Cover Kelly Hoppen. Photo courtesy of David Venni
Kelly Hoppen. Photo courtesy of David Venni
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The award-winning designer and entrepreneur shares her life lessons with Tatler
Designer to the stars, lauded entrepreneur, author of 13 books—Kelly Hoppen is the epitome of a multi-hyphenate, and was even before the term was coined. More impressively, she has been at the pinnacle of the design industry for the last 45 years, winning almost every possible accolade including being named Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2009 for services to interior design.
Born in South Africa and raised in the UK, Hoppen’s design journey began with her leaving school to design a family friend’s kitchen aged just 16. This marked the start of her eponymous firm, and since then she has worked on the homes of notable personalities ranging from the Beckhams to Boy George, employing the signature clean lines and neutral palette that have earned her the nickname “Queen of Taupe”.
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Above Kelly Hoppen. Photo courtesy of David Venni
Kelly Hoppen. Photo courtesy of David Venni
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The essence of Hoppen’s design is her philosophy that simplicity is paramount in any space—be it a private jet, a superyacht or a luxury chalet. While most of her designs have a calming, monochrome canvas, she pioneered a global approach by layering eastern and western design elements before it became commonplace. In fact, this was the central theme of her first book, East Meets West: Global Design for Contemporary Interiors, published in 1997.
It’s hard to keep track of the many hats that Hoppen wears, from collaborating with brands such as tilemakers Fired Earth and Hong Kong-based accessories label SV Casa to being a Dragon on the acclaimed BBC television show Dragons’ Den. One thing is for sure, however: even after over four decades in action, Hoppen has an unquenchable thirst to create.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learnt in 45 years in design?
The most crucial lesson I’ve learnt is the power of adaptability. The design landscape is ever-changing, and being flexible, open- minded and willing to evolve with the times has been paramount to sustaining success in this industry. And of course, the passion involved only grows stronger with time.
How has the design industry changed since you began? Will the advent of AI enrich or endanger the industry?
The design industry has undergone significant transformations since I started, primarily with the advent of technology. While AI brings innovative tools and capabilities, I believe it enriches rather than endangers the industry. It streamlines processes, fosters creativity and enables designers to focus more on conceptualisation and client interaction. However, it will never take away from the personal approach my team and I take in every single aspect of the design process. That personal touch is irreplaceable.
Clean lines and neutral tones form your aesthetic signature. Why do you anchor your designs in simplicity?
I advocate for simplicity because it creates timeless elegance and allows for personalisation. Clean lines and neutral tones provide a versatile canvas where individual style can flourish without overwhelming the senses. Attention to detail ensures every element contributes to a cohesive and harmonious space.
You’ve worked with many celebrities. How do you ensure you help their personalities shine while championing the look you’re known for?
Collaborating with influential personalities is about understanding their unique vision while infusing it with my design principles. I listen intently, extracting elements that reflect their personality, and then weave them into the framework of my aesthetic. It’s a delicate balance of honouring their individuality while maintaining the integrity of the design. Regardless of who I work with, listening is the foundation of successful design.
What three design commandments do you adhere to in every project?
Firstly, functionality is paramount—every space must serve its purpose efficiently. Secondly, there should be harmony in composition, which is achieved through balance and proportion. Lastly, attention to detail elevates the design from ordinary to extraordinary, ensuring every aspect contributes to the overall narrative.
You’re a big fan of vintage. Where do you source pieces?
I love the treasure hunt aspect of sourcing vintage pieces. I frequent flea markets, antique shops and auctions, both locally and internationally. In particular, I head to Paris, Brussels and Antwerp, combing through every single street and shop.
When you find something [right], you just know you have to buy it and where it will go. In [one of her homes], the two chairs in the living room and the guest room are vintage finds. Each vintage piece tells a story and adds character to a space, creating a unique and personalised ambience both for myself and my clients.
You describe music as a form of design. What’s on your playlist at the moment?
Music is indeed a powerful source of inspiration for me. My current playlist is diverse, ranging from Maze to Sade to Stormzy, and everything in between. There’s soul, funk and jazz, each fuelling my creativity and enhancing my design process. Ultimately, music brings joy and beautiful visualisations.
Travel is a source of inspiration for many. Can you tell us of a trip that really inspired you?
My recent trip to Baku, Azerbaijan left an indelible impression on me. It is an incredible city bursting with beauty and cultural richness. A highlight was the Heydar Aliyev Centre, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects—it was breathtaking, especially the collection of vintage cars from every era.
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From cushions for Restoration Hardware to furniture for Caracole, you’ve partnered with many brands through the years. How do you choose your collaborators?
When selecting collaborators, I prioritise shared values, integrity and a commitment to quality craftsmanship. It’s essential to align with brands that resonate with my aesthetic and ethos, ensuring seamless collaboration and the creation of products that uphold my standards of excellence.
It’s a cliché that creatives are not good at business. As a successful entrepreneur and former Dragon, what’s your advice to creative individuals looking to scale?
My advice is to cultivate a business mindset alongside your creative passion. Understand the financial aspects of your enterprise, surround yourself with knowledgeable advisers, and continuously educate yourself on business strategies. Striking a balance between creativity and pragmatism is key to sustainable growth.
You’re also known for mentoring other women. What would you tell those making their mark in male-dominated industries?
I would say that they should embrace their uniqueness and never compromise on their worth. Champion your achievements, seek mentorship and support other women in their endeavours. Remember that diversity enriches industries, and your perspective is invaluable. Stay resilient, confident and unapologetically ambitious.
Lastly, what are you most excited about right now?
Professionally, I’m excited about upcoming collaborations that push the boundaries of design innovation and sustainability. A lot of my residential projects are private clients but I’m working on homes in Switzerland, India, Germany, Australia, mainland China, Hong Kong and Miami, to name a few.
Personally, I’m looking forward to spending more time with loved ones, nurturing my creativity through travel and exploring new culinary experiences that ignite the senses. I’m planning to go back to Asia soon, particularly Bhutan.
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Kissa is part of Tatler Asia's regional team, responsible for overseeing the design and travel content across Asia and on all platforms spanning print, digital, social, and video. She was formerly editor-in-chief of Tatler Singapore and Home Journal and her work has appeared in Wallpaper*, Travel + Leisure, ELLE Decoration and more. Based in Singapore, Kissa has lived and worked in Tokyo, Manila, and Hong Kong, as well as travelled to over 50 countries. She documents her latest lifestyle discoveries on Twitter and Instagram at @kissacastaneda, plus her design finds on @tatlerhomes.
