The Cotswold Company creative team are always looking for new and inspiring ways to decorate and dress our modern country home. So this week we were chatting to interior stylist Nikki Bradley to find out what it is about the world of interiors that keeps her interested. We found out about her favourite piece of furniture and her tips on how to entice your guests with an irresistible dining area.
So tell us a bit about how you got into the industry?
“My creative journey began in stores as a Visual Merchandiser. Until recently I was a Style Assistant at Country Homes and Interiors where I helped put together some fabulous magazine features. Before that, I was a Freelance Interior Stylist Assistant, working with top London stylists and major brands like The White Company, John Lewis and Little Greene on editorial and commercial photo shoots. I really loved the buzz of the media work but, encouraged by family and friends who sensed I had my own dream to follow, I decided it was time to launch my own interior styling business. So here I am! I’d say my strongest quality is being able to turn someone’s vision – however loose – into stunning reality: something unique and stylish”
What’s been the most enduring interiors trend you’ve come across…one that’s lingered longer than expected?
“I would have to say monochrome, it’s a timeless style. Combining black and white in interiors has been around since the early 1920’s and for me, still holds a classic and timeless appeal…
By adding accent colours or patterns is an easy way to constantly update and modernise the style”
What tips would you give for creating an enticing dining space?
“An absolute must is getting the atmosphere right, lots of low ambience lighting and plenty of candles. Another must is comfortable dining room chairs. If you have hard back chairs soften them by adding some cushions…
Mix fresh herbs and flowers together to create subtle aromas around the room. Dining areas should be a relaxed place where family & friends come together to share good food”
Who or what has been your most influential & inspiring designer or interior space?
“To be honest I don’t really have an influential designer. I take inspiration as and when I come across it. Be it from interior magazines, retailers, design shows, blogs or TV programmes. There’s nothing I like to do more than walk into someone’s home and see the story and personality of the owners through their interiors. We are all able to unleash the interior designer in us”
If you tell friends about the Cotswold Company, how do you describe us?
“The Cotswold Company provides timeless pieces that can slot into different interior styles. Good quality and well made, The Cotswold Company delivers great quality homeware that endures the ever changing world of interior design”
Tell us a bit about your favourite piece of furniture, explain why you love it and could never part with it?!
My favourite piece is this reproduction Bergere chair which used to belong to my mother-in-law, I believe she purchased it from Selfridges. Fortunately for me she no longer wanted it, so I kindly took it off her hands. I had it recovered in Laura Ashley Luxford Stripe fabric and sits in prime position in my hallway. What I love about it is it’s timeless and universal style”
Take a look at Nikki’s website to find even more interior inspiration. We particularly love her vintage charm look and her autumn and winter shots.
1 comment
Very inspirational and thought provoking I particularly like the simple creativity that shows what can be achieved with only very modest expenditure. Let’s see more!