We catch up with Henriette von Stockhausen from VSP Interiors, to discuss her latest projects and interior design thoughts.
Tell us a bit about your background..
My background at City & Guilds of London Art School, Sotheby’s and the Inchbald School of Design gives me a very varied experience of styles and budgets. It has fuelled my love of antiques in interiors and working on listed buildings. My stint in theatre stage design helps with adding a bit of drama and interest to a room.
What are you working on right now?
Current projects include: Two country houses in Hampshire, two manor houses in Dorset, a farmhouse in Somerset, a country estate in Scotland, a Georgian rectory in Oxfordshire and a Quinlan Terry new build country estate in Buckinghamshire.
What do you think people most underestimate when embarking on a project?
The level of detail required to create a comfortable lived in look and always the timings – most people underestimate the time it takes to create something outstanding! In addition, the challenges of working with large listed properties are often underestimated – this is where experience and expertise need to be drawn on in equal measure.
Do you have a signature must have in a house?
Antiques – I could not live in a home without antiques let alone design without them. They give a house warmth and character, but other than that no; every project is as individual as each client.
You’re in the happy position of being able to choose who you want to work with. What attracts you?
Professionalism, flexibility and creativity – all trades and artisans I work with have those traits and that creates a wonderful team with extraordinary results. I love working with architects and have been fortunate to work with Donald Insall, ADAM architects and Quinlan Terry.
Which is your favourite room in your own home and why?
My kitchen, as it’s the centre of our house. It is open plan from the entrance hall. At 1,000 sq ft, everybody gravitates to it and it holds wonderful memories of children’s parties, dinner parties and long Sunday lunches… It opens up to the gardens and has huge windows to all sides.
House & Garden include you in their top 100 – what would be your dream commission?
A private membership club to allow my creativity to free flow as with a space like that one can be a bit more adventurous than with a space that one needs to live in, or perhaps a project by the sea (Caribbean preferably!).
Learn more about Henriette and her projects at vspinteriors.com.