DE S IGN CENTRE
ALICE B DAVIES
The House & Garden Rising Star 2024 award winner founded her London studio in 2019. Davies cut her teeth as a creative director for a boutique architecture firm before launching on her own. She loves working with a talented network of makers and craftspeople to realise her elegant yet relaxed interiors.
What inspires you? Lots of things. Normally at the beginning of a project I visit historic buildings and a few galleries to reset my creative mind.
What’s the thread that runs through every scheme, regardless of the aesthetic? I take my lead from my clients’ tastes and preferences and the building we are working with, but somehow there is a consistent feeling of calm through my projects, which I like to layer with eclectic furnishings, antiques and art.
What projects are you working on at the moment? An eclectic and glamorous family home in Richmond and a gorgeous barn conversion in Sussex.
What are the details that matter the most to you in your work? Materiality and layout. You can have a wonderful layout, but if the finishes are not beautiful it just won’t work (if in doubt, use natural finishes). Likewise, if you start with an awkward layout, the space will never feel right, no matter what you finish the floor and walls with…get these right and they will carry everything.
Describe your style in three words Informal, relaxed, comfortable.
What’s your latest discovery at the Design Centre? I am a bit obsessed with Schumacher as well as Sanderson/Zoffany.
STELLA WEATHERALL
After graduating from the Inchbald School of Design, Stella worked for Flora Soames and Kit Kemp at Firmdale Hotels. She started her studio of two from her Notting Hill home and is known for her joyful use of pattern and colour.
What inspires you? Having grown up in Hong Kong, I am always drawn to the patterns, colours, textures and details of the East and Far East.
What projects are you working on at the moment? A lovely three-bed terraced house in Notting Hill.
What project are you most proud of? A five-bedroom house in Kensington. It was a two-year project and a steep learning curve. I am forever grateful to my clients for trusting me with such an incredible project so early on in my career. I am so proud of what we achieved.
What are the details that matter the most to you in your work? Antiques and one-offs are essential. It’s hard to create a feeling of depth or interest if everything is new or mass produced. Low-level lamps and wall lights are also very important for atmosphere.
Describe your style in three words Colourful, thoughtful and distinctive.
Is there any business advice you wish you’d known when you started out? Don’t get bogged down by things you can delegate. Get an accountant and assistant from the offset so you can focus on the design and clients.
What’s your latest discovery at the Design Centre? Trimmings from George Spencer Designs, Phillip Jeffries' 'Manila Hemp' wallcovering and Paolo Moschino Ltd's ‘Coco’ wall light.
- 62-
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72
