An Introduction to Lola: A Life in Colour
The story of my interior design style
If you’ve been here a while, you’ll know I have a creative and colourful approach to interior design and love nothing more than turning houses into homes that tell the story of the people that live there.
Creating a home in which you feel relaxed and happy is no longer seen as frivolous or unimportant, and everyone has the ability to unlock their own unique style. Let me share a little more of my style, all the inspiration behind it and my fun (and winding!)journey into interiors.
My journey into the world of design
Creativity has always been a way of expressing myself, using colour combined with texture and pattern to create visual harmony whether in fashion or interiors. After completing a Textile Design degree at Chelsea College of Art in London, I had the incredible opportunity to sell my designs to shops such as Designer's Guild, Paul Smith, Selfridges, and boutiques worldwide, and this is how my knitwear brand, Lola Swift was born.
Looking back, the massive job of designing, manufacturing and selling my knitwear within the fast-paced world of fashion retail gave me invaluable design and business experience that I’ve been able to bring to my interior design work today.
So how did I end up at Lola Swift Design as it is today? Well, the answer is it all evolved quite naturally as life happened. My husband and I relocated from London back to Bath and moved home a few times over the years, each time taking on a larger renovation project as our family grew. I relished the project management of every home, immersing myself in the practical as well as creative processes involved. I began to see that it was now in interior design that my passion lay, and I soon realised I wanted to share this passion with others and bring happiness to their spaces too.
I’m constantly excited and inspired by all types of great design: it fuels my imagination and pushes me to innovate and be as creative as I can..
My design style
In my own home, I have created an environment that really truly reflects me and my family. I have blended different interior styles and mixed old and new pieces to create a home that’s colourful, cosy and comforting as well as stylish.
My background in knitwear means I really understand materials and their unique qualities. I weave natural and textured elements throughout a scheme, so my rooms always end up feeling very warm and cosseting places. It’s often the element that you can’t quite pinpoint but makes the space inviting and you find yourself wanting to stay and put your feet up.
Craftsmanship and longevity are at the core of my design philosophy, and on every project I like to first consider the possibility of repurposing furniture and incorporating recycled materials. This always helps create a beautiful room with a depth of personality that truly reflects you.
My design inspiration
Whenever I travel, I make sure to visually soak up everything around me – I am known to take hundreds of photos on each trip! I could be trying to capture the subtle shades in a beach pebble, the faded, peeling paint colour of an ageing building, an usual colour pairing in some signage... Whether I'm exploring interior shops and galleries or simply immersing myself in the local design scene, I'm always on the lookout for inspiration to enhance my creative work. I also try to keep an eye out for new products and brands on my travels. Those that champion good design and durability are top of my list.
My home office is another place my creative energy thrives. It may look like chaos to visitors, but there is a true method to the madness. You’ll find mood boards, colour wheels, prints, objects, and photos. Each item has a place, strategically positioned so that I can easily reach for what I need. I've always believed that creativity is like cooking, where having all your tools in front of you is essential. I must admit, I tend to hold onto things as they hold memories for me. Everywhere you look, you'll find photos of my kids at different ages and handmade gifts from over the years. It's a joy to glance up and draw inspiration from them, they never fail to bring a smile to my face.
Create the home of your dreams
So that’s a little bit more about my journey into the wonderful world of design. I hope you enjoyed coming along with me!
It’s my ultimate goal to help you discover and embrace your unique style, so you can create a home that truly speaks to your heart. If you're seeking guidance in curating your dream space or renovating your interiors, we can transform your home together. Take a look at my recent interior design projects.
I have a range of services available, with different scopes and price points depending on exactly what you’re searching for. From the Design Service, where we leave no stone unturned in creating a home that reflects your unique taste and preferences, to a room restyle for those seeking a fresh perspective to start a project with confidence. Or, if you’re looking for more cost-effective support, my one-on-one consultation will help you get started on refreshing your home.
