Creating a happy home with the interior designer Louise Bradley

The central London resident on creating an elegant and contemporary look that is still inviting and comfortable.

Bradley mixes classic pieces such as the Paris three-legged console from her furniture collection with more modern ones such as the Convex mirror. Courtesy of louisebradley.co.uk

Louise Bradley has a studio and three showrooms in London.

Where do you live and how long have you lived there?

I have lived in Knightsbridge in central London for 10 years. It is a beautiful part of the city, close to the park and within walking distance of my design studio and showrooms.

What made you choose the property?

Initially, the location was the draw but I could also see the scope to make it my dream home, which it is.

What does your home say about you?

My home reflects my design philosophy. I create an environment that is elegant and luxurious, but timeless. It is also supremely comfortable. I have reconfigured the space so that it really suits my lifestyle.

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Is there anything you would change about it, or anything you wished you had done differently?

Living in central London, the one thing I would love is a little more space.

What is the key to creating a happy home?

I think a home must always be truly representative of the person or people living there. As a designer, I spend a great deal of time with each client so that I understand what is important to them, and I incorporate their personality and dreams into the project. Obviously the people in the home create the atmosphere, but a beautiful, calm and well-thought-out interior helps.

Which item would no home of yours be without?

I think great lighting is so important because it completely transforms the look and ambience of each room, yet is often overlooked.

Where do you like to shop for pieces for your home?

Most of the furniture in my home is from my own collections, either from the Louise Bradley furniture collection, which is available in our showrooms, or bespoke pieces that I commissioned for my home in the same way that we create pieces for individual projects that we are working on. I also buy one-off pieces that I love from antique shops and art galleries in London.

Do you incorporate elements of your work into your home, or do you like to keep your domestic environment separate?

There will always be many elements of my work in my home because the two are very much intertwined. Having said that, my studio and showrooms are completely separate from my home and I enjoy the fact that I can focus on work and then come home to a calm and relaxing home.

What are you working on right now?

We are working on a variety of exciting projects in the UK, both in London and the Home Counties, as well as a number of projects in the Middle East and UAE. We are also expanding the furniture and accessory collections.

What inspires your work?

I am inspired each day by our clients and their dreams for a beautiful home. I gather inspiration for my work from books, travel, films and fashion.

Who are your favourite designers?

I admire Martin Brudnizki for his iconic restaurant projects and Tom Ford for his elegant and enduring style.

How would you describe your interior style?

The Louise Bradley style is classic with a contemporary twist. The look is timeless and elegant.

If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be?

I have visited so many wonderful places but I would enjoy living in Prague for a while to experience a completely different way of life and to soak up the history and surroundings.

How do you like to relax?

I like to spend time with family and friends at my house in the English countryside.

What is the best way to simply and instantly update a room?

The look can be changed instantly with accessories, whether it's cushions, art, objects, lamps or rugs.