We talk to the impeccably-stylish Grant Pierrus - aka the Interior Style Hunter - about design, luxury and more...
Grant Pierrus has made his Interior Style Hunter website one of the go-to places online for all things to do with luxurious interior design, and his Instagram account is a daily inspiration for those who enjoy beautiful spaces and striking artworks. Recently we were delighted that Grant chose to use some of our lamps and shades in his 'Blue Layers Bedroom' showcase at the House & Garden Festival, so we thought we really ought to have a chat with him. Here's our exclusive Q&A...
Grant's Style Room at the House & Garden Festival included a pair of brass Trafalgar lamps matched with Straight Empire shades in temple blue block print.
How did Interior Style Hunter get started?
When I started Interior Style Hunter just over two years ago I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to do in the industry, I had just trained as an interior designer at Central St Martins, but I soon found that the marketing skills from my previous career in the city coupled with my passion for design was my two strongest assets. So I set about building an online publication to attract a global audience and alongside that a marketing agency for high end luxury interior designers. So now I work with the best interior designers building brands and finding projects for them around the globe.
How would you describe your style when it comes to interiors and visual spaces generally?
I have strong opinions about design that have been cultivated at a rapid speed. I personally love interiors that disappear into the background to enable you to showcase beautiful art or sculpture that you want to show off in a space.
A typical Interior Style Hunter find - incredible artwork and interior in Cape Town, designed by Sue Bond. Image: Interior Style Hunter
Where do you get your inspiration from?
My phenomenal clients are my best tutors, I learn so much about design by working with these talented people. Travel is number two on that list, I always visit design and art museums wherever I go and try to meet inspiring design leaders wherever I am too.
The Triennale Design Museum in Milan. Grant's Instagram account is full of such visual delights. Image.
How does lighting play a part in your work?
Lighting is absolutely key in an interior, it's so much more than just functional, it highlights spaces and or art, it sets the mood for a room. It's always worth getting an opinion from a lighting designer, it will change the way you live in your space.
The Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club Decorator Show House in New York. Image: Interior Style Hunter
What is the style in your own home? Do you have a favourite room?
I love my living room, with four massive sash windows in a large bay, it lets in so much light and bathes the room in glorious sunlight. My style is quite contemporary and the furniture, fabrics and flooring are very neutral, but it's the art that's the focal points in my home.
We believe mixing and matching colour and pattern can make for some stunning results – do you have any top tips on how to do this in the home?
I do yes, and although I'm not a huge fan of a lot of colour, I do love to use tone on tone but indifferent textures. I think that stems from when I lived in South Africa, where design focuses a lot on layering textures instead of colours and patterns.
Another fabulous interior in the Interior Style Hunter Instagram feed.
Finally we’ve got to ask you, what is your favourite Pooky light and why?
I adore the Samson table lamp in white marble. Being surrounded by natural materials is very important for me, I don't like synthetics, and marble is such a gorgeous material for accessories.
Pooky's Samson table lamp in white marble - Unfortunately the Samson table lamp is no longer available, but please take a look at our extensive range of table lamps here
Go to the Interior Style Hunter website to read all about Grant's work and design inspiration. And you can follow him on Instagram here.
