Kelly Hoppen is a world-renowned designer with a passion for striking spaces with simple colour palettes. In this interview she explains the origins of her expertise, how she went from sole trader to employing nearly 50 staff and her growing influence on the international stage.

You have been very busy recently with new launches and TV appearances, how would you describe your working life today?

Non-stop! As well all the launches and events I have on almost a daily basis, I feel like I am constantly filming at the moment. Aside from all of that I have at least 40 worldwide projects to oversee, which is incredible. I am so lucky that I am 40 years into this industry and I’m still totally in love with it and passionate about what I do.

"I get that proud feeling every time I sign off on a finalised project"

How did you get started in interior design and what thing or things helped your reputation grow?

I started when I was just 16 and it just grew from there. I don’t think it was something that I ever forced or pursued, it was just a passion and a drive that was instilled in me from the beginning.

In terms of reputation, for a long time before the project shoots and the books I have written with imagery. It was simply down to word of mouth and recommendations. The ‘old school’ way.

What are your guiding principles in design?

Simplicity is key. You always want to create something that is timeless; something that you will never be sick of in the home because you do have to live with it for quite some time. I am famous for my natural colour palette, which I have stuck to for the past 40 years. It hasn’t let me down yet.

Do you think good design can be taught or is it in the blood?

Both I suppose. If you study great design for a period of time you are bound to pick something up eventually but then there is always the question: what is good design?

Everybody’s taste is different and that should always be kept in mind. For me personally it was definitely in my blood coming from such a creative family. My strengths in school while growing up were always the more creative subjects such as art and drama, and I think I always knew that this was what I was destined to do.

Everyone's taste is different - and it won't always be the same as yours

Your books have been particularly popular, why do you think that is?

I suppose people like my style. I stick to what I know and what I am good at and have a very classic way of designing the interior of a home so I suppose a lot of people appreciate this and wouldn’t mind giving it a go in their own homes.

My books contain simple explanations and talk about every aspect of a room, down to the very last details. Perhaps people like how in-depth they are and how much time and effort I put into writing them.

Tell us how your business empire expanded over the years.

Massively! I work closely with the GREAT Campaign and recently, while I was travelling out in Asia promoting all things British, I gave a speech at the British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. It was only then, preparing for the speech, that I realised how much my business had grown over the years.

I went from a one-woman team to a small business to an entrepreneurial MD of a company with over 45 staff. As well as Kelly Hoppen Couture which provides design services by myself personally, I have also launched Studio Hoppen which is my wonderful team working on projects with me overseeing. Then of course we have the online store which launched last year and is doing really well.

I started exporting in my late twenties and started reaching out to international clients in order to drum up business worldwide so that I could expand and from there the growth has been endless with TV shows, books, launches and so on.

What projects are you particularly proud of?

Each project is different; each client is individual and each finished home is a proud accomplishment. I take time and care designing somebody’s dream home and it is so nice to see their dreams become reality. I get that proud feeling every time I sign off on a finalised project I suppose.

I did have a lot of fun designing the BA First Club Cabin. That was something totally different and something I really enjoyed. It was a challenge to create that degree of comfort in a small space but once it was all finished I was extremely happy with the results.

Have there been any bumps in the road and can you explain how you overcame them?

Of course! I overcame them by just moving on quickly. I don’t believe in dwelling on anything negative. What is the point? Who has time for that? It’s better to just keep on going and learn from your mistakes.

You have appeared as a guest on a range of panel shows – is that PR or do you enjoy media work?

Well my wonderful PR team are fantastic and are always bringing me opportunities but I really enjoy being a part of the media. I think it has such a strong presence in our society today.

What is your best tip or tips for budding designers?

Be Passionate

Be Fearless

Be Confident

Be Driven

Remember: Nothing is too big and nothing is ever big enough.