At Topfloor, we are lucky enough to work with many talented designers. One such designer is the award-winning Rebecca James. Having started out as a ballet dancer and model before opening her own design studio – Interior Desires – Rebecca has a colourful background that lends something special to her projects. She believes that residential interiors should be as unique as one’s DNA, with each detail reflecting an individual’s inner character. To this end, Rebecca often designs bespoke furniture pieces for many of her projects.
Below, we talk to Rebecca about her work with Topfloor, and how her travels have fuelled her passion for great design…
Rebecca James
What made you want to work in interiors?
Ever since I was a little girl, I have wanted to be a designer. I went to boarding school, and would constantly rearrange the dorm rooms. On weekends, I would ask my dad to take me to visit beautiful houses.
I suppose I feel this is my contribution to the world, to create spaces for people to enjoy.
Montagu Square by Interior Desires, featuring Topfloor’s Envelope
Moor Place by Interior Desires
You run a very successful and established design house, can you talk us through your career to this point?
I started off as a ballet dancer, until an injury put a premature end to my career. I then became a fashion model, which I pursued for 15 years. As a model I was able to travel the world, exposing me to diverse cultures, and differing ways of life. During this period, I spent a lot of time travelling and living in Asia. Asia has become a big influence in my work as I believe in balance and harmony, and love the colours the area is known for.
Around ten years ago I decided to enrol in The Chelsea College of Art, and upon graduation set up my design firm, Interior Desires.
An example of Asian Interiors, by Fortuny Interiors
What inspires you?
My biggest inspirations are fashion, art and the natural environment. I also draw inspiration from people I see in cafes, on the London Underground, everywhere.
Having worked internationally, how do you find design differs from continent to continent?
I believe no matter where a project is based, it should always have a sense of place. With that being said, culture plays a big part when working internationally. I worked on a retail project in a former Soviet country recently, and as part of my research I had to understand the local customs and traditions, in order to determine how customers would react in certain situations. It is important to immerse yourself in the culture, and the process, to get the right result from place to place.
Detail from a Private Members’ Club by Interior Desires
You have worked collaboratively with Topfloor on several of your interiors – how important do you think details in the room, such as the design of the rug, are to the overall scheme?
Attention to detail is perhaps the most important and most underrated aspect of design. A rug, for instance, should both highlight and improve your design. In some cases, it should even become the focal point for a space, with other aspects designed to complement it.
Which is your favourite Topfloor design?
I have worked with Topfloor for years, and have been fortunate enough to use many of the beautiful rugs designed by Esti. The design that first drew me to Topfloor is the Esquire from the 3D range – it’s a personal favourite. Currently I’m working on a project using a hand-woven Alpaca rug from the Flux range, which is beautiful.
Esquire Evolution, from the 3D collection
Blend – Flux Collection
What’s your favourite part of the design process?
My favourite part of the design process is bringing visions to life, which is perhaps also the most challenging aspect. Trying to convey your vision to suppliers and collaborators can sometimes be very tricky and frustrating, especially when you are not on the same wavelength.
To see more of Rebecca James’ work, visit Interior Desires