Kelly Hoppen, the renowned interior designer, reveals the first thing she notices when entering a home and shares expert advice on how to decorate with intention and style.
- Smell sets the tone – a curated scent impresses.
- A bed is the must-have furniture piece in every home.
- Thoughtful shopping saves time, money, and regret.
What happened
During the launch of the new M&S Pantheon store on Oxford Street, Kelly Hoppen CBE collaborated in designing the Home section, lending her signature style to the space. Her influence is clear in the store’s chic neutral tones, sharp finishes, and a striking chequerboard floor, a design choice she passionately advocated for to give the kitchen area an authentic and original feel.
Kelly also shared her quickfire decorating thoughts, revealing the one furniture item every home truly needs—a bed—while cautioning against impulse buys made without thought. She highlighted how small details, like a personal scented candle, can make a strong impression when walking into someone’s home.
Why it feels good
Kelly’s focus on ambience, especially the role scent plays, explains why some spaces feel immediately welcoming and uniquely personal. Her attention to sensory details like smell shows how thoughtful touches can elevate a living space beyond just decoration, creating an inviting atmosphere that reflects the homeowner’s character.
By encouraging people to think carefully about their purchases, Kelly promotes mindful decorating that builds a home’s style over time rather than through rushed decisions. This approach not only helps create cohesive and functional environments but also supports sustainable habits that reduce waste and regret.
What to enjoy or watch next
For those inspired by Kelly’s design insights, exploring the M&S Pantheon Home section offers a chance to see her style influence firsthand, from elegant finishes to the bold choice of flooring. It’s a great destination for anyone looking to refresh their living spaces with a contemporary yet timeless look.
Additionally, home decorators can benefit from following Kelly’s tips by starting with a well-considered key piece like a quality bed, adding layers of lighting with multiple small lights, and picking container scents or candles that resonate personally. For continuous inspiration, keeping an eye on design updates from House Beautiful UK is also a rewarding option.