Suffolk-based interior designer Alexandra Langdon is known for her elegant rooms that mix traditional and contemporary styles to beautiful effect.We talked to her about interiors, inspiration and the benefits of being beside the seaside...
How did you get started in interior design?
I have always been drawn to beautiful interiors. My parents are art dealers, so I grew up surrounded by art, furniture and beautiful things. I began my career working for a number of events companies including The Olympia Fine Art and Antiques Fairs. It was a great foundation but I wanted something with more creativity. I then started working for David Bentheim, and this opened my eyes to the diversities of interior design. My years with David were fantastic; his experience and guidance were hugely beneficial and gave me a great foundation, as well as confidence to start my own interior design company.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
The smile that you see when you have understood and interpreted how a client would like to use their space; that moment is incredibly rewarding.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I live in Aldeburgh and am influenced daily by the sea and the ever changing natural light. My studio is above an art gallery and I am lucky enough to be surrounded by ever developing works and the colours within them. Instagram and Pinterest are also great resources, providing a constant bank of inspirational images from all around the world.
How does lighting play a part in your interiors?
Good lighting makes all the difference to a room and is one of the most important elements in all my interior designs. Once I have established how a client would like to use a space, I focus on this. It is important to incorporate different levels and types of illumination within a scheme depending on what the space is being used for. I love the effect of warm light so will always include a variety of lamps wherever I can in my designs, not only for the ambience but to bring in colour and pattern.
Which recent project are you particularly proud of?
I recently helped a couple design their seaside property. Working with their vision of how they wanted to use their home, I created layouts, lighting plans and sourced aspects of the decorative side of the project.Where possible we kept orginal features and floorboards, then used brass light fittings, beautiful linens, block printed wallpaper and bold paint colours in greens and blues to create a house they could enjoy and feel at home in for many years to come.
Do you have a particular favourite corner or room (in your home or anywhere) that you feel is 'all your own'? Any tips for creating a 'cosy' space?
One of my favourite places to be, is the window seat in my bedroom. I love to escape with a book and a cup of tea looking over the river. When creating a ‘cosy’ space a perfectly shaped armchair covered with a fabric that you adore, a pretty coffee table, a pile of books and a beautiful lamp is always a good starting point.
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