Profile Interview...60 Seconds with Interior Stylist Nikki Bradley

Nikki Bradley – Nikki started her creative journey as a Visual Merchandisers in stores, a career that spanned for 20 years. Nikki has also worked as a Style Assistant for various interiors magazines including; Country Homes & Interiors in addition to working with leading stylists for major brands such as The White Company, John Lewis and Little Greene on editorial and commercial shoots. She loves the buzz of the media work and so decided to launch her own interior styling business - http://www.nikkibradleystylist.com/

•  What inspired you to go into Interior designing?  

I have always had a passion for interiors, even when I was a child. I remember I was desperate for some shelves in my bedroom, so I tried making them out of cardboard and sticking them to the wall. Of course they fell down straight away! When I obtained my first Visual Merchandiser (window dresser) position at 18, I would always buy pieces for my bottom drawer to keep for when I eventually bought my first home. My friends would often ask me for advice regarding interior design and most would suggest I do it as a full time career.

•  What would you say is your style identity?

I do love monochrome as a great starting point; its simplicity and timelessness are highly effective in my opinion. I like to add colour and textures in addition to truly bring to life whatever it is I am working on. I also like an eclectic mix of vintage and new furniture or accessories.

 

•  What is your favourite home accessory?

It has to be my two large vintage glass olive jars (jar vase) that I picked up from the Ardingly Antiques fair. They can be used as vases and candleholders, as well as a great way to display decorative items, such as balls of string, feathers or pinecones etc.

•  How important is flooring for a home? 

Flooring is extremely important in terms of the entire look and feel of a room. On my wish list is Original Oak Parquet flooring. I currently have some in my hallway, which is an entirely original feature of the 1930s built house. I would love for it to run through my downstairs area, which is something I hope to achieve soon.

If there was any character in the world (not an interior stylist) that could decorate your home – who would you choose?

It would have to be my cousin, Lisa. I have always loved the period houses she has owned (Victorian/Georgian), as well as her deco choice and her love of vintage. 

 • Can you foresee any trends for the Autumn period?

The trusty shades of grey are still as big as ever.  Plus there is are various shades of gold that are popular which are of a similar shade to Ochre/Mustard which is still a popular colour. This combined with greys and beige puts a new spin on the grey palette.   

Inky blues, indigo and ink a step forward from navy.

In terms of fabrics and wallpapers, there is a focus on florals, with an oriental slant plus Scandinavian or English country garden paired with warm hues. 

Then there is the opulent look, mixing old and new with plush surfaces, metallics heavy embellishment and velvets. Not a trend for the minimalist!