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Meet the Team

Guest Writers

MEET THE DESIGNER

Jo, Senior Creative Designer

Meet our Senior Creative Designer, Jo, a southerner who found her roots in the north after moving to study textiles at Huddersfield University. With 20 years in the industry, Jo knows a thing or two about interiors and how to dress windows…

This month we sat down with Jo to get some insight into what it takes to be a creative designer and where she finds her inspiration. PLUS, she reveals her top predictions for this years biggest trends in the home.

Firstly, what's your role at Louvolite?

I am the Senior Creative Designer.

How would you describe your style?

I am a massive fan of Scandinavian design and mid-century modern – the perfect pairing!

Scandinavian design is all about minimalism, simple and clean lines, functionality, and pared back style. Generally walls are light to draw in the natural light and the use of natural materials in furniture and wood flooring add an instant layer of warmth. Layers of textures are created using throws, blankets and cushions which make an area soft and inviting and add interest to a space.

What inspires Jo...

~ scandinavian design

~ minimalism, functionality

~ mid century modern

~ layering & textures

Above: Sourced from Pinterest*

What is your favourite room in the home?

That’s a tough one! I love our sitting room – it’s a good size so we were able to fit in a large corner sofa – there’s room for all the family to snuggle up on for movie nights! It feels especially cosy with my Perfect Fit motorised Vision blinds - in fact, the majority of my blinds at home are motorised Vision blinds. They give us so much flexibility with light control & privacy.

But, if I had to pick one it would be our kitchen/diner –we knocked two rooms into one and added an extension so we have a great space. It’s light and airy so is perfect for most situations whether we are cooking, eating, working or having gatherings with friends and family (when we are allowed to!) – there is plenty of space for dancing!

My Favourite Room...

I love Vision blinds – the majority of my blinds at home are motorised Vision blinds. I think the streamlined nature of this product sits well with any interior style, weather traditional or modern...

Above: Jo's stunning extension area featuring our Vision Blinds*

My Favourite Room...

I love Vision blinds – the majority of my blinds at home are motorised Vision blinds. I think the streamlined nature of this product sits well with any interior style, weather traditional or modern...

Above: Jo's stunning extension area featuring our Vision Blinds*

Where do you draw inspiration from when designing?

Pinterest is my go-to! I also follow lots of designers and brands on Instagram as it’s a great way of watching trends and spotting what’s up and coming from big designer brands to independent retailers, stylists and bloggers. I think the internet has made interior design/styling/trend awareness more accessible to everyone. I've listed some of my favourite bloggers and Instagram accounts below...

Shea Mcgee started off documenting the re-modelling of their first home and she is now one of the leading innovators in the American interior design industry. I love their fresh approach to design - they mix coastal and country with modern design and symmetry. They stick to neutral colour palettes and layering of textures and I feel the look they created in many cases, resonates with the Nordic style that I love.

'A scandi scot in Somerset', Lucy has recently renovated her 1930s house into a more family-friendly contemporary open plan layout. Her style is Scandi with a vintage/industrial edge. She also mixes anything from high street to flea market finds which I am a big fan of as it brings personality and uniqueness to your home.

'A scandi scot in Somerset', Lucy has recently renovated her 1930s house into a more family-friendly contemporary open plan layout. Her style is Scandi with a vintage/industrial edge. She also mixes anything from high street to flea market finds which I am a big fan of as it brings personality and uniqueness to your home.

This account follows the renovating and extending of Amy's 1930's home. I really like her style and of course, it's interesting to see how she has gone about renovating her 1930s home. Three years ago, we started renovating our 1930's home so it strikes a chord.

Biggest trend predictions for 2021?

I think the ‘British Heritage’ trend will continue to grow, especially after the turbulent year we’ve had (with the pandameic and of course Brexit). By looking into the past we are able to take forward the best ideas into the present and with heritage comes authenticity and credibility. Beautiful florals, regal motifs and an abundance of textures such as wools and herringbones are paramount to this look. This trend is also synonymous with the desire for sumptuous and indulgent jewel tones, often seen in Velvets and plains.

1) British Heritage

~ British heritage

~ beautiful florals

~ sumptuous jewel tones

~ regal motifs

Above: Sourced from Pinterest*

Interior design trends are often impacted by global and social events, so it’s not surprising that during this pandemic our homes and gardens have not only become multi-functional but have also become our sanctuaries. With this in mind the 'Urban Jungle' trend is still going stronger than ever and is showing no signs of disappearing anytime soon. The very natural and wild side of this décor sweeps us into an exotic atmosphere, which is both refreshing and relaxing. It gives us some escapism from the chaos of the world. And, being unable to travel it has been more important than ever to bring these playful, colourful tones and patterns which are synonymous with this trend, into our homes.

Above: Sourced from Pinterest*

2) Urban Jungle

~ Botanical plants

~ Bohemian textures

~ Wicker & rattan

~ Tropical tones

What would you consider a timeless trend?

Mid Century Modern style somehow never goes out of style. The look is still everywhere and shows no sign of slowing down. The 1950’s chic furniture and natural woods still influence designs today. So to do the iconic geometric textile designs, still widely reproduced and used for inspiration. The geometric forms create a lively look with playful lines and silhouettes in bold, eye-catching colours.

Timeless trends...

~ mid century modern

~ 1950's chic furniture

~ geometric forms

~ bold, eye-catching colours

Above: Sourced from Pinterest*

Have you ever had to compromise with your other half on a decor piece/project you hate?

Not really as I generally get to call all the shots when it comes to the interior design for our home. As this is part of what I do for my job, and it’s my passion, my husband says he trusts me with that side of things! However there have been a few things he was very definite about – such as not letting me paint our bedroom blush pink!! We agreed on Farrow & Ball ‘Downpipe’ as an accent wall – a dramatic dark grey that I love as it creates such a cosy atmosphere. We’ve used this colour in our living room too for that same reason! (I got my blush pink in the end though as I managed to sneak in blush pink side tables!).

Screenshot 2021-03-15 at 12.55.28

Above: Jo's gorgeous blush side table!*

Have you ever had to compromise with your other half on a decor piece/project you hate?

Not really as I generally get to call all the shots when it comes to the interior design for our home.

Screenshot 2021-03-15 at 12.55.28

Above: Jo's gorgeous blush side table!*

As this is part of what I do for my job, and it’s my passion, my husband says he trusts me with that side of things! However there have been a few things he was very definite about – such as not letting me paint our bedroom blush pink!! We agreed on Farrow & Ball ‘Downpipe’ as an accent wall – a dramatic dark grey that I love as it creates such a cosy atmosphere. We’ve used this colour in our living room too for that same reason! (I got my blush pink in the end though as I managed to sneak in blush pink side tables!).

How do you conduct trend research?

Our initial trend research takes us around Europe (usually!) as we attend textiles trade fairs to identify emerging trends. We then scour the Internet for inspiration, trend reports and blogs to solidify our initial findings. We also visit flagship retail stores and consistently scan social media.

Having identified a number of trends that we feel are important, the challenge is to focus on the ones that are suitable and relatable to our market place. We understand that blinds are not fast fashion and that they are more of a considered purchase, rather than throwaway fashion. You want to enjoy the product for many years. We are also aware that traditionally people dress their windows as the last thought but we think now that people may choose their blind first and decorate the room around it. So as a result we need to make sure that our collection has not only the classic safe colours and fabric types covered, but also the eye-catching statement ones too.

Trend Research

~ fairs & shows

~ trend reports

~ moodboards

~ social media

Above: Sourced from our socials*

Lastly, describe your forever home...

I have always loved period properties from the Victorian era and dreamed about high ceilings, large window and period features and I thought this would be the style of house I would settle in. But as it turns out my husband and I bought a 1930’s property that we have spent the last few years renovating.

We saw the potential and loved the large garden so set about making it our dream home. We are fortunately at the nice stage now of adding all the furnishings and finishing touches, but we have done a huge amount of work. What I love about it now are the light airy spaces we have created and I have gone with more of a modern look than perhaps I would have done in a Victorian house. I have managed to incorporate some of the Scandi and mid century style I love so much and I have tried to keep things pared back (which is not easy with two children). The key is good storage, something I am working on still but I love the challenge!

Believe it or not, it doesn't end there.

One of Jo's many super powers is well, doing a bit of everything. From curating mood boards to set styling, TV advertisments and more. Keep your eye on our socials to see much of Jo's work in action!

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