To kick off our first article of 2016, as part of our interior design interview series, we spoke with Canadian born designer Adrienne Chinn.
Adrienne has made a name for herself in the industry, serving predominantly the London area, and has worked on several projects, specialising in residential to commercial interior design.
Her work speaks for itself, having won both design and architecture and highly commended design awards.
So, let's find out more about her style, inspiration and 2016 ahead...
What inspired you to pursue a career in Interior Design?
I had always had an interest in architecture and interior design -- I was always doodling houses in my school notebooks when I was a child! But I also liked to write so I pursued a journalism career in Canada.
When I immigrated to the UK some years later I felt it was time for a career change and, when I looked at the stacks of interior design books and magazines I'd collected over the years, retraining in interior design seemed like a logical decision.
Which projects are you most pleased with to date?
I've had some lovely clients over the years -- recently I helped a couple design the interiors of their 15th century barn conversions in Surrey in a contemporary style.
They were always open to my suggestions and the collaboration was a real dialogue. A lot of fun and very satisfying. Another job I loved was converting a run-down inn on the Isle of Arran in Scotland for some ex-residential clients who had sold up in London to become hoteliers.
Again, wonderful clients and a lot of fun bringing the old inn back to life. And, I'll never forget the project on the island of Grenada in the Caribbean where I was asked to help design 20 self-catering holiday flats.
The client and I shopped in Miami and we've since become great friends. The great thing about interior design is that you never know what adventure is just around the corner.
How would you best describe your style of work?
Contemporary eclectic pretty much sums it up! I also love 20th century design -- right from Arts & Crafts through to the funky 70s.
I also love Oriental art -- I can't resist collecting old Japanese watercolours and intricate pieces of Chinese embroidery which I frame.
My own home is a real mix of flea market finds!
What is your favourite aspect of Interior Design?
Being creative. It's so stimulating.
How often do you use vintage furniture in your designs?
All the time! There's nothing I like better than poking around old shops and flea markets! A South African friend calls it fossicking. So, I love to fossick.
And although I'm definitely contemporary in my design style, like I said before, I'm also eclectic. I love the way vintage finds can add texture and character to a contemporary interior.
What are you plans for the future, any exciting projects to come in 2016?
Keep on keeping on! I write a design blog and I am also doing some interior design teaching at KLC School of Design part-time which I'm really enjoying.
I'm working on a large house in Essex right now and a flat in Maida Vale. I'm probably heading back to Grenada in April to discuss a new project with my friend. Onwards and upwards!
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