Inspire me
#MyPersonalSanctuary Part Two
Three professional art and design consultants from UK, Miami and Hong Kong share their personal sanctuary and how art and décor have a positive impact on their wellbeing.
Alan Koh
Wednesday 30 September, 2020
In our second #MyPersonalSanctuary blog, we take a further look at some more inspirational interiors, shared in response to Michelle Ogundehin’s recent article. Collectively exploring the ways in which art and décor have a positive impact on our wellbeing – the insights from our art collectors are astute and invaluable to those considering a revamp at home. Read on for contributions from UK, Hong Kong, Miami, Melbourne and Singapore!
ART AND #MYPERSONALSANCTUARY
Sophie Robinson Interiors, Interior Designer, UK
What a difference finding the right piece of furniture makes! I’ve been searching for the right side board for my office for ages and trawled online, the high street and vintage fairs for months and then found this incredible piece right on my doorstep at the amazing Vine Street Vintage. It’s so Hansel and Gretal! It’s 1980’s American and I’m fantasying that it’s come straight out of South Fork.
I’ve styled it up with this incredible painting by Becky Blair set against the Artemis wallpaper by House of Hackney . Yes it’s a riot. Yes it’s pattern overload. My husband thinks I have too many nic backs but for me this corner of my home is pure joy!
Decorating from your heart and duly embracing the joy of colour is something I feel passionate about. My next online course, Bold, Brave and Beautiful interiors is an opportunity for me to share my unique design philosophy as I figured right now, we need to decorate our homes with joy more than ever before.
Deborah Mckellar, Artist, Talking Textiles, Singapore
My Personal Sanctuary is my bedroom, it has a South-East Asian Tropical style. This is a space I go to both relax and feel inspired. I’ve brought in a number of lush tropical plants such as soft ferns and a large Bird of Paradise. Between these plants, Chinese cabinets in sage greens make bold statements.
When considering what artwork to create, to place above my bed, I decided to go with a calm colour palette. Using off-white as well as shades of green to complement the furniture. The subject matter of this artwork contains a dreamy shophouse surrounded by foliage.
On the bed, I’ve brought in some wild creatures – two leopards, on a silk cushion, remind me of my South African roots. As an artist my sanctuary is a place where I can imagine new creations as well as put my head down on a soft pillow to dream.
Chrissie Walkden-Brown, Fair Coordinator, Australia
Having grown up in a country town but currently living in Sydney, I’m drawn to artworks that evoke memories of the bush.
When I saw “Hill End, Tambaroora Creek Bed” by Zak Tilley it reminded me of the many long walks I’ve been on through national parks and I had to add it to my collection.
I’ve surrounded this piece with dried native flowers and natural objects to further enhance the feeling. The skull on the left is a wombat’s skull inherited from my grandparents. Every time I look at my mantelpiece it reminds me of home.
Ellie Hayworth, Interior Designer, Miami
Settling into a new home office in Miami recently afforded the chance to create a space that serves as a living mood board. On my shelves and across my walls are mementos from a life I’ve led with curiosity and passion. Each acquisition occurred thanks to a gut-punch reaction, a visceral need to welcome these works into my everyday life.
A small monochrome painting by Jean Baptiste Bernadet – my first acquisition – hangs above a hole-punched polaroid by Odette England acquired from the Klompching Gallery my former neighbors in DUMBO, Brooklyn. Both urge you to look more closely, to seek meaning. There was the resonance with Brian Paumier and the religious pilgrimage in Mexico, the act of faith he was committing to, the “manda” undertaken.
These objects and their associated memories bring me immense pride and a welcome respite. They invite pause and represent the beauty in life’s meandering journey.
Fion Lee, The Editors Company, Interior Designer, Hong Kong
When our customer Crystel approached us to help her with her new apartment in the Soho area, she had been in Hong Kong for quite a few years and the city has become her second home to her native Japan. When moving house this time around, Crystel wanted to make sure her new home was decorated in a way that reflected her personality, plus provided a base from which should recharge after a long day’s work.
The apartment is a quintessential urban dwelling, located in the Soho area, overlooking PMQ and with a stunning view that stretches all the way to Kowloon. The space has lots of natural sunlight with a window that spans the entire width of the living and dining room. We also loved that the bedroom had a cute little balcony that opens at the foot of Crystel’s bed.
To create Crystel’s stylish apartment interior, with added pops of energy, we chose darker colours for the base furniture, which we then contrasted with colourful accessories. The art selection features graphic and geometric lines and patters that complement the style of the apartment, while pink and dark blue elements injected a touch of energy to the space.
Thanks to Sophie, Fion, Ellie, Chrissie and Deborah for sharing their spaces of sanctuary. We love that each of these shots are brimming with personality, memories and energy which – the personal touches really shine through.
To see more interior inspiration and shop the looks, visit our #MyPersonalSanctuary page. Plus, if you’d like to be featured on the wall, simply share your own inspirational interior on Instagram and what makes the space your own personal sanctuary – don’t forget to use the hashtag and tag us!
Main image:
Crystel’s apartment, as designed by Hong Kong interiors consultancy, The Editors Company.
Featured images from first to last:
Image courtesy of Sophie Robinson Interiors, featuring artwork by Becky Blair, side board from Vine Street Vintage, wallpaper by House of Hackney.
Image courtesy of Deborah McKellar of Talking Textiles, a professional artist based in Singapore.
Image courtesy of Chrissie Walkden-Brown, Fair Coordinator for Affordable Art Fair Melbourne.
Image courtesy of Ellie Hayworth, interior designer and Founder of Hayworth.co. consultancy, based in NYC.
Image courtesy of The Editors Company based in Hong Kong.