Art deco, minimalist and Japanese elements with Helena Clunies-Ross
people • designers
With Art Deco, minimalist and Japanese elements; my style brings together the strictness of symmetry, clean architectural lines and views, with the softness of layered textures, materials and lighting.
WEBSITE: helenacluniesross.com INSTAGRAM: @helenacluniesross
Words: designeers
September 2023
designeers
What is your background and how did you get into interior design?
helena
Growing up I was very creative; with a flare for art and an obsession with arranging and rearranging the furniture in my family home. I completed a BA degree in Fine Art and Art History, and then worked in real estate for a few years before studying Interior Design at Chelsea College of Art and Design in London. I interned for a large interior design firm that specialises in hotels before joining Anouska Hempel Design for 11 years, where I became an associate and then Design Director.
designeers
What kind of projects do you like to work on?
helena
When I’m immersed in any project — no matter the scale — I always enjoy what I’m doing. But I think I like working on residential and hotel projects the most. I’m particularly drawn to hotels because it allows our work to be experienced and appreciated by more people. There’s something incredibly powerful about knowing that you’re able to effect someone’s life in a positive way — even if for a brief moment in time — by the way they interact with the space around them.
designeers
Describe the most important project you have worked on to date.
helena
Our projects that have involved preserving historic architecture have been incredibly important to us. When walls can tell stories, there’s so much depth that can be found in the design that comes to life between them. We have a couple of projects in the pipeline that are very exciting in this way, and we look forward to sharing them with you in the coming year.
designeers
Which artists and designers do you admire?
helena
Having studied fine art, I am naturally drawn to the old masters — Rembrandt, Michelangelo — for their realistic representation of figures and landscapes; characterised by technique and style, perspective and proportion. And Turner, for the depth of layers and drama. But equally I am drawn to the likes of Edward Hopper. The use of light in his work creates a subdued drama out of commonplace subjects, which is a real inspiration to me. I’m constantly asking myself how spaces can be elevated by channeling natural light.
I’m also really inspired by the ‘less is more’ minimalist aesthetic of German architect Mies Van der Rohe — with the stripped architecture and geometric forms that speak volumes through the inherent qualities of materials such as plate glass and steel, without the distraction of ornamentation. Simplicity is bold, and I admire what it takes to strip a space in this way and allow the bones of the architecture to speak.
I’m always drawn to manipulating the line of sight in my work and navigating materials and proportion to achieve this. I definitely think that our instincts for beauty and balance are influenced by our personal taste and experience.
“Our experiences feed our creativity, and we must accept that we are a melting pot of everything we have ever seen, heard, tasted and felt.”
helena clunies-ross
designeers
What do you absolutely have to have in your home?
helena
That’s easy. Candles and lamps; floor-standing and table. The bulbs must be no more than 60W! Warm, ambient lighting is an absolute must. Without it, it’s simply not home. So essentially you could feel at home anywhere if the lighting is right.
designeers
What places in the world inspire you?
helena
Paris. I travel there a lot; sourcing furniture and materials for various projects. I’m always transported by the romance and stories that ooze from hidden courtyards and winding streets, and inspired by the Art Deco architecture that hides the tales of the artists, architects, writers and performers that connected in cafes and salons, and collaborated within its walls. An endless source of inspiration that I’ll never tire of.
designeers
What advice you would give anyone trying their hand at interior designing their own space?
helena
Assess the whole space first and focus on the flow. Don’t get too involved with interior scenes until you have addressed the overall flow and function of the space. And ultimately don’t be afraid to draw on your inspirations and find your place among it all.
Our experiences feed our creativity, and we must accept that we are a melting pot of everything we have ever seen, heard, tasted and felt. Find the courage to stand up and carve your own path with all that you know and love as your guide. And above all else — trust your eye and your gut.
