STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Introducing: Sally Conran of Sally Conran Interior Design
My name is Sally Conran and I am the Founder of Sally Conran Studio – an award winning Interior Design practice based in North West London. I have been running my practice for 12 years. Previously I worked as an Interior Stylist on influential advertising and PR campaigns, as well as high end glossy magazines.
What first drew you to architecture / property development?
I had been styling shoots for a Hotel owner for his website. He asked me to put together a palette of fabrics for a small refurbishment of a few of the rooms. After our meeting I heard nothing for a year. Then out of the blue has asked me to meet him for a coffee and pulled out the fabrics I had suggested and said “remember these?” I ended up designing the entire Hotel from top to bottom with a seven new rooms added, a new library, restaurant, bar, & reception.
How would you describe your design philosophy in a few sentences?
My studio is known for creating elegant interiors with an understated, enduring and individualistic style. We work across both residential and commercial interior design and we pride ourselves in our personal, tailored and professional approach.
Creating spaces that people love and want to spend time in is my goal.
I am unswayed by the influences of passing trends and fashions so instead we design to compliment the architectural style and interior spaces of a property while reflecting the tastes and lifestyle of those who inhabit them.
“We always try to put ourselves in our client’s shoes and imagine how they will inhabit a space and how it will make them feel”
Ultimately we create relaxed luxury.
What type of projects excite you most — and why?
I am most excited about Residential Projects that have interesting architecture – be it a period property full of beautiful original features or a completely modern space waiting to be transformed and given a unique personality.
I also love working on Commercial Projects such as intimate Bars and Restaurants or Boutique Hotels where our designs create atmosphere and mood for customers to enjoy.
Art is a passion of mine and has a place in all the interiors we design. It adds unique character and soul and incredible focal points. Ultimately for me Interior Design is a fine balancing of carefully curated elements, which when put together create a whole that is bigger than the sum of its parts.
Is there a project you’re particularly proud of?
I particularly enjoyed working on a Penthouse Apartment situated in the top 4th and 5th floors of the iconic St Pancras Building in Central London. The spaces were so unique, characterised by enormously high vaulted ceilings, heavy wooden beams and trusses and arched gothic windows. This created quirky, dynamic and unusual angles which were both challenging and appealing in equal measure.
What does a typical day look like in your role?
A typical day might be a site visit with contractors, a meeting with a client, design work on the computer or procuring furnishings and fittings. A lot of my time is taken up writing e-mails or problem solving so it’s not all creative fun.
What’s the biggest challenge in the industry right now, from your perspective?
The biggest challenge for me (and my clients), in the industry right now, is the cost of everything. Material, labour, shipping costs – everything has gone up significantly making renovation an expensive business. We are conscious of budget for design decisions at all levels and sizes of our projects Often we might phase works too.
How do you approach sustainability or innovation in your work?
Sustainability is a consideration that all designers are facing and is an aspect of the design process that will increasingly have more importance. My approach is to consider purchases carefully. I look at the ethos of my suppliers and what they are actively doing to reduce their carbon footprint and also where they are manufacturing. I select organic paints, natural materials such as linens, velvets and hand dyed leathers, stone, ethically sourced wood and ceramics. I mix old original light fittings and furnishings with contemporary pieces and specify local and British made pieces wherever possible. This is with a view to reducing the carbon footprint of my projects. Innovation means keeping up with new materials and techniques coming on the market that promote sustainability. I keep an open mind as there is always so much more to learn.
Outside of work, what inspires you?
I am most inspired by art, travel and city visits. I love exploring new architecture at home and abroad, visiting galleries, going to the theatre and also appreciate the wonderful colours and textures in nature.
