www.harveynichols.com/ Vogue — https://www.vogue.co.uk/?international Liberty — https://www.libertylondon.com/ Richard Branson — https://www.forbes.com/profile/richard-branson/#41fd8c1a6ff5 To Kill a Mockingbird — https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2657 Conde Nast Traveller — https://www.cntraveller.com/

In this episode of the Interior Style Hunter Podcast we are joined by our friend Karen Howes of Taylor Howes Design! Having co-founded Taylor Howes 25 years ago, Karen has an incredible range of experience and wisdom to share and we hear from her on a variety of topics. We're both looking forward to an exciting future for the design world. We chat about the ethos and forward facing nature of her philosophy, something that Karen sees as integral to progressive and interesting design work. We also talk about nurturing talent, evolving roles and building relationships with suppliers. Karen is kind enough to share some of the exciting new projects in which she is involved and tells us about Place2Be, Business of Design and the latest collection launching shortly, Love at Dusk. For an inspiring talk with a designer at the top of their game, be sure to tune in! Key Points From This Episode: The ethos of Taylor Howes and looking forward to the future. Evolving roles and growing with a company. Defining a new model for a successful design business. Finding, hiring and nurturing talent to work with. A little about Karen’s new venture, Business of Design. The launch of Taylor Howes’ new collection, Love at Dusk Karen’s two favourite pieces from the collection. Getting out into the real world and building relationships with suppliers.  How the values and ethos of Taylor Howes were compiled and agreed upon. Where Karen gets her best ideas first thing in the morning. The biggest challenge that has faced Karen and her business. Business coaches and how having one helped Karen immensely.  Looking forward to the future with Karen and Taylor Howes. A round of quick-fire questions with Karen! And much more! Tweetables: “We are doing a lot now collaboratively with businesses in terms of design.” — @TaylorHowes [0:05:58.3] “We have now 19, 20 to 30 year olds commissioning super yachts, it’s a whole different world out there.” — @TaylorHowes [0:11:10.8] “Being the controlling perfectionist I am, I could only launch it if I felt really that it was the absolute best that we could do.” — @TaylorHowes [0:12:27.] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Taylor Howes — http://www.taylorhowes.co.uk/ Karen Howes — http://www.taylorhowes.co.uk/about/karen-howes/ Karen Howes on Linkedin — https://uk.linkedin.com/in/karenhowes Place2Be — https://www.place2be.org.uk/ th2 — https://www.th2studio.co.uk de Gournay — https://degournay.com/ SA Baxter — http://sabaxter.com/ The Road Less Travelled — https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/347852 Lorenzo Quinn — https://www.lorenzoquinn.com/

Welcome back to the Interior Style Hunter Podcast and today on the show we welcome Nicola Pearson from Haines Watts to chat about pricing in design and all the intricacies and difficulties of this issue. Nicola is a charted accountant, has been a partner for the last thirteen years, and the core of her work at Haines Watts is around owner managers. We start off our discussion by looking at the vague and confusing nature of pricing in the design field and how designers may go about pricing their work smartly and successfully. The chat covers contracts and fixed fees, working capital and professional advice and some of the tools and systems that can help designers get the most out of their work with the least pain and effort. After going through all the technical expertise that Nicola has to share, we delve into some of the more personal aspects with our guest. Nicola shares some of her inspiration and everyday wisdom from work and home, so stay tuned for that! Key Points From This Episode: The complexity of pricing in the design industry. Setting your own prices at the right level according to a number of factors. Contracts, fixed fees and reassuring clients and designers. Seeking help from a professional who deals with these issues specifically for designers. Defining working capital and securing your assets and funds. Utilizing systems, tools and professional advice to maximize your efficacy. HMRC and the government’s new tax regulations and requirements. How Nicola reconciles her work and personality and shows up for her role. When and where Nicola gets her best ideas. The biggest challenges that face Haines Watts and Nicola’s work. Some of Nicola’s best business decisions.  Looking forward to the future with Nicola and Haines Watts. Why bigger accounting firms are sometimes the better option. A round of quick fire questions with Nicola! And much more! Tweetables: “People do need to be very aware of how they are pricing and also making sure what they are charging is covering their overheads.” — @nikipearson [0:03:36.3] “Once you’ve got something standard that you can use time and time again it’s a good investment.” — @nikipearson [0:12:02.9] “For us there is a huge choice out there in terms of accountants, lots of people who do what we do and I would say that goes for interior designers too.” — @nikipearson [0:29:37.6] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Nicola Pearson on Linkedin — https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-pearson-aa368048 Haines Watts — https://www.hwca.com/ Nicola Pearson on Twitter — https://twitter.com/nikipearson Xero — https://www.xero.com FreeAgent — https://www.freeagent.com/ Receipt Bank — https://www.receipt-bank.com/ How to Be Happy — https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Happy-unmissable-uplifting-bestseller/dp/0751568538  

Welcome back to the Interior Style Hunter Podcast and today we host a conversation with Robert Soning and Trilbey Gordon of design conscious development company Londonewcastle. We also cover the company’s beginnings and how these two came to collaborate in the manner in which they currently do. Robert tells us about the art-focussed initiatives that Londonewcastle spearheads, providing spaces and platforms for local artists to exhibit and Trilbey gives us some behind the scenes access to what keeps her creatively inspired. For all this and much more, be sure to tune in!  They are here to tell us all about the fascinating and inspiring work that the company does! Both of our guests stress the importance of creative and artistic flair and freedom in the work that they do as we chat about makes them and Londonewcastle tick. Key Points From This Episode: Londonewcastle’s positioning of itself as a design conscious development company. The founding of the company in the late 90s and the time leading up to this. Trilbey’s fashion background, and her influence and curation of Londonewcastle. The growth of Tribley’s work from its smaller beginnings. How Trilbey and Robert started to collaborate. What sets Londonewcastle developments apart from the rest of the market. Some of our guests’ favourite projects they have worked on. Londonewcastle’s penchant for the unconventional. Collaboration and the search for beauty and meaning in development. The personal values that inform the company’s work and ethics. Sources of inspiration and ideas for Robert and Trilbey. The biggest challenge that Londonewcastle has faced since it started. The self belief that has served the work that Londonewcastle has carried out. Looking forward to an exciting future and projects on the horizon. A round of quick fire questions with our guests! And much more! Tweetables: “I would normally never want to work with a property company.” — @londonewcastle [0:06:28.8] “It’s all about being visionary.” — @londonewcastle [0:08:46.2] “The important this is having the ability to understand that at each development, you have to design around the location and the character of the area and the people who live there.” — @londonewcastle [0:10:55.7] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Londonewcastle — https://londonewcastle.com/  Robert Soning — https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-soning-a43a1b14b/   Trilbey Gordon — http://www.trilbeygordoninteriors.com/ Vogue — https://www.vogue.co.uk Central Saint Martin — https://www.arts.ac.uk/colleges/central-saint-martins Architectural Digest — https://www.architecturaldigest.com/ Elle Decoration — http://www.elledecoration.co.uk/ Marie Claire — https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/ Sunday Times — https://www.thetimes.co.uk/ The Henson — https://www.tatehindle.co.uk/projects/the-henson/ Gallery 46 Whitechapel — http://www.whitechapelgallery.org/first-thursdays/galleries/first-thursday-gallery-46/ Balfron Tower — https://www.wallpaper.com/architecture/balfron-tower-brutalism-london-londonewcastle-studio-egret-west-brody-associates Great Expectations — https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2623.Great_Expectations Jason Shulman — https://www.jasonshulmanstudio.com/

Today on the podcast we have social media specialist, Michelle Carvill. Michelle is the author of The Business of Being Social and her most recently published, Get Social. She is also the founder of Carvill Creative, a marketing and web design agency, which started 15 years ago. Her company is grounded in traditional marketing and design principles, yet also specialises in working with digital and social media technologies. Inside this episode, Michelle helps us to uncover some truths about social media, why it is crucial for leadership to be on board with social networks, and how to maximise the value of being the face of your business. We also dive into Michelle’s Smart Social Focus Model and learn techniques for applying it to your own business by listening, analysing, engaging, and continuously measuring. Michelle is an absolute social media aficionado, so you do not want to miss out on this episode!  Key Points From This Episode:  What Michelle does in her business and how she helps her clients.  Why it is critical for social media marketing to be understood at the leadership level.   Understanding the term “fake social”: growing big vanity empires.  Escaping the numbers game and creating valuable connections instead.  How to bring your marketing back to the basics.   The biggest challenges that leadership faces with social media marketing.  Why consumers are more interested in hearing from top leadership of brands.  The importance of being the face of your brand in today’s market.  Biggest value for leaders to be socially connected with their audience.  Understanding the human need to be heard and how that impacts your business.  Learning to drive your own conversations to control your message.  Finding the “digital balance” in your marketing budget.  Michelle’s Smart Social Focus Model: Plan, Listen, Analyse, Engage, and Measure.  Understanding what it means to be objectively driven.   How Michelle injects her personal values into her work.  Where Michelle gets her best ideas and inspiration from.   The biggest challenge Michelle faced in growing her business.   What to look forward to from Michelle and Carvill Creative this year.  A book that shaped Michelle, who everyone should follow, Michelle’s life song title, and more!  Tweetables:  “Social media will only go so far within an organization, unless the leaders get it.” — @michellecarvill [0:02:01.1]  “Social is way more than just about getting followers, and way more than just having a big presence.” — @michellecarvill [0:03:16.1]  “Our values for how we consume and what we think about brands and how we live our lives are aligned with those values that we see around us.” — @michellecarvill [0:10:25.1]  “It doesn’t matter how brilliant your service is, it doesn’t matter how amazing your brand is, if you do not have anybody consuming, you don’t have a business.” — @michellecarvill [0:14:24.1]  “Looking after myself and doing business on my terms really matters to my work-life balance.” — @michellecarvill [0:38:44.1]   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:  Michelle Carvill —  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellecarvill/   Michelle on Twitter — https://twitter.com/michellecarvill   Carvill Creative — https://www.carvillcreative.co.uk/   The Business of Being Social — https://www.amazon.co.uk/Business-Being-Social-Harnessing-businesses/dp/1780591705    Get Social — https://www.amazon.co.uk/Get-Social-Strategy-Tactics-Leaders/dp/0749482559 Smart Social Focus Model — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYJhR38F54g   Be More Pirate — https://www.amazon.co.uk/Be-More-Pirate-Take-World/dp/0241307880  

Joining us today on the Podcast is Mikel Welch. Mikel is a self-taught designer and runs his interior design business, Mikel Welch Designs, in New York City. He is also a TV personality that showcases his talent to millions of viewers, teaching them how to create luxury-inspired spaces with a conservative budget. Mikel has also created lavish greenrooms for First Lady Michelle Obama, First Lady Hillary Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Joan Rivers, and Halle Berry. Mikel is definitely design, celebrity, and TV all-in-one! In this episode, Mikel dives into his journey and life as an interior designer and on air television personality. We also chat about how Mikel honed his skills as a designer, why he believes successful designers have an innate quality, and the importance of seizing every opportunity that comes into your life. Tune in for all this and more inside today’s episode!  Key Points From This Episode:  How Mikel got started in interior design and when he made the leap to TV.  Mikel’s defining “ah-ha” moment of his life.  How Mikel developed his own skills as a designer, being self-taught.  The story of how Mikel got his big break from Craigslist.  Why Mikel believes that interior design is an innate quality.  A chain of events that landed Mikel on TV.  How Mikel connects with his audience when doing a show.  The differences between designing for television versus real life.  Understanding the personal space of an individual’s home.   Mikel’s ethos in building his business and driving his career.  Learning to constantly look for and seize opportunities in your path.  How Mikel’s personal values are reflected in his work.  Where Mikel gets his best ideas and inspiration.  Understanding the storytelling nature behind interior design.  The biggest challenge Mikel faced in growing his business.   Why telling Steve Harvey he didn’t want to work for him was the best decision Mikel made.  What to look forward to from Mikel and his business this year.  A book that shaped Mikel, who everyone should follow, the best gift Mikel’s given, and more!  Tweetables:  “In interior design, either you have it, or you don’t.” — @mikelwelch [0:04:30.1]  “I’m not a gambler, but in terms of risk I will put all the cards on the table for my business in order to change my dream.” — @mikelwelch [0:16:55.1]  “So much of what we do in interior design is storytelling.” — @mikelwelch [0:18:06.1]  “Don’t be afraid to have conversations. So many curators and artists, they want to tell you the story behind their product.” — @mikelwelch [0:19:38.1]  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:  Mikel Welch — http://mikelwelch.com/   Mikel on Twitter — https://twitter.com/mikelwelch   Mikel on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/mikelwelch   In The Meantime — https://www.amazon.co.uk/Meantime-Finding-Yourself-Love-Want/dp/0671033999   

In this episode of the Interior Style Hunter podcast we welcome a friend and inspiring creative Shirlie Kemp! Shirlie has built a brand and business around photographing what she loves in a way that is meaningful to her and has turned a passion into a way to see the world. In our conversation we talk about about the sensitivity that Shirlie has always felt and the role this plays in how she goes about living and working. We also cover thoughts on homes and the important roles that the spaces we inhabit have on our mindset. Shirlie is kind enough to share many of her insights and approaches to her work, which has always been led by her intuition and feelings. Feng Shui has played a big part in the way Shirlie has come to understand the world and we discuss her relationship with this framework and how she has used it during her career. For all this and much more, listen in! Key Points From This Episode: The project that Shirlie and Grant worked on together in Jordan. Shirlie’s extreme sensitivity and how this informs how she works. The connection between our personalities and our homes. Collecting meaningful and beautiful items for the home from across the globe. Shirlie’s experience and interaction with hotels and temporary spaces. Space clearing and the processes Shirlie has undertaken in her home. How Shirlie approaches photographing interiors. The beginnings of Shirlie’s photography career with the birth of her children. The organic way in which Shirlie has self-taught and built her skill.  Shirlie’s favourite places to visit and why she feels at home in the south of France.  A round of quick fire questions with our guest! Shirlie’s lifelong desire to design and build her own home.  And much more! Tweetables: “That’s the story of my life really, kind of meeting people at odd places, odd times, nothing is kind of regular in my life.” — @Shirliekemp [0:01:30.8] “Having that sensitivity, I see where the light is.” — @Shirliekemp [0:04:31.2] “I have always loved interiors!” — @Shirliekemp [0:15:26.3] “To this day I don’t know if I do it right!” — @Shirliekemp [0:20:49.9] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Interior Style Hunter Shirlie Kemp Shirlie Kemp on Twitter Architectural Digest William Spear Feng Shui Made Easy Karen Kingston Velvet & Linen

Welcome to another episode of Industrial Style Hunter. On the podcast today we welcome branding powerhouse, Emily Murray, founder and editor of The Pink House. Emily is mum to two bonkers little boys, wife to the long-suffering Pink House Husband, and she recently moved from Edinburgh back to London, where she lives in an Edwardian house with a pink front door. For her success, Emily has won three awards and has been featured in the top UK. With such dedication to building a brand in a very short time, I simply had to ask Emily to join me on the show to talk about it in more detail. In today’s episode, Emily shares how “pink” found her, the lightbulb moment that lead to her starting a business, and how she helps people reconnect with themselves through their home. Stay tuned for all this and more inside today’s episode! Key Points From This Episode: Why pink? How “pink” chose Emily rather than the other way around. Emily’s lightbulb moment and how planned her brand journey. The way that Emily used words, blogging, and social media to build her brand. How Emily changed the use of Instagram for her brand over time. What it means to invest in your brand by finding the gaps in your skillset. The challenges of taking a digital brand into the real world. Why monetization created a dip in productivity for Emily. Understanding that your readers are more important than the brands you work for. Getting to the position where you only work with brands that fits your content. The values of The Pink House brand and how it shows up in what Emily does. What the phrase “fabulous family living — despite the kids” means to Emily. Where Emily gets her best ideas and inspiration; drawing from fashion. The biggest challenge Emily faces to growing her business. Game-changing business advice Emily received that propelled her business. What to look forward to from Emily and The Pink House this year. A book that shaped Emily, who everyone should follow, her life’s song title, and more! Tweetables: “Every year I’m alive I just love pink even more!” — @pinkhousechats [0:01:34.1] “I knew I needed to get back into the editor mindset, because the editor mindset is the best mindset.” — @pinkhousechats [0:18:46.1] “I’m sort of like the person that’s championing the fact that anybody can do it.” — @pinkhousechats [0:20:16.1] “When people embrace colour and start to have more confidence in using it in their home, it makes them happier.” — @pinkhousechats [0:20:42.9] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Emily Murray — https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-murray-102b4948/ The Pink House — http://www.pinkhouse.co.uk/ The Pink House on Twitter — https://twitter.com/pinkhousechats The Power — https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-WINNER-BAILEYS-WOMENS-FICTION/dp/0670919969 The Unmumsy Mum — http://www.theunmumsymum.co.uk/

Welcome back to episode two of the Interior Style Hunter Podcast! Today on the show we are thrilled to welcome Jordan Cluroe and Russell Whitehead. Jordan and Russel are the founders of 2LG Studio, an Interior Design Studio based in South East London. These two guys have successfully carved out a defined niche in the interior design world in just five years. While doing that, they have built up a great portfolio, a collection of collaborations, product designs, and the press is hot on their tracks! At 2LG Studio they offer residential and commercial Interior design services, design consultancy services, and styling services. In this episode, Jordan and Russell share more about their five-year journey to success, what it took to get to where they are today, and what it means to be transparent and approachable in the interior design industry today. So don’t miss out on today’s amazing episode! Key Points From This Episode: How Jordan and Russell got started with 2LG Studio, their second career. The defining moment for Jordan and Russell: the Great Interior Design Challenge. What contributed to their huge success in such a short amount of time. Importance of being friendly and approachable in the interior design industry. Why Jordan and Russell’s work is so driven by people. How the word “Lovely” is integrated into Jordan and Russell’s brand. Sticking to your gut feeling; embracing brand authenticity. The values reflected in Jordan and Russell’s work. Why there needs to be a bridge between design, interior design, and architecture. Learning how to be inspired by what’s happening in design across the globe. Advice and tips for growing an interior design business. Assessing business opportunities and whether they are right for you. Recognizing your limitations and learning to see them as opportunities. Biggest challenge Jordan and Russell faced in growing their business. Where Jordan and Russell get their best ideas and inspiration. What to look forward to from 2LG Studio this year. Books that shaped them, who everyone should follow, best gifts they’ve given, and more! Tweetables: “I think a second career is so refreshing.” — @2lovelygays [0:01:04.1] “The success happens in those moments of grit.” — @2lovelygays [0:03:02.1] “If you don’t do it, someone else is going to, so why shouldn’t it be me?” — @2lovelygays [0:04:21.1] “For us, people are the start point of every project and that’s what keeps it exciting.” — @2lovelygays [0:05:34.1] “If you do stick to your convictions and follow through on them, then you will have success.” — @2lovelygays [0:07:21.1] “An old-fashioned approach has been that people view interior design as shopping and it’s just about buying pretty things to put within a space.” — @2lovelygays [0:10:38.1] “There are key moments in any growth of a business where you have to take a leap of faith at certain points.” — @2lovelygays [0:12:02.1] “It’s key to see your limitations as opportunities rather than boundaries.” — @2lovelygays [0:13:32.1] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Jordan Cluroe — https://twitter.com/jcluroe Russell Whitehead — https://twitter.com/rustypw 2LG Studio — http://www.2lgstudio.com/ 2LG Studio on Twitter — https://twitter.com/2lovelygays London Design Festival — https://www.londondesignfestival.com/ London Design Fair — https://www.londondesignfair.co.uk/ Get Your Sh*t Together — https://www.amazon.co.uk/Get-Your-Sh-Together-Bestseller/dp/1786484080  1984 — https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nineteen-Eighty-Four-Penguin-Modern-Classics/dp/014118776X  Sight Unseen — https://www.sightunseen.com/ Nick Ross — https://nckrss.com/

In this first episode, we are joined by Jenny Gibbs, Founder and Principal of KLC School of Design. KLC was established in 1982 and has become one of the top design schools in the world. The school was founded on the three core values of innovation, creativity, and integrity. These core values remain and have been infused into every aspect of their teaching and business practices today. In our talk, we dive into the importance of learning and changing with the industry, what it means to educate a new generation of interior designers, and the vast opportunities opening up to new KLC students. All this and more inside today’s episode! So make sure to tune in to hear it all. Key Points From This Episode: The statement that fuels what Jenny does every day and how the idea for KLC began. Changes that Jenny has seen in the interior design sector and the business world. How the perception of designers has changed in the last 10 years. Importance of understanding what industry needs to educate a new generation. Where Jenny gets her best ideas and the importance of wellness for her career. A closer look at KLC Connect and what it will be doing for the sector. Why design firms should define and shape themselves by their values. How the concept of community is manifesting in the design world today. The biggest challenge in growing KLC to where it is today. Uncovering the best and the worst decisions Jenny has ever made in her career. What to look forward to from KLC in the next coming year. A book that shaped Jenny, her dream coffee date, the best gift she’s given, and more! Tweetables: “Interior designers were still seen as cushion fluffers, and we wanted people to realize what a technical job it was, what a responsible job it was, and the real difference designers could make.” — Jenny Gibbs [0:03:21.1] “There are a myriad of ways that, with industry support and student enthusiasm, we can add real value to their experience and to prepare them better for the industry.” — Jenny Gibbs [0:09:43.1] “I believe that designers have a big responsibility; they can make a difference to people’s lives.” — Jenny Gibbs [0:10:59.1] “I just learned that it’s the people you need to make time for, and it’s the people who can make the difference.” — Jenny Gibbs [0:11:53.1] “As with all challenges, you learn hugely, it enriches what you do, but it can also cause a lot of difficulties.” — Jenny Gibbs [0:15:42.1] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Jenny Gibbs — https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-gibbs-ab5a8519/ KLC School of Design — https://www.klc.co.uk/ KLC School on Twitter — https://twitter.com/KLCSchool KLC School on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/KLCSchoolofDesign KLC School on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/klcschool/