We caught up with top interior designer Rebecca Hughes to talk about colour, pattern, lighting and ambience...
If, like us, you rather enjoy gazing in a mixture of awe and envy at truly desirable, impeccably tasteful yet imaginative homes, then we can recommend spending some time on the portfolio page of Rebecca Hughes Interiors. Wow. Rebecca describes her interiors has having a 'luxurious edge' - and we think that's a perfect encapsulation of her timeless, glamorous but contemporary design style. And since Rebecca often employs a Pooky lamp or two in her schemes, we thought we'd better find out a bit more about her approach with an exclusive Q&A. Here it is...
How would you describe your interior design style?
I don’t like to impress a particular style onto a client but ultimately my taste does come through. I am passionate about mixing both old and new furniture as well as all of my interiors having a luxurious edge.
Townhouse in Kensington - by Rebecca Hughes Interiors. Image credit.
Townhouse in Kensington - by Rebecca Hughes Interiors. Image credit.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Everything inspires me! Nature, fashion, art, objects, conversations with friends and family... I constantly want to be open to new ideas. I get obsessed with materials, at the moment it is polished plaster and copper. Pinterest has transformed the way I collect inspiration and opened up a world of ideas and colour. In my mind, one can never have too many inspiration images! Ultimately my job is to realise the vision of a client, so the most challenging aspect has to be interpreting their brief in the most beautiful yet practical way. I pride myself in taking time to listen to each client and providing attention to detail so that every element works together to produce a unique scheme.
Country Estate in Oxfordshire - by Rebecca Hughes Interiors. Image credit.
Country Estate in Oxfordshire - by Rebecca Hughes Interiors. Image credit.
How does lighting play a part in your interiors?
Lighting is one of the most important elements of good interior design. There is little point in creating luxury surroundings if they cannot then be appreciated properly or if there is insufficient light to be able to carry out even the most basic of tasks. Lighting is also essential in terms of creating the mood and ambience of a living space, so getting it right from the start is vital.
Penthouse apartment in Richmond - by Rebecca Hughes Interiors, featuring Pooky's Wisteria table lamp. Image credit.
What is the style in your own home? Do you have a favourite room?
Currently my own home is quite natural in colour but provides interest in layering patterns and mixing old antiques with modern fittings. I do get bored quite easily so often my husband comes home and I have either moved furniture, chosen new artwork or hung up potential new wall colours. My home is constantly evolving and changing…
Gloucestershire country house bedroom - with Wexford table lamp styled by Rebecca. Image credit.
We believe mixing and matching colour and pattern can make for some stunning results – do you have any top tips on how to do this in the home?
One of my favourite things to do is to mix and match colour and pattern! One of the best ways to do this is through lighting. By simply adding a patterned shade onto a simple lamp you can transform the look of a room. I also like bringing lots of pattern through different cushions and accessories. Colourful bookshelves and statement artwork can also transform a room.
Lateral apartment in Esher - by Rebecca Hughes Interiors. Image credit.
Detail: Crescent table lamp styled by Rebecca Hughes. Image credit.
Finally we’ve got to ask you, what is your favourite Pooky light and why?
We have recently used a lot of your glass pendants above kitchen islands. However, ultimately my favourite lamp is the Vicenzo Floor Lamp. I would have it with the black block printed cotton shade and put it in my drawing room. The style is timeless and it could work well in both a modern and more traditional setting – I love it!
Family home in West Midlands by Rebecca Hughes Interiors - including Pooky glass pendant lights. Image credit.
Family home in West Midlands, by Rebecca Hughes Interiors - featuring Pooky's Vicenzo floor lamp on left. Image credit.
You can browse more of Rebecca's gorgeous interiors on her website's portfolio page - and follow her on Instagram and Twitter. And you find lots more interiors and lighting inspiration on our blog.
