Interior Designer Spotlight : Tracy Duncan of Decorbuddi sussex
Interior Designer Spotlight :
Tracy Duncan of Decorbuddi sussex
Decorbuddi founded by Amy Dhala and Debbie Blott are a wonderful group of Interior designers here in the UK. We love to see their designs and are even lucky enough to have some Spark and Bell lights included. I recommend a look at their gorgeous designs over on their website.
I sent some questions over to Tracy, and here’s what she had to say.
How did you get into interior design?
Having worked in creative industries as a visual merchandiser for the early part of my career I found the move into Interior Design to be a natural progression. I retrained at the renowned KLC school of interior design in London and after developing my own property, established my interior design business with Decorbuddi.
What is the best way to describe your interior design style?
I have a contemporary yet elegant style, creating calm and sophisticated interiors for my clients. Within that I am adept at translating client ideas and turning them into beautiful and timeless spaces.
What kind of projects do your clients come to you for?
Within Decorbuddi we cover projects from whole house renovations to smaller colour packages or bundles of hours. I help clients who may have a general idea of what they want, but don't know where to start or just don't have the time themselves. It is a very collaborative process and I love having the input from a client, establishing relationships and creating interiors that really suit their lifestyle, personality and budget.
Who or What are your biggest interior design inspirations?
I love the elegance and simplicity in the designs of Rose Uniacke as a contemporary designer, but I am also drawn to the glamour of the Art Deco period, where innovation, luxury and simplicity reigned supreme. I take a lot of inspiration from stately homes such as Eltham Palace and Chatsworth House, and draw upon textures and colour combinations found in nature.
What would be your dream interior design project? (Like the fantasy dinner party guest game but with buildings)
A dream project would be to be involved in the redesigning of the interiors in the Brighton Pavillion! Where anything goes - colour, design, print- that would be an exciting project to consider!
Which Spark and Bell light is your fave & why?
I love the Reeded Glass pendants as they create a beautiful textural feel and also the Fiann wall lights with a nod to the art deco period.
How does lighting play a part in your interiors?
Lighting is key when designing interiors and is as important as any other element. Lighting can really transform interiors, making a space feel comfortable or dramatic. Beautiful light fittings can also add interest, texture and character within a space, tying a whole scheme together.
Any lighting tips you’d like to share?
Creating a lighting plan is really important when redesigning a space. This helps you to see exactly where different types of lighting are needed, creating multi layered spaces. Consider the 3 rules of lighting - ambient, task and accent lighting which all help to create different moods within a space just through lighting alone. This can be achieved through a combination of wall, floor and ceiling lights.
When it comes to sourcing, do you try to put an emphasis on local creators and artists?
I like to use local suppliers where possible, and we are always on the look out for new and exciting designers and artists to collaborate with. I also love sourcing vintage and antique finds from local fairs, such as the Ardingly Antiques Fair.
Is there a type of project you haven't undertaken yet in your career but would love to?
It would be really interesting to work on a commercial project such as a boutique hotel, to really define a design aesthetic and style across an entire space.
Is there a new design aesthetic, style, or concept that you're excited about for the future of interior design?
Within interiors the trend for utilising all areas within a space, considering both inside and outside as multifunctional spaces continues to grow. Sensory interiors, using natural materials, earthly tones and sustainable fabrics are all building to become a major interiors trend. Tactile, layered schemes drawing from nature across walls, floors and layered surfaces will create relaxed and calming spaces for the future.
Thank you so much to Tracy for taking the time to answer my questions and send over these lovely pictures of her most recent local project.