INTERVIEW
In Conversation with: Beata Heuman
Designer, Founder of Beata Heuman Design Studio
Known for her clean lines, balanced use of colour and imaginative details, Beata Heuman, originally from Sweden, set up her London practice in 2013. Her book, Every Room Should Sing, showcases 10 of her studio’s projects, with advice on decorating your own home, including how to create a truly unique space. She also has an online shop with homewares designed by her studio, such as cushions with unique prints; candles with signature house scents; small-scale wallpaper, uplifting light fixtures; and other unique furnishings.
The Sunday Times recently called her ‘the queen of good taste’ and we couldn’t agree more. We love her style, we love her designs, and we’re happy that her studio is close to Olympia.
Beata has taken the time to give us some of her favourite west London restaurants and running routes, as well as some studio news and festive decorating tips.
‘the queen of good taste’
How long have you lived in West London?
I moved to London from Sweden 20 years ago and I have always lived west. First in Chelsea and then Earls Court and eight years ago I lived by Hammersmith Bridge. I recently opened our showroom and studio in the grade II 1820s building at 188 Hammersmith Road, just up the road from Olympia.
What are some of your favourite restaurants in the area?
Sam’s Riverside is perfect for a fabulous cocktail and yummy meal. British modern in a fantastic setting with views over the river. Also pretty much next door to my house!
KamPai is a favourite lunch spot, for speedy service and delicious sushi. I normally go a few times a week.
Pentolina on Blythe road is a gentle neighbourhood Italian that serves simple yet delicately cooked dishes. A lovely place to sit especially in the summer on their small outside terrace.
If you are going to celebrate, where do you go?
The River Café is the obvious choice. You can not beat it for atmosphere; every single guest seems to be beaming from ear to ear as we’re all treating ourselves to one of the best eating out experiences in the city!
For wellbeing, are there any outdoor spaces that you love?
I love running down the river, there are not that many other places in London where you get such clean and open views and refreshing western winds. I either do a lap around Chiswick House with its 18th century Willam Kent gardens, or if I’m feeling frisky I might do the two bridges (Barnes and Hammesmith). The entire south side is pretty much running through leafy park land which is a lovely way to experience the seasons changing.
Can you tell us any news from your studio that would be good for readers to know about?
I am excited to have been asked to do a BBC Maestro course on Interior design which is being released early February. I have talked until I’m blue in the face about our work but I have never done a course like this and it has been so fun trying to find a good way to explain and share how I go about it all. It’s mainly aimed at people interested in the subject and keen to pick up some ideas for their own home or if you’re just starting out as a designer.
Do you have any festive design tips for our readers?
Bringing evergreens in, such as olive if you’re in London, or for if you’re in Sweden and so forth is dramatic, natural and cheap! Add a hook in each of the four corners of your ceiling from which you can hang big branches or garlands to great effect. Bulbs such as hyacinths, paperwhites or my favourite, red and white stripy amaryllis in simple terracotta pots, are also a lovely way to scent and decorate at home. Come to our open house at 188 Hammersmith Road, 6th December, from 12-6pm to see what will be a very Christmassy house!
THANK YOU BEATA!