Wednesday 23 April 2014

Interview with Robin Philip Guest of 'Haus of Taylor-Guest'

I asked an Interior Designer that i admire, Robin Philip Guest of 'Haus of Taylor Guest' if i could interview him the other day as I hoped that you would be interested, as i surely am, to hear things from a designer's perspective. So, grab a coffee and hope you enjoy!

My first question to Robin was "Why did you become an Interior Designer?"

Robin: "I'm not sure really. It's always been a thing I've had in the back of my mind. When I was younger, my family moved around a lot, which meant a lot of houses. I guess from there I've always had a thing for it. It became a real thing last year, when I decided that I was tired of hospitality and wanted to make a change. I had just moved into a new apartment with my boyfriend and we decided together that we wanted a perfect home. Something stylish and beautiful. So I began work that way. Soon after I found a course with the National Design Academy and started my diploma. The rest is history, as they say!".
Hilda by Design : " Who/What are you influences/Inspirations? "
Robin: "I have a few. I love, love, love Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen! He's a real idol of mine. Along with Julien Macdonald and Barbara Hulanicki. They helped to shape my style and I loved their work so that's who I tend to look to for ideas. Oddly, my first inspiration was Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas! It was dark and moody but effortlessly elegant and classic. It had everything we loved all in a little roomI use a lot of history in my work. I love rococo and art deco. It's all beautiful and I'd love to see it more"
HBD: Describe the style/ethos of 'Haus of Taylor-Guest
Robin: I guess it's a hard one to explain. I like to think it's quite unique? You'll find a mix of everything but it all works so well together. You'll find historical elements mixed with modern touches. I love using a variety of materials from glass to velvet to silk and cotton. I guess what I try to make is something you want get anywhere else. Your home is a place where you should be able to relax and live in perfect harmony. I design my work to give people a home which is an escape from their world. They walk in and they could be anywhere in the world, anywhere they want to be. They can forget about work and forget about whats troubling them and be able to just disappear in luxury.
HBD: What's Hot/On Trend in Interiors right now?
Robin: Design changes ever so quickly, even i can struggle to keep up! Brass is having a very good year, as is cut glass. Florals are back with watercolor designs and there a touch of nautical. It's a good year for interesting designs! I tend to step back from whats on trend however. I feel that, by following too closely to whats hot now, you'll have an outdated home within a year, and who want's that? So my advice, stick to what you know, stick to what has been proven time and time again to be a great piece. If you want to go on trend, by all means go for it, but make sure it's something you can easily change out when it loses it's edge.
HBD: Looking forward to the next 12 months, What does success look like?
Robin: As you know, I have a very busy personal year ahead, with a wedding to plan! But with work, I'm feeling good about where I am at the moment. I'm still studying which is keeping me busy. I'll be moving to a new home in June so we have a whole new place to work on (which i'm beyond excited about!). I just want to keep working, practicing the trade I'm still growing in and finding amazing people who do the same. It's a great time to be in this market so I'm going to enjoy every minute of it!

Many Thanks to Robin for his time and I wish him every success for the future! The link to his website is below:




www.robinguestdesigns.co.uk

3 comments:

  1. Great interview Hilda, thanks for sharing. Sounds like an interesting guy and I love his ethos in particular. Sharing on my fb page now : )

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    1. Thank you so, so much Jane xx That is so lovely of you to share on 'That Curious Love of Green' xx Delighted you liked it! Thought his answers were really great & he seems a really lovely guy, so I absolutely wish him the best!

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    2. My pleasure Hilda, yes, great answers, really enjoyed it : )

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