Q&A with Interior Designer and Presenter Julia Kendell

Following the recent launch of our new  ‘Exclusively Danetti with Julia Kendell’ range, we managed to catch up with Julia during the recent shoot for the launch of our collection. We had a chat with her to find out what she thought about the collaboration and the individual products.

 

Why did you choose to work with Danetti?

When I am designing an interior for a client I will only specify furniture from a supplier I can trust and who I know will be reliable. The furniture also has to be aesthetically beautiful, fit the brief and it’s also got to be good value. I have to be absolutely sure that it’s going to arrive on time, in good order and should anything go wrong, I have to know that the company will be on it straight away. Danetti satisfies all those criteria so I was absolutely thrilled to be asked to collaborate on a furniture collection with them.

 

What elements of your personal design ethos have you incorporated into this range?

My personal ethos is all about creating an emotional connection both between the interior and the inhabitants who will be using that space. The reason that’s important is because in this day and age we’re all so busy and we need a home that we can retreat to at the end of the day. Somewhere you feel safe, that’s also energising. So for me creating this range of furniture, creates a perfect backdrop for home life that has a sense of energy about it. And that has been really important.

 

How would you sum up the range?

I’d sum up the range as being a fresh and robust collection combining organic materials and glossy surfaces. I’ve created something that’s really energising and is just a really fabulous collection for contemporary family living.

 

The Peacock blue is a beautiful accent – is it a bit of a signature colour of yours?

I really enjoy designing with blue. It’s a very calming colour and because of this and because it’s very easy on the eye. It means you can use quite punchy shades to create impact and depth in a scheme without it unbalancing the whole look of the scheme and without it drawing too much attention. So yes, it’s just a fabulous colour. I love it!

 

What elements of the process of design do you enjoy the most?

I love the entire experience of designing and putting this collection together. It has been hugely exciting for me. Of course I suppose nothing beats the moment when you’ve done all the concept drawings, you’ve had all the meetings and then suddenly the pieces arrive and you can unwrap them and see them in the flesh. It’s just so exciting.

 

How important was it to you that these products were affordable?

Affordable design has always been at the heart of my work. When I first started out in the industry a very long time ago it was very much an elitist sport. Only the very wealthy could afford to have really beautifully designed pieces of furniture and interiors and of course there’s no reason why everybody shouldn’t have a beautiful home. So throughout my career, I’ve always championed really good quality design at good value.

 

What does good design mean to you?

Good design to me is creating a balance between something being aesthetically very pleasing (so it’s satisfying all the senses I suppose, something that feels good, that’s tactile, that looks great, sometimes that smells great too) and also being functional and practical. You want something that makes you feel a whole emotional connection. 

 

How do you see these products integrating with the modern family?

I think that the dining table and the space around it is really underestimated. In this day and age when families are so busy and when the illuminated screen is such a draw – we need to be able to have family time around the dining table. It’s one of those moments when we can really connect as a family. It’s the place where you have Xmas lunches and birthday dinners. You can sort out problems and share experiences. Frankly, it is where memories are made, family memories and that is so, so important.

 

What do you think of the bar stools?

I am particularly thrilled with the bar stools. It’s really difficult actually to find the perfect bar stool. One that you can move easily, is comfortable, looks great, but these bar stools I think are spot on. They’re very easy to move around. Plus, they’re light as anything but they are very robust and you know they are going to last and they look fantastic. Even just the tiniest detail like the beautiful stitching around the seat. They’re absolutely stunning -I’m so so pleased with them!

 

How about the sideboards:

The sideboards have been designed with detail in mind and they will satisfy even the most discerning client. The chamfered detail throughout the whole piece is just beautiful. Whats more the ‘soft close’ mechanism and the super smooth sliding door are great too. It’s just so lovely to use. I love the combination of the materials as well. The gloss, and the matt and the timber I think just works so beautifully together. And of course there are a lot of surprising little details as well like the mirrored backs on some of the pieces – just beautiful…

 

What do you like best about the table selection? 

For the cost of the Arc round table, the price I think is quite amazing. I haven’t seen such beautiful veneer detailing on a table at that price – ever! So just how lovely to be able to have such a stunning piece in your kitchen or dining room. The Zen table is a contemporary spin on the classic trestle table it is the perfect size for a family or a group of friends. I wanted to keep the lines nice and simple and straightforward – it’s just perfect.

 

The chairs are so elegant, how do you feel about the results?

Comfort is so important when it comes to sitting at a dining table. The design of the Form Dining chair really focus’s on this. It’s available with and without arms and the detailing again is really really superior. Particularly the way the frame follows the curvature around the back, it’s just the most beautiful chair. Definitely designed with comfort very much in mind. We all like to spend time at the dinner table, nobody wants their friends or family to feel uncomfortable. Therefore the design makes you feel like you want to spend hours at the dining table.

So there you have it! Our Exclusively Danetti range with TV Interior Designer and Presenter Julia Kendell in all it’s glory. If you want to see more, head over to Danetti.com for more.

 

Published Date: November 2015