Meet Poppy Peace: House of Red’s Talented Founder
In this Designer Spotlight edition, we are thrilled to introduce you to Poppy Peace, the creative genius behind House of Red, a prominent London-based design studio specialising in FF&E interior design, luxury home staging, and furniture collections. Not only is she a skilled interior designer, but she also manages the delicate art of balancing her professional life with her role as a devoted mother to two young boys. Join us as we delve into her journey, inspirations, and design philosophy.
A Leap of Faith
Poppy’s venture into the realm of interior design has been truly remarkable. With 16 years of experience as Managing Director and Group Creative Director at a renowned design studio, she embarked on a courageous journey to establish her own business, House of Red. Motivated by her yearning to push her creative boundaries and assume full autonomy over her endeavours, this decision has proven to be immensely fulfilling.
A Peek into Poppy’s Daily Routine
As a business owner, Poppy’s days are filled with diverse tasks, depending on the projects she’s working on. However, amidst the bustling schedule, she has a fixed morning routine that sets the tone for her day. Rising at 6 am, she enjoys a nourishing breakfast and a refreshing green tea before engaging in half an hour of exercise. This is followed by an hour of admin work, blending both professional and family responsibilities. It’s a method that ensures she tackles her most challenging tasks head-on and starts her day with focus and clarity.
Interior Design: A Childhood Passion
Interior design has been an integral part of Poppy’s life since childhood. At the age of 11, she showcased her love for interiors by revamping her bedroom, going as far as removing the wallpaper and rearranging furniture. From there, her passion grew, and she immersed herself in continually redesigning rooms in her family home. Her creative spirit took her to university to study furniture and product design before delving deeper into the world of interior design.
Evolution of a Career
Poppy’s career journey in interior design was shaped by a fortuitous opportunity as a Design Consultant, working on bespoke furniture designs. Through various roles and experiences, she eventually became the Managing Director of a distinguished interior design studio. The founders of that studio served as her inspiring mentors, instilling a genuine love for her work and driving her passion for design and business.
Current and Future Projects
At House of Red, there is no shortage of exciting projects. Currently, the team is working on a project near Tower Bridge, preparing for a site visit in Somerset, and quoting on a couple of home staging ventures within the city. While their projects have mainly been residential so far, Poppy envisions expanding their horizons into Europe and beyond, building on her prior experience working on international projects.
Designing with the Client in Mind
A fundamental aspect of House of Red’s design process is establishing a strong and personalised brief with the client. Understanding their aesthetic preferences, lifestyle, and functional needs lays the foundation for creating practical and beautiful solutions tailored to their unique vision.
“To evoke feelings in a space is to design a scheme that connects with the personality and needs of a client. It draws from deep inside and brings out some nostalgia. A home should make you feel safe with the ability to make you smile.”
Sustainability: A Growing Focus
Poppy believes that sustainability is increasingly considered in design. From energy efficiency to eco-friendly materials and sustainable furniture, she emphasizes the importance of environmentally conscious choices. Poppy aims to learn and grow in this area, advocating for the use of recycled materials and responsibly sourced resources like wood, sheep wool, organic cotton, and Jute. When it comes to interior design briefs, she believes it’s the designer’s responsibility to educate clients about sustainability and incorporate it into projects with the support of the supply chain.
A Decade of Collaboration
Collaborating with Liang & Eimil for over 10 years, Poppy doesn’t remember how they initially connected. She mentioned that the owner Honghui, has always been delightful and their relationship has grown over time. Liang & Eimil has become an integral part of Poppy’s career, providing exceptional customer service, high-quality products at reasonable prices, and flexible delivery. Their unique and classic designs make them a go to choice, especially for last-minute projects. Liang & Eimil is an indispensable supplier for Poppy and has contributed to the success of her business, House of Red.
Advice for Young Talents
To thrive as an interior designer, immerse yourself in experiences that fuel your creativity and surround yourself with fellow creatives. Seek work experience, visit galleries and exhibitions, and constantly seek visual inspiration.
“Put yourself outside your comfort zone on a regular basis. This builds confidence and gains you new skills.”
Design Tips for Creating a Stylish Home
Embrace your personal style when designing your own space. Translate the colours and textures that inspire you in fashion into subtle or bold choices for scatter cushions, upholstery fabrics, and wall colours. A feature wall can add character and become a focal point in each room. Opt for items you truly love or those that serve practical purposes to avoid clutter and maintain a curated aesthetic.
Conclusion
Poppy Peace, the visionary founder of House of Red, has embarked on an exciting journey in the world of interior design. Her passion, creativity, and meticulous attention to detail have propelled her to establish a successful design studio that caters to a diverse range of clients. As she continues to create stunning and personalised spaces, Poppy is driven by her desire to make a positive impact on her clients’ lives. With her unwavering commitment to excellence and an eye for innovation, Poppy Peace is undoubtedly a rising star in the interior design industry.
