The art of interior design
Jo Hamilton, who has been running her own highly successful interior design consultancy for more than 20 years, believes that luxury interior design is an art. She is the resident interior designer at Grand Designs, where she is also a key speaker and show ambassador with Kevin McCloud, and also runs one and two-day interior design courses at five-star Central London hotels. Jo takes on residential and commercial interior design commissions both in the UK and abroad and also offers a high-end property search service for London and the wider region. She explains, “Different elements must be carefully considered and delicately balanced to form a beautiful, cohesive picture to suit the client perfectly. “The first element to consider is colour and asking, ‘how do I want the space to feel?’ If it’s vibrant and lively then use more colour. Warmer tones such as reds, oranges and yellows give a lovely lift, but don’t go overboard – keep it elegant with a neutral base complemented by lively pops of colour. If, however, you’re going for a calming and restful space, then cooler-toned colours such as blues, greens and violets work well, as do neutral schemes. Be aware though,
that neutral schemes need added interest — sculptural shapes and varying textures. Layer linens, velvets, neutral-toned patterns and metallic finishes to set the scheme off.” Sculptural shape was integral to the success of Jo’s Hampstead scheme (above). The mirror, softly curved deco-shaped furniture and lamps add interest, while the textures of the hand-painted silk wallpaper, shimmery silk rug, cushions and velvetcovered chairs add warmth. “Don’t be afraid to think outside the box,” she advises, “be creative when it comes to the layout element. List what you want to achieve and think back from there. A client in Mayfair (below left) wanted a dressing room and also a seating area in the window. It seemed a crime to chop the space up into two rooms, so I designed a walkaround dressing room. “The pendant lights either side of the bed frame the bed and maximise the usable bedside table space. The colour here really sets the mood. The green brings a wonderful calm, but the pink bench lifts the scheme – it’s unpredictable and playful, and the colour and texture both add warmth.” Finally, does the building have a story to tell? And does that story work with your
personal taste? “If it’s a yes,” says Jo, “then bring out the architectural features and choose furniture to complement the style. Avoid being too contrived because an eclectic, organic feel often works best. My Greenwich Village scheme (below), for example, includes a handmade chandelier, antique glass mirror and recovered antique chairs. “If it’s a no, then contrast the style. If you have an Edwardian home, for example, but you don’t like the era, contrast with a super-contemporary, sleek interior. The most important element in any home design is you. Be comfortable with your space – make your home right for you.”
Jo Hamilton Interiors t: +44 (0)20 7206 7369 e: info@johamilton.co.uk w: www.johamilton.co.uk International Property & Travel
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