Working as a duo, when it comes to design, could be tricky with design heavily based on personal opinions. However, with Jenny and Helen their personal inspirations and interests effortlessly merge together to create seamless sophisticated interior schemes that inject a mixture of fashion influences with nature and texture. Here, Jenny and Helen talk to Inex about their inspirations and how they merge their creative minds together.
What have been your greatest influences throughout your careers?
HB: Inspiration can come from anywhere, the possibilities are almost endless, from vintage films to travel and fashion. We have been heavily influenced by Coco Chanel, which is evident in the quilting within our furniture designs. Personally, I also love the iconic work of Hermes, Ralph Lauren and Bottega Veneta.
JW: As a spiritual person, I find so much inspiration in nature from the texture on a piece of bark, to the colour of a stormy sky. I am intuitive and love to work with crystals for their positive energy , I always try to include some in my designs.
What are you both most proud of when it comes to your careers?
HB: I am immensely proud of the business we have built-up. The awards and accolades we have received throughout our careers really demonstrate that we must be doing something right.
JW: Helen and I lead by example. We are involved in every project and we work together inspiring each other to create exceptional interiors that surpass the expectations of our clients. We have built-up a great team who can still smile and laugh under pressure, and enjoy coming to work every day – that I am very proud of.
As a design house do you have a signature style?
HB: Our signature look blends impeccable attention to detail with luxurious textures and innovative materials. ‘You only get one chance to make a first impression’ is the Hill House mantra.
What do you value most about the design industry?
JW: The power of a beautiful interior space should never be underestimated – it can make a significant difference to how people feel about themselves, and in turn how they react to others. I feel very grateful to work in such a creative industry.
Which piece of advice have you benefited most from?
JW: The only way to do great work is to love what you do – find your passion. If you haven’t found it yet keep looking.
How did your collaboration begin?
HB: Having travelled extensively, I have experienced many diverse cultures and seen many architectural styles, this has been invaluable in developing my own style, coupled with my experience renovating several properties prior to meeting Jenny, through mutual friends. Our mutual passion for detail, interiors and aesthetics sparked the beginning of Hill House Interiors.
JW: Like Helen, interiors have always been my passion. I found this at the age of 22 when my husband and I bought our first house. The joy and satisfaction of taking a rundown cottage and transforming it into a beautiful space was life changing – I was hooked! Helen was a close friend, and we established Hill House Interiors in 1996. Our first project was a five bedroom show home for a luxury property developer – and it’s been non-stop ever since.
Can explain the concept behind your project for Zagaleta?
JW: The breathtaking views were a great source of inspiration, along with the compatibility of inside and outside living spaces, which from the early stages of construction, appeared effortlessly harmonious. Colour influences included burnt orange – inspired by Spanish dramatic sunsets – and the lush green of the surrounding palm, olive and cypress trees. When night closes in, the focal point of the main living area is a stunning 7.5m fibre optic chandelier, which cascades down from the apex of the triple height ceiling.
Did you both work on the concept for Helen’s house together?
HB: I threw myself into creating the design for my own new home. The 4000ft² Georgian-inspired detached house comes with an interior space which has been tailored to my demanding and highly hospitable lifestyle with light filled throughout, and lofty ceiling heights. I used mouth-watering materials for the couture cabinetry, wall and floor treatments, and of course, the house includes key pieces from the Hill House furniture collection.
What colours are you integrating into your schemes today?
JW: Although Hill House is known for its use of luxurious contrasting of neural textures and geometric prints, we are inspired by nature which offers a myriad of colours – the sky holds some of our favourites such as storm blue, teal, burnt orange and soft pinks. The subtle introduction of new metal inlays in cabinetry, such as almond gold, adds radiance and softness to a space, whilst creating a luxe boutique feel.
Do you both have a preferred room to design?
HB: We have always championed the ‘super-room’, a fabulous open-plan zone which is perfect for relaxing or entertaining. There’s so much scope to have fun here, we like to create the ultimate living space filled with luscious fabrics and finishes, and a myriad of innovative features which combine the latest technologies with stunning design details.
What was your concept for the Ellerby Street project?
HB: We were appointed to create a sleek contemporary scheme for a client – an ultra-cool bachelor – incorporating several fabulous entertaining spaces; the ultimate super-luxe kitchen, a state-of-the-art cinema room, impeccably designed bedrooms and bathrooms – including a super-sized master suite – and the most stunning outdoor living space enhanced with Andalucian-style contemporary fountains. The home is finished throughout with sophisticated and innovative finishes, incorporating a couture palette of taupes and greys, ranging from muted dove and Armani-inspired ‘greige’, to dark and more intense shades of anthracite.
Jenny and Helen are grateful to have some wonderful projects on the horizon including two penthouse apartments in the Bahamas, a 30,000ft² mansion on the Wentworth Estate and a duplex apartment in Kensington.