London Design Week 2020 – Conversations in Design Videos

EVERY ROOM SHOULD SING: THE SECRET OF INTUITIVE INTERIOR DESIGN

Hosted by Homes & Gardens
Swedish-born Beata Heuman has emerged as one of the UK’s most respected interior designers. Her playful, harmonious style is informed by her Scandinavian heritage, skillfully mixing the bold and theatrical with classical restraint. With an intuition for colour and detail, and the ability to draw inspiration from sources past and present, she shares her approach to creating imaginative spaces with acting editorial director Pip McCormac.

GROW YOUR BUSINESS. THE BOLD AND THE BRAVE: PUSHING CREATIVE BOUNDARIES

Leading designers – Tatjana von Stein, joint founder of Sella Concept and Peter Mikic of his eponymous studio – put the spotlight on the balance between creative fulfillment and running a successful business. Each is celebrated for their experimental mindset, but how do they achieve the realisation of their highly inventive concepts while satisfying the needs of the client? From conceiving a luxury penthouse, designing pop-up ‘living rooms’ for Netflix and Google to reimagining homes in the Balearics, join them as they reflect on the challenges of creating compelling interiors in a highly competitive market. Chaired by writer Charlotte Abrahams.

INSIDE THE MIND OF MASTER AND MAVERICK

Hosted by FT How To Spend It
Patrick Frey, patriarch of renowned Parisian design house Pierre Frey, has a unique vision that challenges the norm. Relentlessly curious and an ardent traveler, he has a daring and optimistic approach that encourages us to consider the limitless possibilities of design. He shares his insights with Michelle Ogundehin, writer, design consultant and TV presenter, delving into what drives his imagination – from collaborations with cutting-edge artists to explorations of world cultures – and examining how he creates fabric and wallpapers that joyfully break the rules and shape the future of interiors.

GROW YOUR BUSINESS: HOW TO THINK BIGGER

Hosted by FT House & Home
Sharing how they made the leap from small practice to growing studio, three acclaimed interior designers explore their business success. Mike Fisher founder of Studio Indigo, Samantha Todhunter of her eponymous studio and Emily Todhunter of Todhunter Earle reflect on their journey from fledgling designer to thriving, creative business leader. Expect personal insight, sage advice and plenty of entrepreneurial spirit as the panel delve into their rule books, revealing the pivotal decisions and shrewd strategies instrumental in growing their now well-established, dynamic studios. Chaired by editor Helen Barrett.

OLGA POLIZZI: DESIGNER, HOTELIER, TASTEMAKER

Hosted by House & Garden
Renowned interior designer, hotelier and director of design for Rocco Forte Hotels, Olga Polizzi is admired for capturing the essence of a location in her interiors. Marking an exciting period of new and forthcoming projects – from the landmark Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh to an 18th-century palazzo atop Rome’s Spanish Steps – she explores her design philosophy in conversation with editor, Hatta Byng. Expect captivating insights and learn the secrets to hotel interiors that are highly individual, yet alike in quality and comfort.

THE DEVIL IN THE DETAIL

Hosted by ELLE Decoration
Renowned for creating elegant, effortless interiors, designers Martin Hulbert and Jay Grierson of Martin Hulbert Design pay extraordinary attention to the smallest detail. In conversation with editor Ben Spriggs, they explore what drives this highly considered approach, the hallmark of an impressive portfolio of projects that includes Cliveden, Nobu and The Grove as well as homes across the globe. Expect insider insights from this design duo who bring a rare combination of style, wit and artistry to their work in their quest for authenticity and individuality. 

A NEW COUNTRY LIFE: RITA KONIG’S RURAL TRIUMPH

Hosted by Country Life
Rita Konig’s relaxed style has made her one of today’s most sought after interior designers on both sides of the Atlantic. Deftly layering pattern, texture and colour, her schemes bring a relaxed comfort, pairing quirky, classic pieces with modern accents. In conversation with executive editor Giles Kime, she discusses the secrets to her creative approach as well as her passion for sharing her expertise. Defining a new chapter with a very personal project – the renovation of a Victorian farmhouse in County Durham – she reveals the challenges faced transforming the seven-bedroom rural property into a dream family home.

A NEW VISION: WHAT DOES THE DIGITAL ERA MEAN FOR INTERIOR DECORATION?

Hosted by Livingetc
The digital age has transformed the lives of interior designers, creating new ways for them to imagine and communicate their vision for living. Leading designers – Emma Pocock, co-founder of Turner Pocock and Elnaz Namaki, founder of her eponymous studio – share how the growth of social media and design apps have changed interiors. The discussion will explore how the digital landscape has democratised the design process, allowing everyone to share in the creativity, and ask whether, at the dawn of a new decade, there will be even more change to the way our homes are designed and seen. Moderated by acting executive editor, Kate Burnett.

HOSPITALITY DESIGN: GROWING A GREENER FUTURE

Hosted by Sleeper
Sustainability has been a hot topic in hospitality design circles for over a decade now, but as the effects of environmental disruption grow stronger and the planet approaches a true carbon crunch, what will be the responsibilities of hotel designers be? Industry experts – Jeremy Grove co-founder and Managing Director of Sibley Grove and Fiona Thompson, Principal of Richmond International discuss how their businesses are realising a vision to design innovative global hospitality projects which foster a more sustainable, harmonious relationship with the natural environment. Chaired by Kristofer Thomas, features editor of Sleeper.

HOME AND AWAY

Hosted by Country & Townhouse
Credited with popularising the boutique escape, James Lohan, founder of Mr & Mrs Smith and his sister, interior designer Hannah Lohan, explore the growing influence of hotel trends on our own homes. The dynamic pair talk to interiors editor Carole Annett about what makes guests fall in love with a particular place – from hotel city breaks to beach resorts, safari camps and wellness retreats – and predict what’s next when it comes to the crossover between where we live, and where we stay.