Obsidian Interiors have been shortlisted for Bathroom Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2022. Read more about Head Designer, Alison Evans, below:

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Name: Alison Evans

Company: Obsidian Interiors

Position within company: Showroom Manager / Head Designer

Website: www.obsidian-interiors.co.uk

Tell us a little about your background in design:

I completed a Higher National Diploma in Design and have worked in the industry for the last 23 years, whilst being nominating and winning several Awards over the years. For some time, I ran my own interior design business and I am currently now managing and designing at Obsidian Interiors.

How would you describe your personal design style?
I would say that my personal design style is modern. I’m really inspired by clean lines, dark woods, and bold looks. Less is more, but I still like a pop of colour or an abstract piece of art.

Where does your design inspiration come from?
My initial design interest came from my Aunt who was an artist and my Dad who had a very good eye for detail. I have more recently been inspired by Kelly Hoppen and Kelly Wearstler who are both very established designers. I’ve always been interested in fashion and design from a very young age and always had an eye for detail.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.
Chic Chocolate Hues: I have been seeing many clients embrace rich chocolate browns and lighter camel colours for their interiors. So opting for a shade of chocolate browns feels unique and custom and these warmer tones feel more welcoming than the oversaturation of greys.
Classic Canopy Beds: Canopy beds are really going to be having a moment in 2022, major influences from historic and stately homes with the more maximal style.
Dark Kitchens: Kitchens have really changed in the last five years – darker and moodier colours will become even more popular, so excited about this, as I personal love a dark kitchen. You can really play around these shades in paint and different textures throughout the kitchen. I love leathered stones [such as] granites, marbles, and quartzite’s! The matte and slightly bumpy texture tends to be very popular too.
Something Old, Something New:  incorporating reworked vintage finds and heritage furnishings into the home, as well as incorporating more custom furniture pieces to make your home uniquely yours. I have been specifying many customized pieces designed by myself, maintaining exclusivity for our clients.
An individual space: I am seeing lots more of individual spaces being design and created for each individual. Whether it’s a quiet place to relax and read, draw, paint, stitch, or simply be still and reflect / moody spaces feel a bit more expressive and are certainly cosier, incorporating a bar areas for great entertaining – lots of banquettes being hot in 2022,” They are great space savers and create cosy nooks with plenty of seating for groups of various sizes / outside spaces -bars, hot tubs, inside out entertaining.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
I would say the most important advice when it comes to design schemes is really listening to the clients needs and desires, and having a great installation team that can help to fulfil my designs.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
The International Design & Architecture Awards is recognised as the best in the world and to be shortlisted into these categories is just overwhelming. It’s a great platform to see worldwide designer talent and to also showcase mine.

What projects are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on lots of projects at the moment with most of them just coming to an end. A couple I am excited about is cool spa area with Sauna included, and a replica of Palm Springs in my client’s home.

What are some of the products or services that you couldn’t live without?
This has changed over the last couple of years so I would have to say my determination, diary schedule (planning), our delivery service (goods in) and a brilliant installation team.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
To drive the business forward and complete all these fantastic projects we are currently working on, attract and develop better projects and complete and aim to finished whole house interior section to the business which we’ve been working on behind the scenes for the last couple of years which ended up getting put on hold the last two years. A new showroom.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:

Your most treasured possession?
My children, home and my drive.

Your favourite holiday destination?
Coachella Music festival.

Your favourite hotel?
The Hoxton in Paris.

Your favourite food and drink?
I love a porn star martini and any form of fresh fish.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
A good run followed by some retail therapy, a lovely lunch by a big open fire with the family and then followed by a lovely evening with girls dressing up, having a few drinks, and lots of giggles.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
I would of gone into the fashion or fitness industry.

Obsidian Interiors have been shortlisted in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2022.

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