Lifestyle
Following the successful unveiling of our Tremena View show home, we had the pleasure of sitting down with the talented Millie from Clayton & Co. Dive into our conversation to discover the creative spark behind her latest interior design masterpiece.
Nicola Mitchell, Snr. Sales & Marketing Coordinator at Gilbert & Goode, said: “We know that one of the most exciting parts of moving into a brand new home is having a blank canvas and getting creative – making our house your home.”
“But….we also know that decorating your new home can be a daunting task, and can also lead to some much needed inspiration. We hope Millie’s thoughts and suggestions help our new homeowners figure out their own styling-path.”
Millie – 5 minutes
Tell us a bit about yourself!
Hi! I’m Millie, a proud member of the Clayton & Company team. Over the past five years I’ve worked as a project manager, overseeing a multitude of design projects. It’s been a rewarding journey, and I’ve had the privilege of leading on many successful projects.
What are the current must haves in interior design?
In contemporary interior design, the current must-haves include embracing dark, moody colours and furnishings, such as black and walnut tones, complemented by accents of gold and rattan. It’s essential to maintain a balance, avoiding overly cold tones. Utilising warm paint colors alongside dark furniture adds depth and contrast, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.
Incorporating natural materials like wood and marble is key to offsetting the darkness and infusing warmth into the space. Marble, in particular, offers a luxurious feel and is versatile across various design styles, from modern to traditional. When it comes to wood, the options are vast. I love rustic finishes to add texture to the space.
Upcycling antiques is a trend that’s gaining traction, offering an opportunity to infuse personal style into the space while also contributing to sustainability efforts. Solid wood furniture often comes with a high price tag. However, repurposing items sourced from online marketplaces or antique and vintage stores offers a cost-effective alternative. Not only does this approach add character to your space, but it also provides the opportunity to personalise it, including selecting your preferred colours to match your vision.
The best part is the great sense of achievement you feel knowing you did it yourself. Sustainability is huge in interior design right now as we all want to do our bit for the planet. Investing in
premium, durable pieces ensures longevity and reduces environmental impact.
What is your top tip for interiors / do you have any advice for us DIY interiors designers?
The most important thing is prep. Whether you’re painting furniture, refreshing walls or installing built-in pieces, just make sure to prep, prep, prep. You can really tell when there hasn’t been enough prep – you can just spot the mistakes. Always remember to prime surfaces, especially when upcycling, and meticulously sand and prepare before beginning any project.
For those venturing into DIY interior design, particularly when assembling built-in furniture kits like those found at Ikea, preparation remains key. Many of these furniture kits have coatings on their surface that require proper priming and painting to achieve a polished finish. Neglecting this step can lead to an unfinished and untidy look.
What was your inspiration for Tremena View?
My inspiration behind Tremena View stemmed from a desire to create a sense of warmth and tranquility through a blue and neutral colour palette. Opting for a rustic aesthetic, I incorporated plenty of wood and warm, neutral tones. Paneling was introduced in specific rooms, such as bedroom 1 and the dining area, to enhance the rustic feel. The kitchen was designed in a shaker style, aimed at fostering a village-like community ambiance.
Situated amidst a village community, Tremena View is nestled around a 15th-century parish church and is close to St Ives and stunning sandy beaches. Despite its inland location, I aimed to infuse elements of coastal and natural themes into the design, reflecting the surrounding landscapes and nature walks.
Inspired by the nearby railway, I integrated elements of this theme into the kids’ room, including a large mural, artwork, and a train set. This space deviated slightly from the main colour palette, introducing pops of orange, green, and blue to inject vibrancy and playfulness.
Overall, the goal was to create a welcoming and cosy atmosphere enriched with various textures, incorporating elements of family life such as family pictures to enhance the sense of warmth and
comfort.
What colours do you see creeping into design for late 2024?
I expect to see lots of earthy greens alongside darker, moodier tones such as rich wines, deep blues and bold reds. However, designers are also embracing the importance of balance by incorporating neutrals to ensure a harmonious and versatile palette. This blend of vibrant hues with grounding neutrals promises to add depth and sophistication to interior design trends in the coming months.
