This month we invited our Head of Design, Melissa Klink, to share her passion for all things interiors.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do.
After completing my degree in Interior Design and Fine Art, I moved to Los Angeles to gain a master’s in interior architecture. I was working as an interior designer when I attended the 2012 Maison & Objet exhibition in Paris. It was here that I became fascinated with the world of visual merchandising and showroom display. Since then, I have enjoyed a varied career in the luxury furnishings industry. I have designed and managed projects all over the world including Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, London, Hong Kong, Perth, Marbella, Paris, Milan, and Dubai. Now as the Head of Design for Harvey Jones, I get to expand the creativity with showroom design and product development. My primary goal is to improve the overall experience for the Harvey Jones customer.
2. What is your design mantra?
I don’t have a design mantra, just work hard.
3. What is your kitchen like at home?
My kitchen and home, in general, is paired back with Scandi undertones. I am very much a neat freak, so my worktops are always clean and open. My current kitchen is white with dark grey stone and a mix of metallic finishing. My husband and I love to take pictures when we travel and print off large-scale photos to add colour and personality to the walls of our rooms. Although lately, I have been thinking the kitchen would look wonderful with deep navy walls…!
4. What inspires your work? Where do you go for inspiration?
As a creative, I can get inspired practically anywhere. I try to go for a hike in the Surrey Hills every Sunday, and lately, this has been where a lot of my brainstorming happens. Growing up with a lot of space, nature has always been a major influence for me. I love seeing how much of this is pulling through in today’s interior trends.
5. What are your first considerations when designing a new kitchen?
In my role, the kitchens that I design are public facing in either showrooms or photoshoots, so my parameters are slightly different. My first consideration is what would spark interest? I try to capture both the visual aesthetic and emotional attachment within the design. I think it is paramount that people feel comfortable in a space. When thinking about a showroom design, it has to resemble images from magazines and evoke comfort, so the customer instantly feels at home.
6. What projects have you found the most rewarding and why?
The introduction of our new Arbor range has certainly been a fulfilling project for me. It is amazing to see the popularity it seems to be enjoying already. We have also started to undergo a large refurbishment project with our showrooms. Refurbishments are challenging because nothing will ever go to plan, the end result has been very rewarding. Especially being able to see the client’s reaction first hand.
7. What do you try to avoid?
I try to avoid going too decorative. The kitchen is arguably the most functional space in a home, so it has to be efficient at the core. If a space looks good from the outside but does not offer organisation, storage solutions and ease of use then it will not become a timeless investment.
8. How has kitchen design changed over the last five years?
Kitchen design has changed rapidly over the last five years. We have seen a shift from closed to open plan and now broken plan living. There is acceptance of rich, dark colour palettes – in particular blues and greens. The metal clash is perhaps my favourite – mixing and matching metal finishes within one room. More than anything, the largest change has been the integration of technology. The kitchen has become such a smart space. Appliances, lighting, sound, all of the layered elements have been upgraded immensely.
9. What kitchen trends do you predict in 2018?
Wood tones are a major trend for 2018. Adding in so much technology needs to be balanced with a sense of warmth, so wood materials and natural colours work well. Statement islands continue to be a popular choice. Before it was changing the paint colour, typically to something darker, however now there is a trend for changing the paint colour and worktop material, sometimes even the handles as well. Movable island worktops are also a big trend at the moment, being able to hide away the hob and sink to create a more social area. Open shelving is everywhere in kitchen design right now, whether modern or traditional. Lastly, black taps are quickly becoming the must-have item, deriving from the industrial trend influence.
10. Do you have any tips for homeowners embarking on a new kitchen project?
Go with your gut. There are endless choices and so many decisions that a homeowner needs to make when creating a new kitchen, which can feel overwhelming. You must have confidence and go with your first instinct.
Inspired by Melissa’s ideas? Request a free copy of our brochure for kitchen inspiration here. Alternatively, book a complimentary design consultation here and speak with one of our expert designers directly.
