The Design Questionnaire with Laura Passey
In this edition of Love Happens’ Proust-style Design Questionnaire, join us for a peek inside the creative design mind of Laura Passey, founder of the eponymous interiors firm. Based in London, Laura Passey Interiors specializes in beautifully crafted, artisan designs.
From an early age growing up in South Wales, Laura Passey discovered her passion for the arts. First expressing itself in her love for the cello. After studying English and French at the University of Warwick, Laura made an unexpected career change and entered the field of Law. Laura is a naturally driven professional with efficient management skills, so she carved out a successful career as a City lawyer. It was with this rigorous professional training that Laura made the move to Interior Design, a field that offered the perfect marriage of creativity and professionalism. After studying at Sydney Design School, and KLC in London, Laura worked for Stark Carpet, loop3 interiors, and Interiors by Sarah Ward, before taking the plunge and setting up Laura Passey Interiors in 2016.
Now for a Peek Inside the Fabulous and Inspiring Mind of Laura Passey with the Lh Design Questionnaire
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
True happiness is within, but a well-ordered, comfortable home, full of colour, light, and personal treasures certainly helps. Especially when your favourite people are in it too!
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Setting up my interior design business. It was a bit of a winding road, full of characters, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What profession does your alter ego have?
Actress… no, jazz singer!
The project you will never forget.
The refurbishment of a large Victorian country house. My first big commission after setting up to go solo! I was out of my depth but kept on swimming!
Your favorite business tool or resource.
Probably Estimac for project management. There is so much to juggle with a design project. This helps to bring things under control.
The most timeless design.
When I think of “timeless design”, I think of classics that we return to again and again, things that still seem fresh and interesting when we return to them after many years. I once visited the area of Chicago where the architect Frank Lloyd Wright had designed many of the homes. Despite being a hundred years old, his design held such a modern appeal. I think it comes down to his sense of proportion and striking the fine balance between “too boring” and “too fussy”. I also think we can always return to nature, the greatest designer of all, who has been around for all time. My work and lifestyle are deeply influenced by nature.
The biggest design faux pas.
Putting things in your home or wearing things just because you believe other people will think they look cool.
Your design motto.
Make it meaningful to you. Allow it to express who you are.
If you were to design a room around one KOKET piece, which would it be, and why?
The Fleur Nightstand. There are so many design elements at play – colour, shape, line, motif, texture, finish, the unexpected – and yet it is still so elegant. You could so easily use this piece as a springboard for the whole room.
Love happens when…
You let go and allow all that the world has to offer to find you. Then, with the curiosity of a young child, you fall in love with the simplest, smallest things.
