Interiors stylist Nicole Gray champions joyful, future-proof décor in her vibrant, sustainability-led debut book
Nicole hopes that her new book will show readers that sustainability is not a ‘one size fits all’ aesthetic © Simon Bevan
What drew you to the world of interiors styling?
As a child I was always moving bits and pieces around my room to make it look different and helping my mum paint the walls. We had some disasters along the way – the lilac ‘prison bars’ still haunt me! Fast-forward 20 years when I was interning at The World of Interiors and assisting on house shoots; I would watch the stylist turn the house upside down, make it look amazing to camera, and then put everything back together again like nothing had happened. It was magic. I was hooked.
Describe your design philosophy.
Narrative-driven. Considered. Playful.
Can you tell us about The Reimagined Home, and what inspired the book?
The book is about showcasing sustainability in a new light. One that doesn’t compromise on style or creativity. As part of my role as an interiors editor on a national newspaper magazine, I’m frequently pitched features on sustainability, I noticed that the eco-friendly aesthetic was starting to follow a pattern; neutral colour palette, wooden furniture and minimalist layout. I wanted to readdress that.
© Simon Bevan
How do you think the notion of sustainability has changed over the years?
It’s shifted from a niche concern to a mainstream value due to evolving family structures, an ageing population, and renewed focus on our physical and emotional wellbeing. As a collective we’re also becoming more aware of the environmental impact our lifestyles and homes have, which is thankfully leading to a surge in demand for sustainable building materials, transparency of information and practices.
How do you approach sourcing pieces – any go-to brands, or do you live for those unexpected finds?
Every styling project is different but generally I start from a concept, which I then build upon with sketches and mood boards. Once the concept has been signed off by the client, I start the really fun bit of propping! For one-off pieces, car boot sales are my stomping grounds, with favourite stores including Retrouvius, Petersham Nurseries and 8 Holland Street. I also have a props cupboard at home (which my husband hates!) full of random treasures such as ceramic skulls, fabric and taper candles that I’ve collected over the years.
Top: Bedroom Photography © Katie Brannaghan, Bottom Photography © Jade Sharkhel
Tell us about your dream project – whether real or imagined.
My dream commission would be for Vinterior, the British design house that produces one-off vintage and antique textiles, lighting and furniture. I love their aesthetic, which is traditional spaces with a considered contemporary twist.
What’s the best piece of design advice you’ve ever received?
Add brown furniture. It may sound a bit ‘bleurgh’, but it really helps to ground a space, and acts as the perfect foil to more colourful elements.
With summer here, what tips would you give for creating the ideal indoor/outdoor space?
Creating a cosy lounging area, similar to your living room, outdoors is key. Layer indoor/outdoor rugs (I love the recycled collection at Weaver Green with showerproof cushions and blankets). Don’t scrimp on the seating options, either. Long-gone are the days of hard plastic outdoor chairs. In their place are comfortable upholstered armchairs and patterned pouffes that you can use both indoors and out.
Combine different lighting types depending on the mood you want to create; rechargeable LED table lamps are perfect for early evening, with lanterns and candles casting an intimate night-time glow.
If there’s one idea you’d love readers to walk away with after reading The Reimagined Home, what would it be?
That sustainability is not a ‘one size fits all’ aesthetic. It can be accommodated to reflect the lives of its occupants as they evolve, without veering into the mundane.
