Design guru Martin Kemp shares his shares his home and away haunts

11.09.18

FAVOURITE HANGOUT IN LONDON?

London has many options, whether chilling with tea, dozing with papers, taking in city views or drinking cocktails - it satisfies me on many levels. Home House continues to be a lovely place to relax, absorb fine architecture and encounter eclectic people. The best bar in London is my home with enormous triple windows, comfortable sofas, thick rugs and fascinating conversation. What’s not to like.

STYLE TREND YOU’D LIKE TO BRING BACK?

I’m showing my age here, but it has to be the 1970s with colour, fun, and diversity of style and relaxed sense of design. I grew up during this stimulating era of colourful cars, teak stereos, striped leggings and shag-pile carpets. A feast for the senses of a small Welsh boy growing up in a house with a red hallway with black ceilings and a yellow striped dining room.

BUCKET LIST NO 1?

Purchase a pure ‘70s Aston Martin Lagonda, before prices go stratospheric, and take it across the Alps, down into Tuscany. This four-door wedge limousine with its digital dashboard and pop up lights took the world by storm and still stops traffic. The interior was a sensual delight with massive padded seat and adjustable headrests that looked like bolsters from a Jumbo Jet. Heck the thing even talked to you - back in 1976.

FAVOURITE SEASON OF THE YEAR?

Spring - after all, summer follows. There’s a freshness to the air which reminds me new things are arriving, fresh air, new plants and spring cleaning away the cobwebs of winter to make way for exciting plans whether for holidays. Spring has rejuvenating spirit, bringing me out of my winter hibernation.

BEST ADVICE FOR ELEGANT HOME DESIGN?

Restrict colours and choice of patterns, work with a complimentary palette. Simplifying one’s environment can be calming and chic, creating a welcoming ambience that is often perceived as timeless and elegant. There are alternatives of course - colourful stripes and bold patterns but for elegance keep things simple.

BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY OR COUNTRYSIDE KARMA?

I’m a Gemini so can never decide, we like both. I thrive in the city but relax in the country, giving me the energy to thrive again. So it’s cyclical. The newness of the city keeps me challenged while the country is familiar - it’s where I switch off.