Q&A with our very own Clare Southcombe-Holmes
16 May 2017
Earlier this month we ran a daily Facebook Q&A with Clare, for those of you who didn't see it here it is in its entirity. Questions were about her life and what keeps her inspired in the home interiors sector market.....
Do you come from a family with a design influence?
"My father was an artist and started a photographic company. 40 years later, and under new ownership, CHS Creative continues to grow and he would have been extremely proud of how the business continues to flourish. I grew up in this environment and it’s probably where I get my desire for creating perfection from.
My sister is a Make-up Artist with the BBC now working amongst the stars, and my daughter is also a budding artist. About whom I was once told by a French artist 'this child will go far'. My son shares a love of graphics, so yes, there is certainly creative flair on my side of the family!
You wanted a shop from a very young age do you think owning one now is going to live up to your expectations?
"Yes I always wanted a shop, I wanted to be able to offer what I love to my customers, friends & family. Dressing the shop and changing the window are my favourite pastimes, it never looks the same from one week to the next and I love how it looks when I glance across the village green and see our little empire"
What inspires you on a daily basis with regards to researching your products, and do you think the Nordic trend is here to stay?
"In particular I take huge inspiration from people's reaction to my style, even the odd negative comment about there not being enough colour; feedback and human reaction fascinates me!
Every style changes and evolves, a little birdie tells me Danish on-trend phrase #Hygge could soon be replaced by Swedish phase Lagom, meaning "just the right amount". This really excites me as we missed Hygge at its peak, having only recently opened, but we won't miss what comes next!
I also love and get a lot of inspiration from the manic world of the vintage markets, they keep me on the ball too!"
If you were going to buy a magazine to inspire you when styling your own home which one would you select and why?
"I'd struggle to choose just one and so I'd have to say Elle Decor and House & Garden combined!
House & Garden has the elegance, opulence and indulgence that one dreams of in a home! Elle Decor adds the more contemporary, modern look which I also love as it sits well with my eclectic taste.
If I were to mix the two magazine styles into the house of my dreams I would have a period manor house/farmhouse (House & Garden) and add the contemporary style Elle Decor offers gently into each room."
If there was a fire and you could only save one thing from your stock this week what would it be?
"I should say Glenn but I think it would have to be our beautiful Butterfly Chair, made from sustainable source Buffalo hide and iron by one of our favourite suppliers, ON INTERIÖR of Sweden. It's just stunning!
The fire would however smell wonderful with all our candles but I might have to attempt to drag my vintage counter out the door!"
Thank you for reading. If you have any questions for Clare, or would like to enquire about her services, please email her at clare@No64.co.uk or complete this enquiry form
