1. Was Footprints your first interior design project in the Caribbean, or have you worked on other projects in the region?
Footprints was my first project on Barbados, and it was an incredible project to work on! Hopefully I will get the chance to work on other projects in that part of the world as the area is so beautiful and a dream to work in.
Terrace with sea view at Footprints, Barbados, image courtesy of www.kellyhoppeninteriors.com
2. What did you set out to achieve with Footprints and what was your inspiration?
My main inspiration was drawn from the island itself. Barbados is an absolute paradise so I drew my inspiration from the tropical climate, the idyllic views and the culture and spirit of the island. With Footprints I wanted to create an interior that is universal in style, yet embracing the local environment. I wanted to achieve an interior that was not only beautiful and stylish but was comfortable and could be used to entertain in.
Kelly Hoppen MBE, image courtesy of www.kellyhoppeninteriors.com
3. How did you approach the project? Can you walk us through the process?
I always start the process with long, in depth discussions with the client to really get a grip on what they want to achieve. It is so important that someone’s home fits them like a great pair of jeans and suits their everyday life, so it is absolutely vital to get inside my client’s head and then translate that into my designs. This was quite a large project to undertake because it was not a simple interior project. It was a complete reinvention and redesign of the existing property. The space was being changed from several apartments into one home, so it was a challenging project but I enjoy working on a challenge that really stretches you. Working through obstacles always brings a great sense of achievement.
4. What challenges did the property present?
The building was originally divided into several apartments so taking that and creating one open space meant we had to reinvent existing features, which is not always easy. For instance, there is a column in the middle of the living room, which cannot be moved as it is essential to the structure of the property. We had to work around this by using the column to create shelves between it and the wall. It was very important to the clients that the interiors and the outside of the property flow smoothly into each other almost as one space, so we worked hard on creating an harmonious transition from indoors to outdoor spaces and terraces.
Living room at Footprints, Barbados, image courtesy of www.kellyhoppeninteriors.com
5. Did you incorporate elements from Barbados?
Of course. I wanted the house and its surroundings to really harmonise, I tried to use as much locally sourced elements as possible. Quite a few pieces were sourced and made locally, from the curtains in the living area to much larger pieces such as the beautiful canopy bed in the 3rd bedroom. Including local elements really adds something to the spirit of the house. It has a connection to its environment.
Bedroom at Footprints, Barbados, image courtesy of www.kellyhoppeninteriors.com
6. What are your top style tips for any home buyer looking to achieve the “Kelly Hoppen look”?
Using a neutral colour palette is a great place to start if you are trying to achieve the ‘Kelly Hoppen look’. You can also easily achieve my style by visiting my e-commerce store, www.kellyhoppen.com. I have designed a fantastic collection which works for every interior and any budget. My home jewellery is perfect to add finishing touches to your home and I have also designed much larger statement pieces which I simply adore.
Bathroom at Footprints, Barbados, image courtesy of www.kellyhoppeninteriors.com
7. What’s next for Kelly Hoppen?
I am constantly designing projects around the world which keeps me very busy. I have been designing a lot in Asia which is a dream as I adore the Eastern way of life and it has inspired all of my designs. I have also just launched my own collection of jewellery with QVC and am always adding to my online store. I need to find time for a holiday!
For more information on private and commercial commissions, please visit Kelly Hoppen Interiors.com
This article was originally published in Issue 6 of The Caribbean Property Investor magazine. To read the full issue, click here.