I adore autumn; it’s one of my favourite times of the year in Hong Kong. The trees of Tai Tong Park and Tsing Yi Park, switching in unison from ubiquitous green, to ruby red, burnt orange and glorious, golden yellow, are a fabulous sight to behold. November’s bright cool days make the autumnal colours seem even more vivid, especially those of the sabina tree which is an all time favourite of mine. England’s trees never quite match its beautiful, fiery, crimson hue. I have many happy memories of life in Hong Kong, the colours and changing seasons continue to inspire me. Like the shifting seasons, the sumptuous and vibrant interiors I create are always completely unique and never entirely fixed. I love the freedom of evolving an interior, just as life itself evolves. At the turn of the season, I like to introduce new pieces to refresh and revitalise, so this autumn, there are some interior changes I am really excited to make.
Adding two vivid orange armchairs and a sculptural bronze coffee table completely revitalises this tonal living room
My first thought is that, this year, I am drawn to eye-catching dashes of rich colour. I am thinking particularly of large-scale paintings, along with crystal and semi-precious stone accessories, in brilliant, jewel-like, hues. I recently completed a wonderful seven floor home in Notting Hill, which I often say ended up being something of a “rainbow” design. From cobalt and azure blue in the formal living room; canary yellow in one of the many bedroom suites; amber in the informal living and dining room; and deep, emerald green and malachite in the games room, every space was different, but all were united in their use of pure, joyful, colour.
For autumn, I also feel that the introduction of one or two statement sculptural pieces of furniture would instantly invigorate an interior. Lately, I have been particularly drawn to the work of a handful of Parisian and London ateliers. Furniture pieces in bronze and shagreen, from Gallery Kifu, lift any space, whilst a well-chosen antique from a private dealer, such as Guinevere Antiques, creates an unusual and impressive focal point. I also love contemporary, sculptural design. Most recently, I found the perfect geometric, alabaster and bronze, sculptural, chandelier at Hervé Van der Straeten. It adds gravitas and chic, understated elegance to a more contemporary design.
A sculptural alabaster pendant and coffee table from Kifu Paris are stylish additions to this entrance hall
Lighting has an incredible, transformative power. Much like the way a necklace of beautifully faceted precious stones will alter, beyond recognition, a plain dress, so will the inclusion of an iconic, unusual, chandelier create a memorably glamorous style statement. If you are tired of your interior this autumn and wish to change one big thing, look up! Recently, I commissioned an incredible rock crystal chandelier, constructed of interconnecting crystal ellipses. Crafted from precision-cut, rock crystal baguettes and completely unique, it is absolutely exquisite, appearing to float, glimmering in the light of the fireplace below. Such a piece will elevate the entire room, making an extraordinary conversation piece for years to come.
For those with slightly less of an appetite for a big change, consider the transforming power of a few well-chosen accessories. I am so pleased to have just relaunched my website. As well as showcasing twelve new interior design projects encompassing yachts, chateaus, palatial villas and urban retreats, it also introduces my new, “Autumn Accessory Edit” of twelve, must-have, Katharine Pooley accessories. Featuring the superb, saturated colour of lapis lazuli and aquamarine, it pays homage to organic, sculptural, forms from the natural world. Photo frames, trays, vases and beautifully hand-crafted boxes, in shagreen straw marquetry and shell, are all included. For autumn, I have chosen a rich palate of deep blue and ivory, 24k gold, fine porcelain and bronze, to ensure every piece is memorably beautiful and possesses the power to instantly enhance the interior that it sits within. I am so pleased autumn is finally here. Between the fun of Halloween and the family time of Thanksgiving, it can be over in the blink of an eye. As a season, its beauty can be as fleeting as the falling leaves, so we should all make time to enjoy and be inspired by every moment.
Editor
Katharine Pooley
