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      Australiaโ€™s largest interior design, styling and renovation blog for the everyday Aussie. By former journalist and magazine editor Jen Bishop, the original interiors addict!
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The Kelly Hoppen interview

By Jen Bishop โ€ข

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OK addicts, indulge me in this pinch myself moment. I have finally done it! An interview with perhaps THE best known female interior designer internationally, Kelly Hoppen MBE no less. Spending the first 26 years of my life in the UK, she was one of the first ‘celebrity’ interior designers I became aware of and I love her work as much today as I did then. Kelly Hoppen the brand is now huge with countless books, a design school, furniture and fashion ranges, and even its own app. This month, Kelly was the first international judge on the panel of Australia’s very own belle | Coco Republic Interior Design Awards.

I know many of you love her work already, but even more Aussies are sure to become fans soon, as her show Superior Interiors is about to be aired on the Lifestyle Channel. And now, at last, after months of trying to pin down this very busy woman, I give you my interview with Kelly Hoppen! And one massive tick off my wish list of interiors interviewees…

KELLY Hoppen started honing her craft at the tender age of 16. She always loved visiting show homes with her mother, a great influence on her, and can’t remember a time when she didn’t have a passion for interiors. All these years later, I’m delighted to hear that she still absolutely loves what she does.

She’s comfortable with her name now being a brand. โ€œI have a very distinctive aesthetic so people have always referred to the โ€œKelly Hoppen Look,โ€ especially after the release of my first book East Meets West over 15 years ago. My love of neutrals has been well noted in the press. I do love neutrals, but in my paint collections and my range of clothing for Earth Couture this season there is actually a lot of colour!” Known for a look that encapsulates timeless elegance, Kelly says: โ€œI hope my design will stand the test of time, will not date and will always look chic; simple yet opulent, combining the styles of the Eastern and Western world.โ€

Kelly’s written a lot of books and works hard to ensure they’re more than just collections of photographs of her work. โ€œI always try to convey my design knowledge in as clear and straightforward a manner as possible. I think the books are popular because I want my readers to see them not only as a source of inspiration, but a practical โ€˜how toโ€ guide to transforming their own homes.โ€

She was recently saddened by the death of her great friend Vidal Sassoon, who was a source of inspiration and support throughout her career. โ€œHe will be keenly missed but he has left such an amazing legacy and I have wonderful memories of our friendship.โ€ Believe it or not, her hair (and it is fabulous hair!) is something Kelly gets asked about more than anything else. (โ€œI get a lot of questions about my hair! I actually had my stylist write a special blog post with tips for all those ladies with curly hair out there.โ€)

Many of you tell me you don’t know where to start with your interiors so I asked Kelly for her advice. โ€œIโ€™d focus on one room and if you are on a tight budget make sure you look at your bedroom first,โ€ she says. โ€œIt is a sanctuary and I think itโ€™s the most important room in the house. Declutter, organise your storage and look at a palette of neutrals with luxurious textures to create a space that welcomes you after a long day.

โ€œLighting and a great room fragrance are important to consider as they take a space to the next level.โ€ In terms of simple changes to make your space more stylish, Kelly advises stripping things back because โ€œclutter makes any space uncomfortableโ€. And install some great lights as it can really change the feel and atmosphere in a room. In her own home, she often changes up things like accessories, bed linen and flowers.

(Below: Kelly’s own lounge room and kitchen)

Aside from her many brand Hoppen projects and continuing to design homes, Kelly is one busy woman. This year, she was named an Ambassador for UK Trade & Investment with a special focus on China. โ€œI am always excited to speak at conferences and meet retailers there. It is such a vibrant place to do business. Iโ€™ve also begun working with The Princesโ€™ Trust on their Tomorrow Campaign. Iโ€™m mentoring a girl and we are creating a special product for QVC UK to show the potential young people have in this country. Sharing my knowledge and helping others is endlessly inspiring. Aside from these special projects, Iโ€™m constantly designing and no, I donโ€™t tire of doing what I do โ€“ I love it! There will be lots going on this summer with the Olympics and the Queenโ€™s Jubilee. Hopefully a trip to Australia will be on the cards too!โ€

Students at Kelly’s design school get to learn from the woman herself (can you imagine?) โ€œI love my design school! Seeing the students’ confidence and skill grow is so rewarding. I believe in sharing knowledge and helping others feel confident in pursuing their passions,โ€ she says.

Superior Interiors with Kelly Hoppen, which airs at 9.30pm tonight on the Lifestyle Channel, is her first TV show. โ€œIt was a lot of work but it was really rewarding. I work with five different families with different needs and budgets and help them transform their homes,โ€ she says. โ€œThere were tears, tantrums and lots of laughs. Be sure to tune in!โ€

Kelly’s Furniture range is available through Coco Republic and at Impressions Furniture in Perth.

(Above: The Kelly Hoppen furniture range)

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May 23, 2012

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First time EVER I've woken up at home without thes First time EVER I've woken up at home without these two here (since they were born anyway!) and I don't mind admitting I don't like it one bit!

They had their first ever sleepover at their grandparents last night and I'm ITCHING to go and get them! 

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Colour hug, anyone?! A collaboration with design Colour hug, anyone?!

A collaboration with design studio Nexus Designs, this palette from the new @haymespaint colour forecast is perfect for those looking to create a tranquil environment and has a particular focus on darker shades.

โ€œInspired by the qualities of an intimate reading room, confident and expressive colours such as Florida Everglade have a muted depth that embody this. Balanced and subtle, itโ€™s also invigorating and luscious. Through all over application, paired with contemporary furniture and styling, this colour and the broader palette plays with tactility, translucency, reflection, and form,โ€ says Myra Murtagh of Nexus. 

See the rest of the colour forecast, include collabs with @adairs and TikTok favourites @joshandmattdesign on the blog homepage now, via link in bio.

#haymespaint #colourforecast #painttrends #colourtrends #paintcolours #paintcolors #darkwalls #readingroom #moodywalls #moodyinteriors #interiorsblog #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
Featuring in a Block "disaster" room nevertheless Featuring in a Block "disaster" room nevertheless paid off for artist @adoni.art 

Slammed for being too small, @kyleandleslie's living room was otherwise praised by the judges for being beautifully styled.

"In terms of using it as a marketing platform itโ€™s been amazing," he said. "Even for people who donโ€™t follow the show itโ€™s validation that they are following an artist thatโ€™s levelling up. The exposure has translated to sales, traffic and attention and itโ€™s everything I wanted because Iโ€™m about to launch a new collection.โ€

Read our chat with Adoni and see more of his gorgeous work via link in bio now.

Have you ever bought something you saw on the Block?

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From time to time, we stray from our Australian-homes-only rule when we uncover something weย reallyย love! This project, by @2lgstudio (and also the interior design duoโ€™s own home) is featured inย Ornament Is Not a Crime, a new coffee table interiors book by Sydney-based design writer @rebeccalgross.

Head to the homepage via link in bio to read about this home and see more colourful pictures in an extract.

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She used @beaumont.tiles  Lux Calcutta slabs in gloss the wall and matt for the floor.

ย "We have infused a Hamptons style whilst still remaining true to the traditions of old Queenslanders," she said. "Our bathroom is north west facing and captures such great morning light. We wrapped the cabinetry all the way along the vanity for ease of access for the bath, towels and accessories. We tiled all the way to the ceiling to create a more luxurious space. It's my favourite room in the house!"

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Block kitchen week is always a goodie and we got 5 Block kitchen week is always a goodie and we got 5 very different looks last night which was great!

One question that kept coming up was just how important is the butler's pantry? Love to hear your thoughts. Do you have one? And which was your favourite last night? Please share in the comments.

Head to the blog via link in bio to find out who won and what the judges said. 

#theblock #theblockshop #blockshopper #theblockroomreveals #kitchenweek #kitchenpalette #kitchencabinetry #kitchenstyles
Located inย Melbourneโ€™s Elsternwick, this stylis Located inย Melbourneโ€™s Elsternwick, this stylish home was renovated recently with @keenarchitecture and @studio_esar at the helm. Brimming with fun, functionality and colour, the home is shared by ex MasterChef contestant Peter Kritikides, his wife Erica and their two children. 

Occupied by the family since 2015, the renovation brief called for a sympathetic yet modern upgrade to the heritage listed original home as well as the demolition and rebuild of the back of the residence.

Want to see the kitchen? Head to the blog via link in bio.

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GET THE LOOK. All the finer details of Sunday's Bl GET THE LOOK. All the finer details of Sunday's Block master bedroom walk ins on the blog now.

Which was your fave?

Via latest posts link in bio now.

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About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. Interiors Addict has been her full-time job for more than 10 years. She is mum to two young boys and lives in Sydney.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Avataremma barrett says

    May 23, 2012 at 9:35 am

    Oh, just set a reminder on Austar to watch this tonight – thank you for the great reminder and interview ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. Avatarsarah Tilley says

    May 23, 2012 at 12:06 pm

    Great Interview Jen, so great you got to tick her off your “bucket list”.
    Now I’m intrigued…who else is on that list?

    • Avatarinteriorsaddict says

      May 23, 2012 at 12:09 pm

      The other great Kelly, Kelly Wearstler, is definitely on there!

  3. AvatarMeghan says

    May 23, 2012 at 12:23 pm

    I haven’t yet read Kelly Hoppen’s books but they are definiely on my reading list! She has a wonderful style, I just adore her ceramics.

  4. AvatarMarie says

    May 23, 2012 at 1:26 pm

    Fantastic interview Jen!
    I am a hairdressing educator with a passion for interiors. I work at Australia’s first Sassoon connection academy so it was fab to hear that Kelly took inspiration from Vidal. I am in the process of starting a blog and you have been a great source of inspiration to me!
    Thanks, Marie

    • Avatarinteriorsaddict says

      May 23, 2012 at 3:48 pm

      Really glad you enjoyed it Marie ๐Ÿ™‚

  5. AvatarAdam says

    May 23, 2012 at 6:04 pm

    Well done Jen! Another great one pinned! I enjoy seeing the ongoing achievements of an interiors addict ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Avatarinteriorsaddict says

      May 23, 2012 at 8:46 pm

      Thanks for your support Adam! I appreciate it ๐Ÿ™‚

  6. AvatarAnnie says

    August 26, 2012 at 11:05 pm

    Great designer and inspiring to watch the show but she really didn’t seem to listen to the clients and every room went over budget. Rather unrealistic.

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