Advice Kelly Hoppen would give her 20-year-old self? ‘Nothing’s too big and nothing’s big enough, so just get on and do it. I have the same drive now as I did then. My father died when I was only 16, and I never wanted to experience that feeling of being let down again. I wanted to have a business and be successful and that’s exactly what I did,' Kelly recounts.
As an independent 16-year-old with a relentless passion for interiors, she was given the opportunity to design a family friend’s kitchen. This modest commission not only created a teenage entrepreneur, it kick-started one of the most extraordinary careers in the design industry. Today, Kelly heads up her eponymous interior design empire working for clients around the world. She's also a successful author, dragon on BBC Dragons' Den and creative director at Kelly Hoppen London. Read on to find out who's stocking her high-tech fridge with healthy foods, and what song she's obsessed with - it even got her dancing on national TV.
1. My decorating style in 3 words: Luxurious, purist and harmonious.
2. I love this room because: It’s very sleek and seductive: all dark wooden floors, a big black glass fireplace, chandeliers, vintage furniture, silk curtains and big photographs on the walls.
3. My biggest must-have in a home is: Texture. It adds a new dimension to the room and to your mood. Linen, velvets and leathers are my favourites – perfect for adding depth and sensuality.
4. My house says that: My new home is in the process of being built. It will have lots of space, light and neutral tones. I’m incredibly excited about it and cannot wait to see the end result!
5. On colour: I love a neutral palette. Taupe is my favourite colour. I use it in all my designs and wear it a lot too. Chanel has a Taupe nail varnish that I absolutely adore.
6. Most treasured item in my home is: A picture of my father, Seymour. I hardly have any pictures of him because he tragically died aged 48. On another note, I couldn’t live without my Gaggenau fridge freezer. It has a switch that moves the shelves up and down. I had no idea it could do this when I bought it. It was all very confusing at first!
7. I would always invest in: A young passionate driven entrepreneur with a clever and potentially successful business plan.
8. Best bit of decorating advice: Don’t overdo trends. It is so important to create timeless elegance in your home. Trends fade but you want your home to stand the test of time and always look chic. Always plan before you start decorating. You have to ask yourself a few questions such as: what lifestyle do I have? What do I want / don’t want? What colours am I drawn to?
9. Favourite homeware shopping haunts: Sunbury Antiques Market in Kempton Park is the best. I also love Valerie Wade in Fulham Road, and Alfies antique market is a hidden gem!
10. Always in my fridge: I could not live without my Honestly Healthy fridge fill. They fill my fridge with healthy food and snacks, which helps me to easily make the healthy choice.
11. For breakfast today I had: A fabulous Honestly Healthy immune boosting porridge. Perfect for this time of year!
12. Sunday brunch spot: Tom’s in Notting Hill.
13. Favourite holiday destination: This is such a difficult question, as I love travelling. India is a tremendously exciting country and presents an incredible canvas for modern design. Mumbai in particular brings together the best of all worlds and is the cutting edge in technology and design and the best in luxury. There are so many interesting people there and the architecture that shapes Mumbai’s skyline is truly breathtaking.
14. One book everyone should read: I am a big believer in reading books that help you develop rather than fiction. I live by The Secret and The Power by Rhonda Byrne, so inspiring.
15. Listening to: I am OBSESSED with Happy by Pharrell Williams at the moment! It was played on the set of Dragons' Den one day and we all got up and started dancing. Such a feel-good song.
16. I have a thing for: Gadgets. I love TVs and have one in practically every room. I also have an amazing tap in the kitchen that delivers a constant supply of boiling water – great if you want to make a cup of tea or some pasta.
17. I really admire: I would have to say Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren and Nelson Mandela – people who are always true to their thoughts and are not afraid to speak up.
18. A major influence on me is: My friends and family have a huge influence on me. They always have the best advice and keep me centred. In terms of design, the east has had a big impact on my work. My designs fuse the eastern principles of simplicity and the western taste for sumptuous textures and luxurious finishes.
19. I am most proud of: My daughter – she is the most precious thing in my life. I am also extremely proud of the MBE I received in 2009 from the Queen for my services to interior design.
20. The next project I’m excited about: I have just launched an amazing new bathware collection with Apaiser. I'm also working on several projects with YOO in India and have a new collection of fabrics for hotels with Richloom under way, so lots going on as usual!
21. My little / everyday luxury: Organic beauty products – I am a big fan of Liz Earle.
22. Not many people know: That I was born in South Africa. There’s something extraordinary about that country. I think a part of its vibrancy has definitely rubbed off on me and my interiors.
Want to recreate the look? Visit Kelly's online shop and steal her timeless style with these shopping picks:
Clockwise from top left:
Kelly Hoppen Design Masterclass, £25
Gold-plated metal and wood table lamp, £365, Lux Deco
Chanel Le Vernis nail colour in 505 Particuliere, £27
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne, £14.99, Amazon
Torn edge bowl, £48, Kelly Hoppen London
Matt black vase, £50, Kelly Hoppen London
Mohogany coffe table in black, £460, Out There Interiors
