KITRI Spotlight: Rachel Chudley

#KITRIspotlight
Meet our creative, intelligent and simply brilliant friends who inspire KITRI in every single way.

This month’s KITRI spotlight is Rachel Chudley, an incredibly talented and successful London-based interior designer known for her impeccable eye and expert use of bold colour, textures and art. After starting her career in gallery curation and art direction, Rachel set up her interior design interior design company and has been growing her team of ‘artists’ and ‘collaborators’ ever since. We sat down with Rachel in her beautiful London home to find out more about her career journey so far and her sources of inspiration.

We’d love to know more about your career journey so far...
I have loved interiors, art and colour since I was small. I studied History of Art at University, and then went on to Intern at Thurston Byod Interiors in California. I worked in the art world and curated exhibitions centred around themed interiors before starting my own company. 

We love your work! How would you describe your design aesthetic?
Thank you! My style is playful with a focus on colour and texture. At odds with formalised style, it reflects the environment of our clients: their quirks, passions, and humour. Eclectic, with a focus on art, it draws on a variety of looks - both old and new, resulting in spaces with a timeless sense of personality.

You started your career in gallery curation and art direction. How has this influenced your style? 
Art is at the centre of my practice. I look at colour and compositions in artworks to get inspiration for my interiors. I believe art and artful living can bring moments of joy into everyday life! My studio is made up of artists, as well as designers: resulting in unique fulfilling creative practise: I love it.

Where do you find inspiration?
Realising interiors is a creative process. I brainstorm with my clients and my studio before producing moodboards and mockups. Every space we design will have been mocked up in the studio to really see how the angles and colours can work together.

I’m decorating! Where can I find the best interiors and furniture?
Look at auction houses - you will find great unique pieces at good prices.

How would you describe your personal style and what do you typically wear to work?
My style is pretty similar to my interiors: Eclectic, Bold and Fun! My clothes really depend on my mood and the task I have to do that day: I try not to wear heels if I’m visiting a building site!

How does your average work week look? What is the most enjoyable part? Collaboration is my favourite element. I see myself as a translator for the client; it is really fun to learn and imagine what people want out of their space, and then watch these dreams materialise.

What is your dream project?
A Moroccan Riad – I secretly plan the interior for this imaginary home!

You’ve had an incredible career so far. Can you pinpoint a moment you are most proud of?
Thank you! I feel most proud when people move into the houses we have designed and tell me how much they love it!

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced since you started your company? It was very hard for me to find contractors to work with at first - but I’m now very pleased to work with great people.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
You do you!