Homes in Hampstead and Beyond with Molly Fern of NW3
people • designers
Molly joined NW3 Interiors in October 2017, bringing her expertise in Spatial Design and her passion for photography. With a keen eye for structures and light, Molly has immersed herself in the world of luxury furniture, craftsmanship, and historical influences. Collaborating closely with Carly, she has dedicated over five years to her profession, crafting aesthetically balanced schemes for clients.
WEBSITE: nw3interiorsltd.com INSTAGRAM: @nw3interiorsltd
Words: designeers
September 2023
designeers
The most important thing you’ve designed to date?
molly fern
As a company originally based in Hampstead we were approached by a charity house in Camden that is home to children who are currently, or at risk of, being homeless and asked to re-design it. With a brief to create a more modern, practical and inviting place to live. It was an interesting project to work on and we were able to design using the influences of a workshop on ‘colour theory’ that we had attended earlier in the year. Utilising our skillset to be involved in something like this felt incredibly rewarding.
designeers
A project you are working on now:
molly fern
Currently the whole (fabulous) team of designers and contractors are dedicated to renovating a large, beautiful 6 bedroom period house in Hampstead. Featuring a huge cinema room, bespoke wine cellar and a plethora of bathrooms for me to design. Which is my design kryptonite as I have an unhealthy obsession with tiles. It is an incredible home, the clients are wonderful and there’s a Gail’s on the corner, so it’s a winning combination. And all in all makes for an extremely enjoyable working week.
designeers
What constitutes great design?
molly fern
There’s a well known theory in the design world where ‘form follows function’. As a residential designer this has become more and more apparent through my years of experience. You can create something beautiful but if it doesn’t suit the lifestyle or needs of the inhabitant then it is essentially useless. Ie You could design the most beautiful chair in existence, but if it falls over every time you sit on it you’ve just created an aesthetic version of buckeroo. That’s why we always start with a floor-plan and ask the important questions of functionality first. Does the space work, does it flow, does it connect, does it lend itself to the users requirements. Then onto, how do I want it to look, how do I want my clients to feel. That’s the groundwork for creating something where the form meets the function.
designeers
What do you do when you're not working?
molly fern
When I’m not working you’ll usually find me headfirst in a cupboard or drawer organising it. I love the efficiency and stress-free life that comes with being able to access and know where everything is in a home. It extends from not only my own but also to the homes of my family and friends. They know if they leave me alone for too long there is a high chance they’ll come back to me going full Marie Kondo in their pantry or reorganising their wardrobe in a colour gradient.
“ You can create something beautiful but if it doesn’t suit the lifestyle or needs of the inhabitant then it is essentially useless.”
molly fern
designeers
Favourite material to work with:
molly fern
Wood. Wood wood wood. I love that you can put it on the floor, walls, ceilings and joinery - just everywhere really. Because it is an organic material it oozes warmth and interest. Similarly to marble its veining and details tells of its life story. My particular favourites are walnut, burl-wood and tiger-wood.
designeers
Penthouse or townhouse?
molly fern
This is actually a tough one. I love the charm that a townhouse has to offer but I prefer the feeling of unity and continuity of living on one or two floors. A townhouse can sometimes feel tall and narrow and usually a penthouse lacks the kind of aesthetic character that resonates with me as a designer. So it’s not an obvious choice. Ideally I’d like to combine them both. I’ll just have to win the lottery first.
designeers
On your coffee table right now:
molly fern
Ignoring my finished cup of coffee (in my favourite Le Creuset mug…obviously) and my half eaten granola bar I currently have my new &Tradition Verner Panton lamp which I LOVE. It’s portable which my partner didn’t think was a useful element but has since done a U-turn. My new favourite Earl of East candle 'Shinrin-Yoku' which has the deep smokey, earthy scent I usually drift towards and some stone tile samples which I use as coasters now.
designeers
Top 3 suppliers you love working with:
molly fern
My top 3 suppliers at the moment (or at least most recently used so at the forefront of my brain) are J Adams because their lighting collections are our go-to for clients. Creative Edge - my bespoke team who are incredibly hardworking and passionate. They ALWAYS deliver and frequently reply to my requests with my two favourite words ‘yes boss’. And lastly a little boutique shop called EE Some Shop where I source quite a few of my vintage styling pieces. I just adore everything and she handled my last minute panic for a project last week so deserves a mention!
designeers
What is your favourite hotel in the world?
molly fern
As a designer this kind of question sends your pulse racing. I think I get more enjoyment finding inspiring or interesting design-led places to stay than I do being on the actual holiday and I have powerpoint presentations to prove it. Mallorca is one of my favourite holiday locations and I’ve recently booked to stay at a Nobis hotel there in April - it looks unbelievably tranquil. So that could probably go right to the top of the list. Just ahead of the Sant Francesc hotel in the city centre, which I have been to and maybe just underneath Cap Rocat, which is a bit further south and on my list!
designeers
Design hero:
molly fern
Florence Knoll - has to be. A female powerhouse who led and collaborated with all of her male peers to create one of the most notorious and infamous designer furniture brands ‘Knoll'. The very definition of iconic.
