In Conversation with Interior Designer Anouska Lancaster
Noushka Design is a forward thinking UK based design company; specialising in creating spaces tailor made to the individual. "Our emphasis is on creating fun, quirky, colourful, and joyous interiors which make a statement and ooze personality and wow factor."- says Anouska Lancaster, owner of Noushka Design.
A short conversation with Anouska, was enough to find some similarities in how we approach design - She is not afraid of breaking the design barriers, and inspires her clients to think outside the box, using creative solutions and an injection of colour in their homes.
Hayche: What inspired you to be an interior designer?
ND: Formally an artist, and passionate about colour and pattern, I was bored of seeing the same old beige and grey interiors rolled out time and time again. None of which were memorable or made a statement. None of which representing the person living there or working there. I see interiors like fashion. What you wear speaks volumes about who you are as a person - everyone has their own unique style. Why should interiors be any different? It's about encouraging people to be brave and bold, and to experiment; as they undoubtedly do with their wardrobe.
Hayche: If they were to make a toy action figure of you, what would your accessory be?
ND: It would have to be a pet flamingo - I'm obsessed with them!
Hayche: To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life within the design world has taken?
ND: I am trained as an artist, so it was a natural progression to move into Interior Design. I treat my design schemes very much as I would treat a painting. I start with a 'wash' and then layer up colours, patterns, art, furniture and accessories until my 'masterpiece' is complete.
Hayche: What would be your dream interior project?
ND: I would absolutely love to design a boutique hotel.
Hayche: What’s something you know you do differently than most people?
ND: Getting to know my clients on a personal level, understanding them, and listening to them. The final design has to excite them and move them. It has to be a culmination of everything they love, their passions, their memories, their aspirations, what sets them a light. So many designers roll out the same formula over and over again, all looking the same and not reflecting anything about their clients individuality. If a finished project looks like someone else's, then I haven't done my job!
Hayche: If you could go back in time and speak to your adolescent self, what advice would you give them about the design world?
ND: Follow your instincts, not the trends.
