Milola Meets - Sophia Kelly from Sophia Kelly Design - Interior Design Consultancy
Our designer this month is someone that Milola first got to know 5 years ago! Fast forward 5 years and we are delighted to catch up with her and share with you her latest projects including chalet designs.
So, read on to discover what her interior design philosophy is and what motivates and inspires her in this space.
Hello, I’m Sophia, an interior design professional and educator based in Vaud and Crans Montana.
I specialize in working closely with private clients to create personalised design spaces that reflect their needs and lifestyle. By nurturing a design together, we ensure that every detail aligns with their vision, resulting in an interior that balances aesthetics and functionality. Through a conscious design approach, the interiors we create are meaningful, focusing on crafting atmospheres that are deeply connected and inspiring.
“Less is more.”
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND HOW IT INFUENCES YOUR APPROACH AND MAKES YOUR WORK AS AN INTERIOR DESIGNER SO SPECIAL?
Born in London, I trained and qualified with a diploma in interior design and ran my own practice there for ten years. After moving to Paris then Switzerland, I decided it was time to restart Sophia Kelly Design.
With my background knowledge and an understanding of the unique client market here in Switzerland, I provide a variety of services to assist all types of enquiries. I undertake on-the-spot consultations, home staging and conceptual design.
I also run a series of design workshops ranging for example Chalet Styling, Colour, Lighting and many more.
I’m currently working on another passion of mine which is called Conscious Living. This will focus on the connection of design with the environment, promoting wellbeing.
WHAT’S YOUR APPROACH TO INTERIOR DESIGN AND HAS THIS CHANGED WHEN YOU MOVED THROUGH LONDON, PARIS AND NOW GENEVA?
Taking a thorough interior design brief is the most critical part of my design process, as it lays the foundation for a successful project. By actively listening to my clients needs, preferences and lifestyles, I ensure that every design decision aligns with their vision and creates spaces that truly resonate with them.
The Swiss property market is very unique with a large percentage of international clients arriving with their personal furniture and renting accommodation on a short term bases. Typically, in these environments, you are met with many of the services, bathrooms & kitchens already determined and you have to work around them. For these international clients, I’m typically creating the best possible space plans, sourcing appropriate furniture and furnishings to create a calm balanced interior.
Other international clients that have long term interest in Switzerland will invest in full interior design services and sometimes, consider a second property in the mountains for weekends and the holidays. The scope for expanding design possibilities with these clients is limitless.
YOUR PHILOSOPHY IS “LESS IS MORE”. TALK US THROUGH HOW THIS TRANSLATES TO YOUR DESIGN…
Modern minimalism is demonstrated in a open plan kitchen, dining & living space where simplicity, clean lines, and functional furniture create an uncluttered and open space. This creates a calm spacious environment where the room feels larger & airier. A cohesive palette, enhances the flow between the areas, making the space feel more connected and serene.
This style emphasises simplicity and functionality through clean lines, open spaces and a neutral warm colour palette. It focuses on natural materials, maximises light and reduces clutter to create serene environments. Quality over quantity, promoting fewer and well designed pieces.
WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION FROM?
I draw my inspirations from everything around me from nature, art, architecture and travels. Visiting interior suppliers & craftsman workshops on a regular basis, sparks new visual ideas.
Staying open minded and experimenting with design evolution is also something I love to embrace and share with clients.
YOU MENTIONED BEFORE 'CONSCIOUS LIVING', CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THIS PROJECT AND WHERE WE CAN HEAR MORE?
Conscious Living is a mindful approach to design, aiming for spaces that are functional, peaceful and calm that support well being. Considering quality over quantity, sustainable materials, natural light, flexibility and functionality, are a few key points of many that are considered. Visit our website to understand more & book a home consultation.
DO YOU HAVE A STAND-OUT PROJECT YOUR WORKING ON?
Mountain lifestyle is definitely close to my heart since living in Switzerland. Travelling, skiing and staying in the mountains surrounded by natural materials, captivated my interest in chalet interior design. After running Chalet Styling Workshops and chalet design consultations for clients for over a decade, I was lucky this year to be able to transform my own mountain home into a modern chalet.
With existing spaces, design comes with constraints and your constantly nurturing the design until you hit new possibilities! From the success of this project, Sophia Kelly Design, will be opening up a design studio, directly in CM offering full design services in and around Valais, focusing on chalet design.
HOW WILL YOUR EXPERIENCE GAINED FROM RENOVATING YOUR OWN CHALET INFORM HOW YOU CAN HELP CLIENTS & WHAT SERVICES CAN YOU OFFER NOW IN THIS AREA?
From my recent experience and building strong relationships with suppliers, contractors and craftsman specialising in chalet architecture and design from the region, I will be able to pull together & create the best design possibilities for any given space and budget. I will be offering on site consultations by the hour, conceptual design and project administration.
Furthermore, look out for our Chalet Workshops in Crans Montana, that will involve visits to local stone and wood distributors to understand the vast choices available.
IF YOU COULD GIVE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO SOMEONE ABOUT TO RETHINK OR RENOVATE THEIR HOME WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Spending time in a space to understand how it feels with light, movement & atmosphere throughout the day are essential. Prioritise functionality and longevity alongside aesthetics for each space. This balance will create a home that not only looks beautiful but also suits your lifestyle and long term needs.
Finally, plan, as a well thought out plan is key to avoiding costly mistakes and ensuring a smooth process with a cohesive design.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE OF FURNITURE WE OFFER AT MILOLA AND WHY?
Milola offer a wide range of beautiful furniture with an emphases on quality. My favourite piece of at the moment has to be the Ram Bar/Counter stool. Really like the curved back shaping and mix of materials.
IF YOU'D LIKE SOPHIA'S HELP WITH YOUR HOME OR CHALET. CONTACT HER HERE:
NAME:
Sophia Kelly
AGENCY:
Sophia Kelly Design
LOCATION:
Vaud, Crans Montana, Switzerland
COVERAGE:
Vaud, Valais
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