Emma Shone-Sanders set up Design & That in 2016. The Victoria Park-based studio has since clocked up an impressive portfolio of residential and commercial projects, including a boutique hotel in Scotland and the headquarters of PR agency Rainbowwave.
She studied architecture at Liverpool School of Art & Design, but realised she was 'much more interested in designing interiors' so went on to do an MA in interior architecture at London's Sir John Cass School of Art, Architecture & Design. Since then she's worked as a 3D designer at various agencies, as well as a stint at Estée Lauder, overseeing the design of MAC Cosmetics stores.
What's her style?
Shone-Sanders, who works closely with her partner Jade on furnishings and styling, says her interiors are 'pared-back and contemporary, yet relaxed, inviting and liveable'. She likes to begin projects with a muted colour palette, building up layers of materials and textures to add warmth and character. Moody, intense hues are a signature, as are classic, well-crafted Scandinavian designs.
'I'm inspired by the space itself; I start with functionality and go from there,' she says. Her background in architecture comes in handy: 'Some designers focus on furnishing a space, and don't feel comfortable with space planning and technical details, but I approach a project as an architect would, not restricted by the existing layout or spatial challenges.'
What are her recent projects?
She has renovated one of Fulham's famous terraced Lion Houses, named for the terracotta lion statues adorning their roofs. A multi-purpose family home with spaces for entertaining and working, it has bespoke joinery and a graduated colour palette, moving from 'warm neutrals for a tranquil feel' on the ground floor to more colourful touches elsewhere. 'A softness is layered into each space using textured plaster and limewash wall finishes, natural materials such as raffia and linen, and a variety of lighting,' adds the designer.
In South Kensington, the studio has kitted out hairdresser Limoz Logli's salon. 'The brief was a space that you wouldn't want to leave; somewhere that feels more like a cocktail bar than a salon,' says Shone-Sanders, who installed a curved quartzite bar with vintage bamboo stools, styling stations in Rosso Levante marble and a chequered terrazzo floor, finished with vintage terracotta urns full of greenery. 'Downstairs, the blow-dry bar has a warm, cave-like feel, drenched in Bauwerk's peach-hued "Desert Fig" paint.'
What is she currently working on?
Two period homes in south London: one a double-fronted villa for a young couple that's being designed with entertaining in mind, the other a large, semi-detached family home. 'In both, we're adding beautiful contemporary interventions that I can't wait to see come to life - for example, a huge wavy headboard in Rose Uniacke's umber velvet set against walls in Bauwerk's "Bone" paint.'
She says. 'I enjoy reconfiguring layouts to get the flow of the space and the aesthetic working in harmony, so I like to get involved as early as possible.' designandthat.com
Design & That Studio's Emma Shone-Sanders shares her four top tips
Use materials that will offset a darker colour scheme dramatically, such as brass and velvet. They add a luxe feel, catching the light to pop against a moody background. North-facing rooms often suit darker colour - if a room doesn't have much natural light, don't fight it.
Co-ordinate walls and floors. If you choose a rich shade for your walls, then consider using a dark wood tone for the flooring and furniture. Walnut or oiled oak will sit beautifully against a deep-blue or green wall finish, for example.
Consider using wood as a wall finish - it adds character and it's so versatile. On one project, I used slatted sapele wood in a natural oiled finish to create a warm, calm feel. You can completely change the feel with stain or paint - for my Caroy House hotel project, slatted wall panelling was stained a deep blue, while in another home, I installed slatted wood behind the bed and painted it black.
Artworks are great to use as a starting point to inspire the rest of your palette. Pick out some of the subtler colours from a piece and use them as the base tones for a room, or to paint a little nook or shelf for a sculpture. Then add accent lighting to cast interesting shadows.