Roaring Trade
Hertfordshire Life|February 2018

From Dragons’ Den to celebrity cruise ships, via fireplace and carpet designs, Kelly Hoppen tells Mark Kebble about four exhilarating decades in the business

Mark Kebble
Roaring Trade

KELLY HOPPEN’S London home is an eye-opener. It’s full of unusual lighting designs and quirky accessories, yet feels remarkably warm and inviting – and is a real showcase for taupe. ‘My style evolves on an on-going basis, but my core design principles remain the same – I will always champion taupe!’ she laughs. ‘I’ve never been driven by trends, instead I believe in classic, luxurious design that stands the test of time. It’s East meets West, with a modern edge. The style of my furnishings has definitely gone in different directions over the last four decades.”

Remarkably, it’s four decades since Kelly first started plying her trade in the interior design world and, today, her expertise is used in everything from hotels and cruise ships, to her own accessories range that are lovingly on show in her London and West Yorkshire showrooms. ‘I can honestly say I love them all,’ she says of the many different strings to her bow. ‘Every different project presents a unique challenge, and for someone who has been in the business for 41 years now, I love delving into new areas of design. Next on the list is a film or TV set.’

Esta historia es de la edición February 2018 de Hertfordshire Life.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición February 2018 de Hertfordshire Life.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE HERTFORDSHIRE LIFEVer todo
Hertfordshire Life

Explosive history

With bonfire night this month, author Harry Smee recounts the explosive story of his family’s firework company, Brock’s, creators of wonders and war-changing weapons

time-read
6 minutos  |
November 2020
A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer
Hertfordshire Life

A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer

Laurie McGrath, senior designer at Harriet Kelsall bespoke jewellery in Halls Green, gives an insight into her working day

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 2020
Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES
Hertfordshire Life

Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES

Meet the fire investigation dogs securing convictions against arsonists and murderers who otherwise may go free

time-read
5 minutos  |
November 2020
The greatest traveller
Hertfordshire Life

The greatest traveller

Exploring ancient civilisations and rising powers, Violet CressyMarcks became the most travelled woman of her age. Fifty years after her death we look at her incredible life

time-read
6 minutos  |
November 2020
Hertfordshire Life

Return of the Queen of Romance

Twenty years after the death of record-breaking novelist Dame Barbara Cartland, Gillian Thornton talks passions, plots and a new audience with her son at the family home in Essendon

time-read
7 minutos  |
November 2020
In bed with CELEBS
Hertfordshire Life

In bed with CELEBS

Marking its 70th year, Welham Green soft furnishings company Ashley Wilde has grown from a pile-it-high, sell-it-cheap business into an industry leader with A-list partnerships

time-read
6 minutos  |
November 2020
Roam with a view
Hertfordshire Life

Roam with a view

We may not have coastline or mountains, but Herts has beautiful views all the same, if you know where to look

time-read
7 minutos  |
November 2020
Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle
Hertfordshire Life

Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle

The secret life of a much-loved British mammal and simple steps we can take at home to stop its extinction

time-read
3 minutos  |
November 2020
Hertfordshire Life

A walk down Surreal Street

Paul Crowley draws on his graphic designer’s eye to capture scenes from the country to the street, all tinged with surreality

time-read
3 minutos  |
November 2020
5 minutes with
Hertfordshire Life

5 minutes with

Carole Spiers, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce member and founder of International Stress Awareness Week

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 2020