Naked Kitchens Interview with Jessica
We are excited to share a blog article by Naked Kitchens, featuring an interview with our very own Head of Interiors, Jessica Williamson. In this piece, Jessica shares her expertise on designing bespoke kitchens, emphasising the role of colour and the importance of creating spaces that are both functional and deeply personal.
Jessica discusses our Mazarine project, where she played a key role in transforming two mansion apartments into a vibrant, two-story family home. She highlights the bold use of reds and blues in the kitchen’s cabinetry, designed in collaboration with Naked Kitchens. From practical layout considerations to the emotional impact of colour, Jessica offers invaluable insights on crafting a kitchen that truly works for its inhabitants.
Thank you to Naked kitchens for conducting this interview. Below is a snippet from the article and a link to read the full article. Enjoy the read!
Tell us a little about your role as Head of Interiors at Bradley Van Der Straeten (BVDS)…
My role is to develop, play with and push the interiors direction of our studio’s work. We work really closely with individual clients to help them achieve something personal to them, their needs and their taste. And we like to surprise them with playful suggestions to achieve an unexpected and personal outcomes.
How did you get started in interior design/architecture, and when did you first realise you had an ‘eye’ for interiors?
I trained as an architect back in Australia with that being my initial passion but I’ve always considered architecture and interiors intrinsic to one another. Perhaps because I’ve always preferenced smaller projects, where these are and can be completely interwoven with one another both in the design process but also the outcome.
I’ve always seen interiors as ‘the fun bit’ in a project, which became even more apparent and enjoyable when I moved from Melbourne to London and found my place in the BVDS studio. I’d come from a studio where whites and natural timbers and stones were paramount and was incredibly excited and encouraged by George and Ewald’s openness. [George Bradley and Ewald Van Der Straeten are the founders of the BVDS studio.]
How would you describe the ethos and general approach of BVDS to design?
I think joy, intimacy and individual personalities are present in all of our projects. I don’t think there is a consistent aesthetic to a BVDS designed home because each project is designed and developed so closely with each client that it’s a reflection of themselves.
What makes a really great kitchen design?
For the layout – its about the thinking. How does a client use a kitchen, what do they do most? How do they like to cook, are they a neat freak or a mess? How do they like to socialize? So many things must be understood to enable a kitchen to come together to seamlessly work for a family or individual.
For the finishes – I think it’s all about feeling. Inspiration can come from all walks of life, fashion, art – inspiration is everywhere, its just about noticing and a good eye to put it all together in an exciting way.
To continue reading the full interview, click here
Interview by Andrew at Naked Kitchens
Photography by Felix Speller + Jim Stephenson