The brilliant Emilie Fournet shares her interior design secrets…
“As a child, I would rearrange my room constantly and draw floor plans in lessons… It came as a surprise that this wasn’t what everyone else was doing.”
Emilie Fournet is one of those marvellous people with an innate talent for interior design: an eye for beauty and an instinctive understanding of how to put colours, materials and patterns together.
Since launching her north London practice Emilie Fournet Interiors in 2014, she has built up a reputation for design expertise, a stunning portfolio of residential property transformations and a must-follow Instagram account. And since she’s not averse to using the odd Pooky light here and there, we were delighted to chat with her and discover some of her interior design secrets…
Sitting room by Emilie Fournet, Photo: Kasia Fiszer
Tell us about your background … When did you realise you had an ‘eye’, and how did Emilie Fournet Interiors come about?
I feel like my love of interior design has always been there without necessarily realising it. As a child, I would rearrange my room constantly and draw floor plans in lessons… It came as a surprise that this wasn’t what everyone else was doing. I realised later that not everyone was passing the time trying to spatially visualise interiors – that putting colour palettes together wasn’t everyone’s idea of a good time. I took a leap of faith in 2014 and set up the studio, I’ve never looked back since.
How would you describe your interior design style or ethos?
I actively resist committing to a signature style. I have a repeatable way of working; I have a method, but I’m here to realise a vision with my clients. And they are not all the same as each other, and definitely not all the same as me. My designs draw upon the client’s lifestyle, personality and the property itself. For me, it’s definitely more about giving each space a considered and coherent scheme that will function on a daily basis for the individual.
Grade II listed Georgian townhouse kitchen corner, featuring Pooky's Porcini lamp. Photo: Kasia Fiszer
What do you most enjoy about your work?
I’m never happier than hearing back from clients about how they enjoy their house and all the details that went into it. It makes all the months of hard work beforehand worth it
Any recent projects you’ve particularly enjoyed?
I loved working on a full refurbishment of a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse in Islington recently. The owners really trusted me with the vision and the space and it resulted in a really beautiful and considered home.
Grade II listed Georgian townhouse drawing room; and hallway with Pooky's Bamboozle wall lights with drum shades in saffron dupion silk. Photos: Kasia Fiszer
How does lighting play a part in your interiors?
Lighting is such a huge and important part of design. It will set the mood and create the perfect ambiance for the space. It also layers your interiors and adds interest.
They say lighting is the jewellery of interior design, I couldn’t agree more. Bad lighting can so easily ruin a good scheme and should never be underestimated. It’s one of the very first things to consider when designing.
Any lighting tips you’d like to share?
Always think about what you are lighting, it should be purposeful, like lighting a surface, a piece of art, a reading corner.
Control is key. I want to make sure that my clients can vary the mood and texture of their homes. I favour dimmer switches for this reason.
With lamps and shades, I advise that you vary your sizes, finishes and heights. For example, don’t use all the same finishes on every light (think fabric, glass or ceramic shades; metal, stone or wood finishes). Think about floor lamps, table lamps, pendants especially for living rooms and bedrooms and create pockets of lights through a space.
Run away as far as you can from grid or linear downlights schemes, they are so unflattering, sterile and aggressive.
What would be your dream interior design project?
A riverside penthouse sounds fun. Just putting this out there!...
Georgian townhouse bathroom. Photo: Kasia Fiszer
Finally, do you have a favourite Pooky light (and if so, why that one?)
I love the Twinky as a rechargeable table lamp, there is literally no excuse to leave a dark corner unloved. Great on top of fireplaces or on a landing without a plug socket.
The Vincent wall light is another favourite, it’s such a classic design that can work in so many schemes.
I also love the Stella pendant, it’s very playful and great to elevate a corridor, or a bathroom or cloakroom.
Pooky's regular Stella pendant in clear glass
See more of Emilie's gorgeous interior design projects on her website, and make sure you follow her on Instagram and Houzz.
Find lots and lots more inspiration on our interiors blog and browse Pooky's enormous range of stunning lights and shades here.
Portrait top by Kasia Fiszer
