05 July,2014 10:17 AM IST | | Ruchika Kher
She has championed the East-meets-West style and will soon be in India to experience that philosophy. Over an email interview, the guide quizzed famous British interior designer Kelly Hoppen about all things design
Author of seven books, British interior designer Kelly Hoppen, who has designed homes for the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Elton John, Madonna, the British Royal Family, and Victoria and David Beckham, has now set her eyes on India. Excerpts from an interview:
British interior designer Kelly Hoppen
Q. What brings you to India?
A. This will be my first visit to India, and I am very excited about it. It is a country I have always been keen to explore and experience. I hope to visit many places to absorb as much as I can.
Q. You've designed homes of the rich and the famous. What are the challenges that you usually face?
A. Designing for well-known clients is the same as designing for any other client; people want their homes to be a perfect reflection of themselves. Discretion is the key for well-known people as their homes are the only things private about their lives and I respect that they do not want to have their homes talked about or photographed.
Q. Have you ever used any Indian elements while designing homes?
A. Throughout my career, I have championed the East-meets-West style and my first book was even called East Meets West. It was about my passion for all things Oriental, which I blend with Western styles. I love the simplicity and balance of the Eastern style with the comfort and texture of the West. Since this is part of my design philosophy, all my designs have an essence of this in them. I start with a neutral base and then fuse elements of Eastern and Western principles.
A house styled by Kelly Hoppen
Q. Do Indian crafts or traditions inspire you? Do you plan to pick few things during your stay in the country?
A. My design philosophy has always been influenced by different flavours - from customs, architecture, or the essence of a place. India is a tremendously exciting country and presents an incredible canvas for modern design, and I certainly aim to gain new inspiration on my visit - and maybe even get some beautiful Indian handicrafts and art for my home!
Q. Have you designed a home for any Indian celebrity? Would you like to do it?
A. I would love to design homes for Shah Rukh Khan and Zakir Hussain.
