Kelly Hoppen reveals biggest mistake to avoid when doing up your home – and why she loves Dunelm and M&S for budget buys

FORMER Dragen’s Den star Kelly Hoppen shares a few pointers for anyone who’s thinking of redecorating their home.

The British Interior Designer, Kelly Hoppen, shares her advice in an interview with Podcaster Abbey Clancy.

The 64-year-old interior designer says everything is more accessible nowCredit: Kelly Hoppen PR

Opening up on Abbey Clancy’s new show, Kelly explains her ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ when decoratingCredit: Instagram/exhibitashow

Interior design isn’t just for the rich and famous as Kelly describes M&S and Dunelm being great high street brandsCredit: Instagram/exhibitashow
The ITV This Morning interior designer appears as a guest on Abbey’s YouTube show, Exhibit A and doesn’t hold back on telling listeners what you must avoid when trying to conjure inspiration for your home.

When you think of interior design, some might assume it’s only for the rich and famous, but Kelly believes that nowadays, it’s more accessible than ever.

“I say that everyone should have a beautiful home, no matter if someone is paying a million pounds or £100 or £50, today everything is accessible on the high street.

“[It’s] Not like when I was born and that’s brilliant.

“All of them are copying what I and other designers do. But it’s very hard for people at any level to know how to do it – it’s terrifying,” explains Kelly.

We can all relate to the terror often felt when we are overwhelmed by too much choice when trying to pin down the perfect decorating theme.

Despite popular opinion, Kelly advises people to avoid popular go-to sites like Pinterest for inspiration, because it can stifle your creativity, and only add to this terror she described.

Sympathising with anyone finding it difficult to make a choice when attempting to do-up their home, she said:

“[It’s] where it becomes dangerous, because Pinterest is brilliant, but in design it stops people from being creative.

I’m an interior designer…the 5 five items are making your home tacky – people don’t realise neutral colours clash too
“You can look at Pinterest, but if you’re just somebody that wants to do up their home, you’re going to just get lost in a sea of sofas, and looks and feels and colours, styles and everything else…how do you choose?”

Kelly Hoppen, who was diagnosed with breast Cancer just last year, urges anyone in the early stages of decorating to stay true to your core values when choosing themes, and be honest about what you’d like to use your space for when choosing furniture and colours.

When asked by Abbey to describe her personal style she says it’s simply: “Harmonious, balanced, and liveable”.

Who is Kelly Hoppen?

Often referred to as the ‘Queen of Taupe, ITV This Morning’s interior designer Kelly Hoppen, has developed her signature style over the years with many TV appearances

South African born British interior designer
Started her career at 16 after she quit school and took on her first designing project
David & Victoria Beckham, Martin Shaw and racing driver Damien Hunt’s are among some of the celebrity houses Kelly has designed
Author of thirteen books
Appeared on BBC Two’s Dragons’ Den from 2013 to 2015
Hoppen was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2009 New Year Honours for services to interior design
Hoppen was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2020 Birthday Honours for services to the GREAT campaign
Winner of the Variety Club Silver Heart Award 2024 for her outstanding achievement in Interior Design