LIV Chats To…Vibrant Interior Designer Hannah About Her Beautiful Colourful Home
This week we're chatting to Hannah from @hannah_drakeford_design - her style mixes bold colours, geometric shapes and eclectic décor.
Hi Hannah, first things first, please can you introduce yourself?
Hello! I'm Hannah, the owner of Hannah Drakeford Design, an interior and homewares design studio based in Deptford, SE London.
Please tell us more about your stunning home and how @Hannah_drakeford_design came about?
I live in a modern 1 bed apartment in Deptford and over the last 5 years I've slowly transformed it from a boring beige box, with beige walls, beige carpets, a beige kitchen and beige bathroom into an expression of my bold, graphical design style.
I started up my business at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020 after being made redundant from a long career in Retail Design and VM. It gave me the kick up the backside I needed to finally try and make a living from Interior Design, something I'd been passionate about for as long as I can remember. As well as interiors, I also design and make my own cement homewares. My pots and vases are also bright and bold like my home, which unsurprisingly is packed full of them!
Please could you describe your interior style? has it always been the same or has it evolved over time?
I've always had a thing for black and white, bold colours and shapes and all things mid-century, but over the years I've just stopped caring about other people's opinions and grown in confidence in how I express my aesthetic through my interiors. I used to have a bit more of an eclectic vintagey-vibe going on and I've gathered so many things from antique and charity shops over the years, but over time I'm gravitating more towards a cleaner, less cluttered look. I don't think I'll ever be a true minimalist though, I own too many plants!
What brands or trends inspire you or your home purchases?
I've always been somewhat anti-trend. If I see other people doing something I've already done, I'll switch it out and do something else!
I'm really thrifty. I rarely buy anything new and much prefer the challenge of finding a bargain on Ebay or Gumtree and upcycling it into something really unique. I've always got way more ideas for projects than I have time to bring them to life though! I have multiple Pinterest boards packed full of inspiration for upcycle projects I'd like to try out. I'd say only about 5% of my ideas ever become a reality!
What interior Instagram accounts inspire you, could you name your top 3?
There are so many! I'm thrilled to be part of such a generous and supportive little community of interior lovers on here and I'm constantly inspired by everyone's talent. If I'm just giving a shout-out to 3 though, I think I'd choose @lara.bezzina for her gorgeous gold leafing and beautifully eclectic home, @houseofharnasz because Emily's just moved into a stunning old property and I can't wait to see how she uses her skills as a colour consultant to bring the place to life with colour! And @midnitetalkshow Ashley is such a talented artist and she shares the best tips and tricks on how to paint amazing murals.
We love all of your colourful murals, especially in your bathroom! Where do you get your inspiration?
From lots of places. I'm obsessed with 20th century design and am inspired by the Bauhaus movement, the angles of brutalist architecture and by all sorts of abstract art. If you take a look at the paintings of Auguste Herbin, you'll see where a lot of my ideas come from.
What is your go-to interior trick if you have one?
If you see a really cool piece of furniture that you can't afford, figure out how you can upcycle a secondhand Ikea piece to recreate it!
What's your favourite home purchase you have made recently and is there anything on your Wishlist?
The last room makeover I completed was my bathroom and I wanted some really cool globe lights for the wall, but wasn't prepared to spend the money buying them new, so I found someone on Ebay selling some old globe ceiling lights. I just painted the bases to match the wall. Total spend £25 for 3!
If you had to change one thing in your home, what would it be and why?
Like I said, I'm not short of ideas. Next on my list I think is a new cabinet to replace the shelves in my lounge, as I get so sick of dusting them!
And finally what does the future hold for @hannah_drakeford_design, is there anything left up your sleeve?
Trust me, I have very big sleeves. Just watch this space 😉
If you have enjoyed reading all about Hannah’s venture and her beautiful home, head over to her Instagram page @hannah_drakeford_design to keep up to date.
