Inside the home of Kelly Hoppen

How do the creators of the homes of the rich and famous chose to decorate when free of their clients? And what do their own living spaces say about these influential designers? The FT’s Alexander Gilmour visits the home of leading interior designer Kelly Hoppen.
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[@davejmanning544]

Probably the nicest dentist waiting room I have ever seen.

[@sexyblackcharlery]

Lol

[@zeden2924]

A house where your voice echoes means it's a cold empty grey space.

[@reduanabdulmajid9054]

It was a painful interview to watch.

[@kimonodragon9099]

i’ve been in hospital waiting rooms with more warmth

[@Aasenzeng]

4:14 that’s the best thing you said all day..... they’re clearly not getting along

[@nat2040]

Vincent Tseng because he’s a moron

[@rachelleanna3]

She has a huge nose!

[@devilgod136]

@@Lizwindsor I think that's also true but to be fair, the guy keeps asking silly questions. Seems to be trying too hard to flirt with her.

[@ad-ir3wk]

His conversation leads are too shallow

[@benjaminthomas2291]

Haha she’s just being British mate

[@dcoughla681]

Loved the presenter's style. He was charming and relaxed. He was absolutely right about people being afraid of dropping wine over the furnishings especially in front of the frosty faced Ms Hoppen. Although the home is very glamorous, it does seem like a chain hotel, very impersonal and sterile and not a place you would want to stay, not even for a dinner party. Guests to your home, whoever they are, should be warmly welcomed and made to feel at home.

[@tslilbearshoppe9870]

touche!

[@eduard1215]

good point

[@absolutelynot6086]

I can see how her interior design would appeal to a lot of hotels and stuff. Something cozy or colourful doesnt have commercial appeal but in my view a home shouldnt have commercial appeal, it should be a sanctuary, not a show house.

[@sarahlebeau3049]

I completely disagree. He was pretty obnoxious and Kelly Hoppen seemed annoyed with him. I wish I could mute him so that I could enjoy the video more.

[@darkspeed62]

I do agree that it felt a bit clinical, a bit cold and impersonal. The only nod perhaps to her personality was some of the photos and artwork. Beyond that, some of the elements seemed a bit tacky, like all the lighting fixtures.

[@huub1989]

I’ve been in airport terminals with more character and warmth! I suppose her spaces don’t exactly give you a warm embrace, more like a formal and distance creating handshake like the one at the end of the clip.

[@cguide2598]

When if you dont like it, dont see it. I do like it. May not be your style or favor .... doesent mean you have to pointed and say bad things. Just dont see it dear. You may be one or ten, hundres like her style that's why they hired her and pay good money for her job.

[@eduard1215]

@@cguide2598 lol chill

[@ahmadzar5991]

@@cguide2598 wow, the claws are out Should we all clap and agree

[@lkenady52]

I feel the warmth in her designs! Good thing we all have different taste because I am thinking I would not like the nasayers’ designs at all. I love everything about her design. Uh, she is where she is because of her designs, at the top of her game!

[@absolutelynot6086]

It seems to reflect who she is: cold, clinical, controlled, lacking warmth, no sense of fun or character.

[@theorb21]

This interviewer has a similar style to Louis Theroux: discreetly taking the piss without the interviewee realising haha

[@redpepper4546]

i thought he has a good eye and noticed stuff that she did not want to talk about

[@PolskiKabaret]

Sort of a coward style narcissist interviewer.

[@evas9735]

It’s very stylish there is no denying but the home has no heartbeat. Even her vintage pieces look devoid of any soul, completely missing the point of vintage charm. It’s beautiful, but I need wood, slouchy cushions, rugs and a bit more colour when I decorate.

[@rneustel388]

Schemvie Schmeves I agree completely!

[@pomellauk]

@@rneustel388 Very Staged, full of "Kelly Hoppen Range"

[@grottoserpentina9342]

Well I'm glad it's not just me who thinks so. Very uncomfortable dynamic between the two. A lot of tension. She needs to lighten up a bit.

[@TermiteVideo]

Grotto Serpentina the dynamic could be because they sent someone with the design nouse of school boy to interview a serious person.

[@MsSamanthaTKO]

So do her prices

[@jameselliott7577]

@@MsSamanthaTKO It looks so dated. This was fashionable 20 years ago. Now it's just for footballers and dodgy Russian 'oligarchs'.

[@lkenady52]

@@jameselliott7577 you clearly know nothing about taste😳

[@shalatjohn2208]

She’s almost bullying him 😂

[@SueKF64]

God he's so thick! Her home is stunning!

[@lindaroberts2297]

@@SueKF64 he is not thick, she probably 'listed' all topics of conversation - she does not allow 'relaxation'

[@Bik998]

Normally when I see contemporary houses makes me feel very good but nothing about this video excited me. Why lord why? I honestly don't know.

[@oliviacasino8888]

Oh me, oh my....so many objects, so little charm; so ridged, everything standing at rap attention...even the pillows know to show nary a crease, nor to appear soft and God forbid......fluffy! What a world, what a world, what a world.

[@JustManuelT]

Wow she seems like the kind of lady who'll invite you over but not wanting you to touch anything and designate you to only 1 area. Uninviting vibe Lol..

[@iloveanimals1662]

There is an icy chill in that 'warehouse',it has no soul. Says a lot about the owner.

[@dmm9714]

Why no proper windows? Designers always talk about light but she seems to live in a warehouse.

[@zardarishoulddie]

It looks like a shop where you have to put everything on display I mean look at the dining table, the amount of plant pots on top is horrendous and look hideous. The amount of decorative pieces on the shelf is unbelievable.

[@Rosesyoutube]

He's awkward because she takes herself too seriously (has no sense of humour) but that's likely why she's successful.

[@kham832]

she is just masculine

[@DerekWong967]

To be fair i don't think it's got anything to do with success. Plenty of high net worth individuals have a sense of humour. What made her successful was talent and entrepreneurial skills

[@futurelegendfilms]

She’s a touch pretentious really, isn’t she?

[@nuanced8225]

@@DerekWong967 ...or just luck - which always plays an important role in people's success.

[@TheLianneg]

@@dingdong475 You probably won't have, so don't lose sleep

[@elisestrydom1081]

I am a big admirer of Kelly Hoppen and remember her style often when I look for inspiration. After I saw this video the following came to mind: one never forgets the way a person made one feels.

[@tmz85]

Extraordinary talent. Not minimalist or overloaded, just beautifully balanced (edited). Even her choice of dress allows her to stand out w/o distracting, simply brilliant. I am now a huge fan; well done, Ms. Hoppen.

[@backintimealwyn5736]

agreed she's very talented. That must be why her style is so everywhere now that I find it boring. The cost of success.

[@homodeus8713]

Shocked at most of the other comments...

[@bosvigos9165]

Queen of cream and beige and taupe, and porridge, cardboard and mud. I have always thought that such shades are for people with no imagination. No thank you!

[@lorrygeewhizzbang9521]

A beautiful red dress on an otherwise colourless character.

[@luci1474]

I hate to agree with you 😬 bland everything...

[@jamesbaxter222]

She’s a professional explaining her expertise and profession. Why does she need to be a character? Everything and everyone does not have to be fun or a joke all the fucking time. She is just a serious person, explaining her serious career.

[@lorrygeewhizzbang9521]

@@jamesbaxter222 nope but it's always nice to not sound like a complete dick.

[@johnpinion8033]

Hilarious! LOL What's charming about this is: it's so real. If you were to tell two people to act "slightly uncomfortable and awkward, as if your heads are in two different places", they would have a hard time doing it. These two create comedy genius! :D The decor is quite beautiful, although as she implies, it is a bit of a blank canvas upon which to cast your "find of the week", but very soothing, calming, relaxing... and for a certain type of person, that's what a home needs to be.

[@Diyprincesss]

Sadly, one cannot buy personality....

[@bernadettehynes-cafferkey3917]

How true, and personality is needed for television

[@taliehughes4341]

So true

[@cbrooke16]

I liked the presenter. His humor was an acceptable attempt to contrast the seriousness of the space and it’s owner. If she hadn’t shut him down, this would have been more “hip”, thus entertaining a larger audience demographic. Instead, this tour felt intense and cold. Way too serious for a house tour. I did enjoy the home. It reminds me of the homes here in LA. Great design Ms. Hoppen! :)

[@FTLife]

Thanks for your feedback CBrooke - is there anyone else's home you'd be curious to see inside for the next 'Ministers of the Interior' episode?

[@lorrygeewhizzbang9521]

She is rather serious "well we're all responsible people".... fun bunch I'm sure.

[@lolalaz]

She was an outright bitch!

[@markpass4215]

Yes..he is great...as dry and amusing as she is cold and full of herself..the Hotel room look...the funniest thing she said..unintentionally of course was ...we don’t spill..we’re responsible people...what a soulless lifeless person..superficial is too warm for her

[@ivydog100]

Gosh thats a bit harsh.

[@lowellbeckel4637]

Apologies to the gentlemen interviewing her. She was just rude.

[@sophiegirl752]

Her style is boring (to me) and I agree that she’s very rude!!

[@amandanixon7819]

Too cold! Goes with her personality.

[@redpepper4546]

wow, i thought the same about the house, although i like the serenity but you are right a bit too cold, not one red rose, or colorful picture. but she is a leo ???

[@kerrya2128]

I totally disagree with you what about those all plants and gold tones are very warming ur comments are vise versa though thnx god tastes are different may be because of her personality!

[@econ2206]

@Akash Lord you her lawyer or smth?

[@neobucket]

It is so cold. Almost clinical.

[@sonalibhate255]

Exact word I was looking for

[@lkenady52]

It is stunning! We all have different taste and this is truly mine!

[@absolutelynot6086]

I'd feel unable to relax in a house like that, scared to crease the bed...

[@MariaAyub-ma-sentient24]

Amazing coordination of features and details within the different spaces. Phenomenal for the hotel industry. She has an eye for calming environments for leisure and comfort.

[@borculo1]

I can imagine the poor guest who spilled a glas of red wine on the white sofa getting lynched...

[@cguide2598]

Why some people are a friend of white. Some people think who lives in that kine of style are like robots, the true is not, just some people has hired dicipline, standars than others.

[@Lulu-zi8tj]

Looks more like a showroom, rather than a family home, does anyone actually live there?

[@goodvibes7424]

I feel terribly bad for Alexander... This was painful to watch. The person he was interviewing rather has very uncomfortable, condescending manner. It was- inappropriately unnecessary! Repugnant! I was thinking, if I was in his shoes I would not put up with it. I would politely say, “Thank you for your time. It’s been a pleasure. I would like to continue the segment, however with mutual-respect.”

[@antipodean3687]

The design may be beautiful and stylish but it feels hard and impersonal. Just like the owner. Not at all inviting. I feel sorry for the interviewer having to manage her ego.

[@backintimealwyn5736]

she clearly thinks he's a twat. :p to be fair he's constantly interupting her to say very cliché and obvious things , that would annoy me too ... I kind of get why he gets on her nerves, yet she's so posh , so posh... that she looks arrogant.

[@topiarygarden8551]

she is rather pretentious and entitled to say the least, ! lacking color and character; mushroom and taupe. WTF! . Who the hell wants to visit her!!

[@jessbarnes8521]

I’m surprised he was allowed to wear shoes!

[@mxc5356]

This house is not to my taste personally (except the bathroom which is lovely, though I miss elements in black), but part of the job of interior designers is to understand their client and use their knowledge and skills to craft a home bespoke for them. This video is just an insight into the home of a ‘designer of homes’; it is the one time we do not need to ‘want’ the designs for ourselves. If she were to design our homes, it obviously wouldn’t look the same. So from that perspective, we can appreciate the design of her home!

[@JDhappy81]

Probably spent 100k on her Marble bathroom but leaves the £1 Nivea for men shower gel £2 Head and Shoulders on display ha. However, stunning home even if its not entirely to my taste.

[@didierduplenne2325]

😂

[@erique_k]

100k just on the marble

[@PolskiKabaret]

Cheap

[@user-yl2pe9dm7j]

Nothing wrong with Nivea and heads and shoulders

[@nelyamuzychuk1187]

I like her designs. I think, like her, I'm obsessed with experimenting with different textures while balancing these grey colours with beautiful details and plants. I like her selfconfidence, because to be a great designer you have to be confident in yourself. I would like to be a designer one day, and I'm looking up to her.

[@ulangi]

gosh, this is torturing

[@voguegirl2218]

How long must it take to make the bed? Putting the runner and the cushions in the right place.

[@ramutej]

Very much my taste. Love high ceiling and open plan, adore grey and white with black. Great lighting. I'd love to live there, very cosy

[@lakminiwalawwatta7197]

This is very amazing ideas for the creative new beginnings home Thank lot and love you to share it

[@MsSamanthaTKO]

How does she have an MBE???

[@lizbethruffman7915]

It's so cold and heartless,more like a hotel than a home,

[@dingdong475]

I love hotels. You never have to worry about cleaning up.

[@janetjones4310]

This place looks like a mausoleum. Very cold.

[@LuliLulu]

I think you'll like ilse crawford :3

[@astra7015]

It s a thing with Rich people, they loose the warmth also in their heart...

[@PolskiKabaret]

Hahaha

[@nevergiveup9321]

it's very rare that i find a home design that displays so many elements i love.gorgeous!

[@MariaReyes-te7lk]

I believe that everything is to celebrate life.The joy of using every piece of the house as part of your story.

[@MariaReyes-te7lk]

Awesome place! Congratulations!

[@MsWatchdog]

Oh my goodness how I looove Kelly Hoppen she is ace and I love her home! so glad that I came across this

[@aixallorens9806]

Soy fanatica de Susana hace tiempo, desde que vi su trabajo. Ella es unica! La admiro mucho!

[@eddielistrom7966]

The home reflects the owners personality.

[@Shrinksjp]

I loved the previous double townhouse she had, and the style and colors she used there.

[@FabiolaTolentino]

I am very impressed with that home decor. I never see anything this beautiful ! Congratulations and thanks for sharing with us. That's a real gift.

[@taismelissaribeirocoelho374]

Wonderful...pretty! Incredible desing!

[@aoo2645]

Amazing house….and Cozy!

[@kerrya2128]

Can't stop watching her masterpieces of art true definition of interior designer 👌💕

[@AVYBREE]

Too many things/ stuff and lines. Doesn't feel home.

[@Leneufcinqcergy]

Beautiful but completely devoid of warmth

[@mern461]

Well its looks beautiful like a museum..noone lves in it..she probably has a lived in area....its boring and to be fair a copy of a 1930s/40s space.

[@bibhumusic1201]

Wow she really is super cool with a great sense of style 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻loved her home !!!!!

[@coolperson6883]

Wow, love that bathroom!

[@richardwilson1234]

This looks lovely. But don't forget they have people to clean up after them. And have those books ever been opened? Love to see a place like this with a few coats thrown over chairs and socks and newspapers on the floor. Just doesn't looked lived in and a bit of washing up in the sink.

[@richardwilson1234]

Also those light thingys look like testicles gone wrong.

[@richardwilson1234]

Erm, no your euphemism is a euphemism for a euphemism. As for being judgmental then don't put yourself on KZbin. Lived in is not a euphemism for messy. Don't make things up.

[@rosieposie9564]

I absolutely agree with you. I hate that messy so called "lived in" look. It appeals to lazy slobs in my opinion.

[@angelskyheaven7401]

Awesome Kelly super work and you are very able great lady wishes you to get more n more interior to stick on your job.

[@claudekouassi1933]

I picked the two palms with the two pots side by side

[@fredflintstone2234]

THIS is what we call PRETENTIOUS. All the way around.

[@ayidabeneba4294]

This house looks like a designe furniture store 😒

[@backintimealwyn5736]

that's because design furniture stores all sell her ideas.

[@stevej4328]

A cheap one at that

[@PolskiKabaret]

Best description of this god-only-knows-what

[@optimusprime699]

This guy is really awkward, started interrupting her when she is trying to explain things, some people say she came off as looking cold and no personality, but I disagree. He keeps setting himself up with clumsy comments and then trying to recover after being shot down for that clumsy comment. He should of quickly realised that when speaking about work and particularly when the work is in the persons own home and that said person has a huge reputation for that thing, they will be very 'work mode' and focused on communicating in that manner. She is a very focused woman and takes her work seriously, which is important when designing wealthy peoples properties and companies that supply the wealthy.

[@stevej4328]

Stop making excuses for the fact that she's utterly unlikeable

[@tolykozin]

gawd, who lives like this?? Then you get old and fragile and its not just wine that you spill everywhere............and then you realize but the deed is done. I guess some people simply don't get it!

[@WenNRome]

Y'all have to understand everyone's personal style is different, especially considering what you've grown up around. Hoppen is an interior designer, she knows her stuff and this home flows perfectly. This is a grown woman with no small children, it doesn't have to be family friendly, I'm sure when she throws her parties it isn't a bunch of kids around. Sure, it isn't the average family friendly home but that isn't her lifestyle and her use of space, color/tone, texture and shape is immaculate.

[@justjacqueline2004]

Hard to believe I live in the same country,we are impoverished.

[@joycekao3590]

This home is beyond my imagination! So creative and interesting! Love all the structure detail and architecture feel. I wish I have her ability to create such beautiful space! There's no best only better!!

[@azurieone3002]

I'm not a fan of "ALL" neutral furnishings & decor because I adore color but, this home is absolutely gorgeous & I wouldn't change a thing!!!

[@ScottOSaurus]

That same sparkling personality made her last a long time on Dragons Den! (Sarcasm)

[@rpbphx]

is she a bit insufferable, or it's it just me...

[@omadjourney]

There's me thinking it's sexual tension....he was so nervous poor lamb and couldn't even bring out his word's property. No wonder she's friends with Victoria, they seem so cold.

[@silvergirl2847]

Up her own hole as they say 🤣🤣🤣

[@ninavirmani6662]

Snooty...Snob

[@tslilbearshoppe9870]

it's not just you!

[@voguegirl2218]

She went out with Sol Campbell can you believe that? 😂

[@toluwadesigns9406]

4:13 KH: that's actually the best thing you've said ALL DAY. Interviewer: Thank you, thank you...I try hard...!!! Was I the only one who heard that?

[@user-bn2hb1wp2k]

Просто нереальная энергетика прёт, так работать с формой и светом.... Это фантастика..

[@veeandrea]

Goodness. That marble platform under the tub is a trip and a slip waiting to happen!

[@silk3142]

reading the comments, i’m trying to get into interior designers & she was the first person who popped up. This is also the first video i’m watching. She seems classy. They keep saying she’s bland but she likes neutral colors & simple-ness. She may come off as egotistical but eh she loves her craft I’d assume.

[@unbothered4594]

Thank you ! same here. Goodluck on your ventures. 🤞🏾

[@sadikmeah4057]

Looks like something straight out of a furniture catalogue

[@henriettagibsonii3545]

She’s is very condescending, She sounds like a pseudo snob. Full of her own importance - I, I, I, how many times did she say that? I think she needs a trip on the ‘Humble Pie Tour.’

[@russellhodges3179]

Back ground to this vid. FT Life Editor and Chief: (phone rings) Yeah... Yeah... What! What!! (slams phone down) Gilmour, get in here. Yes Boss. Look Gilmour, I know your the I.T. Guy, but the regular interviewer got food poisoning at last nights dinner party photo shoot and all the rest of the staff is on assignment, so your it. Here is Kelly Hoppen's book, read the introduction and take Joe the camera guy with you. Now be a good lad and Go! Go! Go!

[@traceyyeoman8391]

Great decorator love taupe and mushroom tones, love neutrals

[@karmaisreal9094]

He’s trying to flirt with her and she’s not feeling it. Making it all more awkward

[@taliehughes4341]

Lack of colour only matches her lack of personality It is a stunning home

[@absolutelynot6086]

Lmao so true, would some colours kill her

[@vonniechannel2818]

Lovely

[@doctorcrusher2918]

He’ll never interview her again; he appeared unprepared and clumsy. She’s opened up her home and he childishly mocked.

[@naanamora3282]

I have watched this interviewer on another interview which did not go well either. I believe being on design shows is NOT his thing. He does not bring out the best in people. What a pity.

[@tslilbearshoppe9870]

haha you think he had the issues? Speaks volumes about you!

[@philipmaynard8852]

Yeah he's horrible

[@sallynolan5928]

Naana Mora I agree with you and I think you might be referring to the Anoushka Hempel interview. Both women seemed irritated by him - you can see why. But I did not like this house. The light is quite low in London - hence she has small lights under and above almost every piece of furniture - the house is colourless and without that lighting it would be shady and the rooms would disappear in the gloom - just my thoughts.

[@janetcorey5102]

Capital A for attitude which wasn’t very welcoming

[@josephsoliven9057]

The interior is stunning very unique. And one of a kind idea 👏👏

[@MaxSafeheaD]

What an amazing space! =)

[@jools99caithness17]

Notice she didn’t show him her own bedroom

[@toxadodo]

Cold. Soulless.

[@wandagreen5122]

Absolutely beautiful 😍

[@almag6524]

Cold!!!

[@callen9679]

BEAUTIFUL❤

[@deerock94]

if u want to live in a Vegas hotel room

[@Leneufcinqcergy]

LMAO

[@kimposiple9609]

LIKE WAKING UP TO A COLD CUP OF DAY OLD COFFEE......STRONG AND STALE

[@stevej4328]

Brilliant comment

[@roseross7465]

looks great on video but very cold...to live in..bit harsh!

[@azabujuban-hito8085]

So crisp and pristine. Love it!!💜

[@Myplop]

Very sophisticated but not too much my taste

[@mern461]

Well its looks beautiful like a museum..noone lves in it..she probably has a lived in area....its boring and to be fair a copy of a 1930s/40s space.

[@christopheredwards2837]

It looks like a store

[@stuartashbourne-martin9629]

Why have we stopped having rooms now we have spaces I think she's cold and overbearing and I should know I went there I'm and overbearing old Queen I'm more Laurence llewelyn Bowen it's extravagant it camp and it's fun I don't like beige

[@giovannigauto7585]

Beautiful

[@jamesbaxter222]

She’s a professional explaining her expertise and profession. Why does she need to be a character? Everything and everyone does not have to be fun or a joke all the fucking time. She is just a serious person, explaining her serious career.

[@vivdoolan6846]

The house is such a reflection of Kelly's personality, cold , clinical and uninviting.