In our latest instalment of Curated By, we sit with Thai-Danish interior designer, Pernille Lind.
Spending her childhood travelling the world and raised by a family who appreciated crafted designs – her grandfather an upholsterer, her father an engineer and her mother running two antique shops in Bangkok – Pernille was taught the value of objects with a story from a young age.
Having worked for some of the top design studios in London, such as Anouska Hempel Design, Conran + Partners and Soho House Co., she had over 15 years of industry experience in both hospitality and residential design, before starting her own ventures.
Known and loved for her aesthetic which mixes both her heritages –Scandinavian design and Asian decorative inspirations – we talk to Pernille about design philosophy, how her background inspires her work, and how she sources inspiration from travel.
You are the Director and Founder of Pernille Lind Studio and co-founder of LIND + ALMOND, what lead you to start these companies?
In 2015 I was approached by our client for Hotel Sanders, in Copenhagen. At the time I was working at Soho House, however I had entertained the thought of starting something of my own one day. It was this unique opportunity presenting itself that sparked the decision. Along with my partner, Richy Almond, who was also ready to take the leap, we decided to set up a company together in order to take on the project. This is when LIND + ALMOND was founded. Once the hotel opened in late 2017 we were both ready to try other creative adventures. Richy, having set up his other company Novocastrian back in 2014, wanted to focus on its development and opportunities, and I took a short break to reflect on what sort of projects and creative outlets would suit me as a lone designer.
In early 2018 I set up Pernille Lind Studio, as a response to having been approached by various friends and clients to help them with residential renovations and smaller commercial projects. This business endeavour has since grown year on year, and we are now a team of eight, with multiple projects all over the UK and Europe. During this time, LIND + ALMOND was still active – selling our furniture range, designed for Hotel Sanders. In late 2021 we were appointed to design a new 81-key hotel in the heart of London’s Fitzrovia, with the opening set for winter 2024.
Who or what is one of your biggest design inspirations?
This is a hard question, as I think designing for me is very organic and I allow myself to be inspired depending on the project and brief. The result will always be different from what you initially had in mind, or could ever truly imagine; I have come to accept this as exciting rather than daunting. If I’m to pin point key inspirations, it would be Danish mid-modernism as well as Art Nouveau, which ties in with the same time period as the English Arts & Crafts movement and Danish Skønvirke.
What is your design philosophy?
I focus on achieving that ever-challenging skill of finding balance. I often add something to the scheme and then end up taking it away. If I feel it doesn’t add anything to the space or design, then it needs to go. I think it’s important to practice a certain level of restraint; allowing yourself to freely create but also knowing when to stop – not thinking that adding more will necessarily make the result better or more compelling. This quote by William Morris, sums it up nicely: “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”
How would you describe your aesthetic?
I have been asked this question a few times, and I always try and come up with a description. However, I’m not sure I have found the right way to put it into words yet. I’ve been told it’s very inviting and comfortable, contemporary and curated.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Other than the design movements mentioned above, I would say each project is different, and the inspiration is often found in the story of a building’s context, the client’s brief or something else unique to a particular project and location.
Do you take inspiration from your Danish-Thai heritage?
Both my heritages have hugely influenced my sense of style and taste. I have also been hugely influenced by my 16 years living in London, and the English way of layering using textiles and patterns has firmly crept into my design schemes. I am really proud of all our projects, as I do think they are quite unique in their own ways. Every client we have worked with has been incredibly generous and trusting, which has allowed us to stay true to a style which I hope is becoming distinctive to PLS.
One which is particularly interesting due to the location and in regards to my background, is Windshell, located in the heart of Bangkok: it’s a modern residential development with a unique architectural identity. We had to infuse a contemporary European style with a Thai sensibility, not making the spaces feel too foreign for a Thai resident, nor out of context for a westerner. I loved finding this balance between my Thai and Danish side, mixing antiques from both countries along with bespoke pieces, inspired through a cross of cultures.
SV Residence in Denmark, is also one to mention as this project emphasises a luxurious bohemian approach to Scandinavian design and living, infusing British furnishings, rich colours and layering through wallpapers and bespoke window treatments. My time and inspiration in the UK was brought to Denmark.
How does travelling influence your designs and tastes?
It gives me an opportunity to explore and get away from the daily routines and responsibilities, which helps me find renewed energy to create and develop on my return. A lot of travel I have done the past few years has been through work, where inspiration has come by visiting manufacturers, specialist artisans, shops and suppliers. I see how things are made and done in different parts of the world, and my professional perspective is broadened. Moreover, often when I travel I notice how spaces work and function – but I mostly pick up on things that don’t work!
Is there any particular destination that inspires you from a design perspective?
I love a city break; visiting restaurants, hotels and unique independent shops. Paris and Milan always inspire me immensely. One of my favourite books to search for inspiration is ‘Entryways of Milan’ by editor Karl Kolbitz for Taschen.
Which hotels do exquisite interior design?
A recent hotel I stayed at was during a holiday to Chiang Mai, Thailand, where we stayed at Raya Heritage. It was perfect. Everything was thought of and well curated. All the staff uniforms, crockery, glassware and furniture was made by local Artisans in Northern Thailand; it was authentic yet contemporary. I still have to visit Ett Hem in Stockholm, as this looks like a very elegant and relaxing destination. Of the more top end luxury hotel groups are the Aman Resorts, they look absolutely gorgeous, so I’d happily go to any of them. Also any of the Belmond trains, and El Fenn in Marrakesh. I could go on…
Tell us some of your favourite places to source interiors:
When I lived in West London I would often go to Goldborn Road on a Thursday, where the antique markets would start without all the tourists. Along with this the shops here are fantastic to source things for our projects too. Since I have moved east I have yet to find regular go-to shops. Luckily we can also find plenty of unique items online and I very often use Vinterior to source antiques. The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair in Battersea is also an event I frequently try and go to, as it’s here that some of the best dealers in the country will show their newest stock. Generally I mix modern pieces with antiques, and make sure textiles and rugs add some pattern and colour into the spaces. OKA and Sinclair Till have a great selection of rugs, and for textiles I love Pierre Frey, de Le Cuona, C&C Milano and Holland & Sherry.
What one piece of advice do you give to your clients?
As much as we would love to design every inch of our clients’ homes, I feel that some areas – walls, or corners of a room – need to be left to allow the homeowner to add to the spaces in their own time. Having something you look forward to finding or discovering unexpectedly – whether it be an art piece, the perfect armchair, or a collection of glassware – keeps the process of making a home more personal and intriguing. So my advice is to allow for something to not be complete straight away.
What exciting projects do you have coming up?
A spectacular detached Victorian house in Highgate, completing in spring. We’ve been working on the project since winter 2021 due to some extended planning application delays, so we can’t wait to have our client living there and see the finished result. We also have a unique 1930s architectural gem with sea views, north of Copenhagen, which is completing in summer 2024. The client is a fashion designer and we have had an incredible process with her, exploring the house’s historical past, restoring architectural attributes and developing some unique interior elements and bespoke solutions.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?