Colette van den Thillart – Nicky Haslam’s right-hand ‘woman’
Auteur : Kris | 04-16-2011
I popped in to NH Design’s offices near Sloane Square in London back in November expecting a stiff, posh and austere atmosphere. What I found looked like a bunch of young chicks in their fatigues preparing for the next photo shoot….certainly not what you would expect from a Grand Dame in interior design.
Colette is a very cool, laid back Canadian gone 100% British and dares to change our image of just what the Brits are looking for in interior design. I personally appreciateher innovative use of fabric in interior design.
I also think Pierre Frey should branch out into fashion design with their vintage 40’s balcony-striped fabric. Have a look at the end of her presentation at Decorex last year: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgIm4gFMcq8
What Colette enjoys most about her work is “seeing peoples lives transformed …by that I mean seeing our clients look beautiful and comfortable in their houses. Sometimes by the end of a job I find that they have tidged their wardrobe and the house becomes a catalyst for a new exciting chapter in their lives. Obviously for me – seeing the beauty of the rooms come together is a dream, but the human element is what makes me work so hard.”
An example of the harmony that NH Design created for client’s flat in London where they are known for “comfortable yet glamorous, luxurious yet liveable.” (other photos available on their portfolio)
“Everything in my life was about art and people so in high school back in Canada I was steered into doing a degree in Interior Design, then later when I moved to England I did my Masters at the Wallace Collection in Decorative Arts. I worked from the age of 20 in the field and just learned and read and travelled non-stop. It has to be a lifestyle really because you need to have been everywhere and also to find unusual sources – this is a big part of what makes an interior designer. We don’t shop from catalogues or stores very much.”
What I think makes Colette’s touch unique is her inspiration and art history background. It is fun to follow her train of thought on their new blog as Colette obviously takes this new launch seriously, yet creatively which is refreshing.
The artists she admires: “Elliott Puckette, Alexander Hoda, Henry Hudson, Cy Twombly, Cy Twombly (yes twice) – many more too… they are a real influence in my work.”
Her entire office wall is lined with various things that inspire her.
And who has influenced you Colette?
”Its endless...Nicky Haslam of course, and the great aesthetes who had a sense of humour like Elsie de Wolfe, Dorothy Draper and John Dickinson.”
“Passion is also great inspiration!”
“And surrealism, especially when seen through the eyes of fashion designers such as Robert Capucci”
And your dream home?
"A baroque palace on the outside with 3 principle rooms, one is primarily burnished silver and is terribly opulent (no lighting, only candles) , one is all white plaster and quite simple but chic, and one is peacock blue lacquer like my current home.”
She is so specific about it that it may just come to fruition quite soon!
Colette Likes:
white, layers, humour, courage and personality.
Colette Dislikes:
Hotel-like interiors and chocolate brown square furniture.
Thank you Colette for sharing your creative side with Cocotte Design.
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