IN CONVERSATION WITH:
ASSOCIATE DESIGNER,
LAUREN COLQUHOUN_

 

AT HOME WITH A.LONDON October 2020




Our talented team on interior designers each have their own personality when it comes to creating A.LONDON’s luxury interior designs. We caught up with Associate Designer, Lauren Colquhoun, to discuss her admiration of interiors and what projects we can be expecting from her soon. Lauren’s eclectic style can be seen throughout the A.LONDON portfolio, including Landmark Place and the award-winning show home, Lyons Place. 


What is your best kept interior design secret?
Look to the past. Nothing is new these days, but simply a reinvention of something from years gone by. Researching past decades, cult classic movies and fashion photography can spark such nostalgic inspiration for colour palettes, silhouettes and bold patterns. Mixing old with new is the real key to achieving a curated space with bundles of personality. Each room should have one piece you feel really passionate about, even if it’s not to everyone’s taste. 

 

“We have huge influence on people. As designers, we lead trends and need to drive the industry to prioritise sustainable practices.”

Lauren Colquhoun
Associate Designer.

 
 

Our new lookbooks are packaged in FSC-certified paper and wrapped in plantable wildflower seed paper accessorised with silk ribbon made from recycled bottles and then popped into an envelope which is made from recycled materials. On top of this we really drive to keep our air miles down by using UK and European based manufacturers and love to support local artists and artisans to give back to our local economy.  

Tell us, how is A.LONDON adapting to become a more sustainable company? 

At A.LONDON, we recognise that the core aspect of our job is purchasing, and consumption is the key issue in sustainability and climate change. We have huge influence on people, and as designers we lead trends and need to drive the industry to prioritise sustainable practices. We take a conscious approach to use new and innovative brands, products and materials. We always allow a percentage of our budget to sourcing amazing antiques and vintage accessories. Designing for longevity is key to reducing the demand for ‘fast fashion’ which is definitely taking hold on the interiors industry as well.

 
 

How do you tailor the experience for each of your clients?

 
 

Every client is so unique, whether a boutique developer or a private client, that understanding their brief is at the heart of every design. Asking questions is crucial to making the client feel like you are really designing with them in mind. Where do they like to holiday? What’s their favourite artist, hobby, or drink?

Some clients want to be heavily involved with the whole process, so we’ll go shopping together, visit art galleries to curate the perfect collection for their new home, as well as visiting fabric houses pull together a gorgeous scheme. Other clients have a vision in their head and want you to create it for them, in which case we send multiple concepts and visualisations for approval and feedback, making sure to keep them involved in the process but not asking too much of their time.

 
 
 
 

What is your favourite interior style?
There’s a piece of my heart for so many different interior design styles and I hope to one day have a house where each room transports you to a different time and place. Growing up in Edinburgh I have a passion for Georgian architecture and theatrical interiors. Sir John Soanes Museum is heaven to me. I love to honour the heritage of buildings and areas, especially in London where the history is so rich and diverse. Ultimately, I would say my favourite interiors style is rich and eclectic, I love the glamour and drama of the 60s and 70s paired with moody, dark hues, lots of personality and always a touch of animal print. 

What projects do you have in the pipeline?
I am working on a fabulous penthouse in Westminster that is completing soon which I’m really excited about, so keep your eyes out on our Instagram for the reveal. We’ve based the palette on the changing colours of the sky throughout the day as the property has expansive 360-degree view of London. Watching those sunset colours, you could be anywhere in the world. I’m also working with a large property developer on a luxury show home for a new development which is very eclectic and art driven. Lots of antiques and retro prints will feature which I cannot wait to source next week at Sunbury Antiques Market. Watch this space! 

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