Know like a pro: Kelly Hoppen


Kelly Hoppen
Madonna of Decor: Kelly Hoppen has stamped her mark as a hugely influential female designer
© Nick Haddow

The South African born interiors queen (1959-, British) has wowed the British interiors scene with her serene elegance and Eastern inspired creations. She was the first designer to receive the Andrew Martin International Designer of the Year award in 1997 and, ten years later, has been awarded the European Women of Achievement Award for Entrepreneurship.

What's she famous for?

Her signature beige and neutrals. Cheesy it may sound but the world has literally gone hopping mad for Hoppen. Her elegance, balance and tranquility, drawn from the Far East, have earned her global popularity and she has designed everything from houses, yachts and ski chalets to restaurants, offices, and the interiors of British Airways first class cabins. Her collections vary from Wedgewood to Wool Classics and, not to snub the high-street, she has KHome for BHS. Outside of the design studio, her best-selling books include Close Up, East Meets West and Kelly Hoppen Style. Kelly Hoppen Home: From Concept to Reality (Little Brown and Company, £30.00) is her latest addition.

Classic lamp table for KHome, £249
© KHome for BHS

Keep a lookout for…

Hoppen designed accommodation in Barcelona. She is working on a hotel for the Majestic Group set to open in the city in January 2008, so make tracks and get an early look in.

Insider fact

Kelly Hoppen has known that she wanted to be an interior designer since the tender age of 14. At 16 and a half, she started her own business. Now that's what we call having 'direction'.

Sentence to drop in at a dinner party?

She may be a striking female force in contemporary British design, but Kelly Hoppen isn’t all woman at home. She admits she hates cooking and never does the ironing, although she insists she’s very good at it.