I have always loved home. I think there is such happiness being in your own space surrounded by people and objects you love. My grandmother was an important influence– I distinctly remember the thrill of her Toile de Joie wallpapers, hand-embroidered linens and Quimper pottery. I established Armorel with my partner Christian Staunskjaer in 2014. We began by making one-off pieces of cabinetry for friends and family then graduated to fully bespoke kitchens. I quickly found clients drew me into other parts of a project, asking for advice on colours, fabrics and finishes beyond the kitchen and I began taking on entire renovations and redesigns.
Whether I am designing a kitchen, or reimagining a whole house, I want to create spaces that are well-loved, timeless, practical and full of fun new finds and personal treasures. I find inspiration everywhere from David Hockney’s paintings to the designs of Svenskt Tenn and the simple, stylish homes by Terence Conran. Bunny Mellon is a particular favourite. She was a self-trained horticulturist and visual genius who redesigned The White House Rose Garden for JF Kennedy. She would casually prop priceless artwork against a wall next to a trinket or postcard. I love that nonchalance and sense of play. It’s the sort of magic that makes a home feel ordinary and extraordinary, in the best possible way.