• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Interiors Addict

Heart Your Home

@interiorsaddict on Instagram   @interiorsaddict on Facebook   @interiorsaddict on Pinterest  
Subscribe
  • Job Board
  • About
  • Before & Afters
  • RENO ADDICT
  • Kitchens
  • Bathrooms
  • Kids Rooms
  • Bedrooms
  • Living Room
  • Shopping
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipes
  • Parenting
  • Travel
Interiors Addict
  • Job Board
  • About
    • Our Story

      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!
      READ MORE

      Weโ€™re big on Instagram!
      @interiorsaddict

      • About
      • Contact Interiors Addict
      • Work with Interiors Addict
      • Advertise / Find a job in Interiors
      • Press
      • Get Your Free Ebook

        This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • By Room
    • Browse by Room

      Where you can search for all our posts about a specific room. Only interested in kitchens and bathrooms? We got you!

      • Kitchens
      • Bathrooms
      • Kids Rooms
      • Bedrooms
      • Living Room
      • Home Office
      • Dining
      • Laundry
      • Outdoor & Exteriors
      • Renting
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • Before & Afters
    • Before & Afters

      Who doesnโ€™t LOVE a good before & after? If you want to be inspired by the whole reno process, and not just the shiny photos at the end, this is the place for you!

      View Articles

      • Before & Afters
      • Jen’s reno
      • Real Renos
      • RENO ADDICT
    • AFTER lounge room1980’s arch inspires amazing apartment before and after
    • AFTER lounge80’s beach shack now an eclectic, retro-inspired holiday home
  • Reno Addict
    • RENO ADDICT

      Looking for reno inspo? Find it all here, from other peopleโ€™s projects to the latest trends, tools and products, whether youโ€™re DIY-ing or employing trades.

      View articles

      • Reno Products
      • The Block
      • DIY
      • Reno Trends
      • Before & Afters
      • Real Renos
    • EnsuiteLuxury lakeside living on NSW South Coast: A fab reno
    • AFTER lounge room1980’s arch inspires amazing apartment before and after
  • Shopping
    • Shopping

      Want to know where to buy the latest furniture, homewares, rugs, art and more? Weโ€™re always sharing our latest finds and telling you where you can buy them.

      View Articles

      • Furniture
      • Homewares
      • Art
      • Smart Home
      • Appliances
      • Reno Products
    • Soffle_Nina-Szewczyk3How to decorate your rental home in a damage-free way
    • AilantoThe best new interior finds for kids + designer chair giveaway!
  • Inspiration
    • Inspiration

      While Jenโ€™s a legitimate interiors addict, sheโ€™s no design professional, so she calls on an army of the countryโ€™s best to share their expertise with you. Be inspired by their stories too!

      View Articles

      • Decorating 101
      • Interviews
      • Expert Tips
      • Before & Afters
      • House Tours
      • Designers
      • Styling
      • Renovating
      • Real Renos
      • Covet my coffee table
    • Soffle_Nina-Szewczyk3How to decorate your rental home in a damage-free way
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle

      Weโ€™re mostly about the home but Jen also likes to share other things she thinks youโ€™ll love, like food and travel.

      • Recipes
      • Travel
      • Parenting
    • 0Q7A5539Foodie Friday: Confit salmon with preserved lemon & pomegranate
    • Burrawang HouseNew Hamptons style luxury retreat in the NSW Southern Highlands
  • Jobs
    • Advertise on our job board
    • Job Board FAQs for advertisers

The Kelly Hoppen interview

May 23, 2012

FacebookPinEmailTweet

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)

FacebookPinEmailTweet

Primary Sidebar

Popular This Week

  • Lounge room 90’s era abode now bold and fun holiday home
  • AFTER lounge 80’s beach shack now an eclectic, retro-inspired holiday home
  • Terrazzo and character are in and grey is out, says designer
  • Palette Cam 15 apps to help you build your dream home
  • Ailanto The best new interior finds for kids + designer chair giveaway!

Follow us on Instagram

I'm absolutely loving the simple yet on trend scal I'm absolutely loving the simple yet on trend scallop design and colour pop of these lampshades from new brand @soffle_lights 

Read founder Sophie Cartwright's top tips for transforming your rental home on the blog now. Via link in bio.

Which colour is your fave?!

#lampshademaker #lampshadedesign #lampshademaking #floorlamps #lampshades #scalloped #sofflelights #lightingdecor #rentaldecor #rentalhome #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
While we featured a gloriously colourful home on M While we featured a gloriously colourful home on Monday, this one is a masterclass in serene neutrals! And how good is this bunk room?!

Take the tour on the blog now. Via link in bio.

#neutralhome #neutralhomedecor #bunkroom #bunkbed #bunkbedsforkids #builtinbunkbeds #skylights #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #realhomes #holidayhousesofinstagram #nswsouthcoast #wollongong #wollongonghomes

@projection_build @lumiere_collective @shersonarchitecture 
๐Ÿ“ท@the.palm.co
Washable rugs, eco-friendly play mats, reversible Washable rugs, eco-friendly play mats, reversible linen, gorgeous wallpaper and the chance to win a beautiful bouclรฉ recliner chair!

Today's kids room roundup is full of loveliness if we don't say ourselves!

Via link in bio now.

#kidsroomstyling #kidswallpaper #playmats #feedingchair #nursingchair #nurseryroomdecor #washablerugs #washablerug #bouclechair #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
A glass shower screen is not the only option! In A glass shower screen is not the only option!

In this 80s villa reno, @trentinidesign took inspiration from an archway typical of the era and used it throughout the home.

The bathroom was transformed from a classic three-piece set up that included a shower, bath and vanity. Kathryn removed the bath and split the room in half and designed an arch to sit between the two zones. 

โ€œI wanted something spectacular. Rather than having a vanity with a piece of glass like you would typically see, I was really trying to push myself as a designer. It was costly but it worked out well and the feedback has been great."

Swipe for the before and follow the link in bio to see the rest of this home.

#bathroomdesignideas #bathroomtrends2023 #showerscreen #showerscreens #archways #apartmentrenovation #interiorsblogger #interiorsaccount #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #realreno
One half of popular parenting podcast @wedonthavet One half of popular parenting podcast @wedonthavetimeforthis, turns out former Neighbours actor @gemma_peanut is even more multi-talented than we thought! Will you check out the joyful and colourful reno of her holiday home (and airbnb) @yo_caba_caba?!

Head over to the blog via link in bio to read all about why she went bold and full of pattern in this project, which is a stark contrast to her zen and neutral Northern Beaches abode.

There's also plenty of details about where things are from etc.

"Iโ€™m not an interior designer so I just chose what I liked and followed my gut. Ultimately this home has been an opportunity to explore my alter ego โ€“ it allowed me to do things that I wouldnโ€™t normally do.โ€

๐Ÿ“ท @tanikablair_photography 

#interiorsblog #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #gemmapeanut #wedonthavetimeforthis #parentingpodcast #parentingpodcasts #holidayhousesofinstagram #cabaritabeach #airbnbstyle #airbnbstyling #colourandpattern #wallpapergoals #patternedtiles #featuretiles #poolgoals #sparkjoy #yocabacaba #boldinteriors #funinteriors #colourfulkitchen
Not many friends in life fall into the unofficial Not many friends in life fall into the unofficial family category and they're a special gift. So ends three weeks with @danisteve81 who left her husband and son in the UK (I'm forever grateful they lent her to me!) to come and cheer me up and help me in the most practical ways after I spent Christmas and New Year in hospital. There were tears and I miss her so much already but how amazing to have had all that time together as adults. Such a rare treat and would never have happened without having been through something so challenging. Silver linings and all that. So many other friends have also been incredibly thoughtful and kind. There aren't many times I'd say this without cringing but I am 100% blessed!

I still cannot believe we have been friends since we were 12! 12! Are you still close with your childhood besties?
The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_ho The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_house is a work of art and while almost every surface was updated, the decision to keep the original slate floor was genius if you ask us. 

Owner @clarehillier__ says: "With its purple, pink, red and brown tones, the slate was the starting point for our interior palette."

Come and check out the before and afters via link in bio now and read the reno story. It's a real beauty.

And you can book it for your next holiday too!

Blair Smith Architecture @kateshanasy

#slatefloor #slatefloors #80shouse #80sbeauty #camillohouse #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #realreno #holidayhousesofinstagram #morningtonpeninsulahomes #morningtonpeninsula #morningtonpeninsulasmallbusiness #blairgowrie #blairgowriebeach #airbnbstyle
Me and my boys ๐Ÿ’— Me and my boys ๐Ÿ’—
Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for thr Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for three decades going out for a child-free dinner ๐Ÿ’“๐Ÿ˜
Follow on Instagram
Visit Jen's profile on Pinterest.

Get Your Free Ebook

Ebook cover

Never miss the latest renovating and interiors products, news and inspo again! Sign up for our newsletter and we'll send you the best bits from the blog, direct to your inbox. Plus you'll get our latest eBook: What Made The Biggest Impact in Jen's Own Reno.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Avatar

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 8 years. She is married to Damian and mum to Sebastian and Charlie.

More from Designers

How to decorate your rental home in a damage-free way

Lounge room

90’s era abode now bold and fun holiday home

Terrazzo and character are in and grey is out, says designer

The Old Vicarage project

Designer profile: From expat childhood to high end interiors

Greg Natale accessories

Greg Natale debuts new lifestyle collection at Maison&Objet Paris

Bedroom

Art and colour star in cottage reno inspired by Kit Kemp

Master bedroom

Sophisticated Melbourne home an ode to its owners’ Italian roots

Bedroom

How to embrace colour & maximalist style in your home

Stylist helps couple create new home merging two aesthetics

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.

Footer

Interiors Addict

Interiors Addict

  • About
  • Contact
  • Work with Jen
  • Press
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Policy

Browse

  • RENO ADDICT
  • Jen’s Reno
  • House Tours
  • Real Renos
  • Interviews
  • Styling
  • Designers
  • Bedrooms
  • Covet My Coffee Table
  • Expert Tips
  • The Block
  • Art
  • Furniture
  • Recipes

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RENO ADDICT

Copyright © 2011–2023 Addicted Media Pty Ltd
Website care by ClickWP ยท Log in

Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

Email sent!