Q&A with Balance Interior Design

Balance Interior Design

For the latest chapter in our interview series, we talk to the inspiring interior designer, Gemma Tucker, of Balance Interior Design. Gemma set up her design studio in 2017 and has gone on to create an aesthetic that is unique, original and widely admired in the interiors world. 

Our conversation with Gemma ranges from the start of her career at Chelsea College of Art to what makes a Balance home.  We find out who she is inspired by, where she finds the latest materials and products, and we hear about her own home and projects she’s working on now. We loved compiling this interview – we hope you enjoy it and feel inspired. 

Can you take us back to when you were studying interior design at Chelsea College of Art – have your approach and interests changed much from that early period?

The biggest change in approach was moving my design process from paper to electronic platforms. All my training was work by hand; hand drawn and rendered plans + elevations, building physical 3D models and presenting schemes via mood boards, sample boards and detailed designs all presented on A2 boards. There is something beautiful about designing and presenting in this way. However, it is more efficient to develop designs and share work via digital means, which is important both for the client, the internal team and when collaborating with design partners such as architects, builders and craftspeople. 

Despite the tweak to process, my core design philosophy has remained pretty constant, beginning with 3 key considerations:

Understanding the client, how they live today (the limitations or frustrations that exist) and how they hope to live in their space following the design update- what feelings should it evoke, situations should it support, functions it should fulfil

Working out how to optimise the flow of a space- what are the sight lines, how do we optimise natural light and create a sense of space

How do we ensure balance- the overall scheme should feel homely yet calm, considered and spacious and meet objectives for function and form in equal measure.

I tend to focus on materiality and choose fewer, beautiful objects, allowing each piece to have it’s own space so that it may be enjoyed and appreciated. This has become a more pertinent consideration over time, giving greater thought to sustainability and conscious sourcing. 

Was it tough setting up the practice and going alone?

I hadn’t initially planned to set up solo, but shortly after I finished my studies, an opportunity for a project presented itself and I decided to take the leap and go for it. I consider the initial period of running the business as an apprenticeship. It was an opportunity to transfer my theoretical skills into practice and to develop a workflow that worked well for my clients as well as for the business internally. For those early projects I did not charge a fee to my clients in exchange they provided me with feedback and patience. 

It was challenging but exciting to set up the studio solo, as opposed to learning the ropes in an established practice, but it allowed me to carve out the business to align with my vision with the added benefit of working to a schedule that suited life with my young family. 

Is it important to you to get to know your clients and how they use the spaces they live in?

I would argue that understanding the client and their vision is the most important stage of the design process. It allows us to understand where the current pinch points lie whilst garnering an understanding of how one aspires to live and enjoy their spaces. We can then consider the spatial layout to improve flow, utility and connection alongside the selection of a decorative scheme to suit both budget and lifestyle. The result is a scheme which is optimal for the client, both in terms of ‘feel’ and function. 

The interiors and spaces Balance create are characterised by beautiful natural materials, complementing soft colours and handmade unique works of art. Can you describe the process behind building up this beautiful aesthetic?

The colour palette begins with the client, it is just as important to know which colours they dislike as those that they enjoy. I then look at the overall concept for the project, keeping the palette restrained in order that there is a ‘red thread’ running through the design creating connection and flow between spaces. Materials are also discussed at concept stage, ensuring that there is a good fit for the client, the building and the overall scheme. I tend to prefer desaturated and ’natural’ colour palettes, which in turn work well with natural materials. I would say that these elements are signature to my style, so I tend to attract clients who enjoy the same aesthetic. 

I am passionate about artisan products, and love to discover makers, artists and artisans whom craft objects that have soul. Sometimes I have clients who already own beautiful objects and this then inspires the design direction to a certain extent. Other times, I bring the client on a journey of discovery, proposing objects and art that I feel will resonate with them. This often involves commissioning pieces to achieve a highly personalised and unique piece.

What’s your favourite aspect of being an interior designer?

There are many aspects to the job that I enjoy. Creatively, I get a real buzz from the initial phase of a design, creating the look and feel, drafting layouts and storage solutions, but the best part, without doubt, is the sense of fulfilment when a project is complete and the client loves the design. I have been fortunate to work with wonderful individuals, whom I often stay in touch with long after finishing our work together It is lovely to have the opportunity to see how the design lives and is enjoyed on a longer term basis.

How do you find new products and materials?

Living in London we are very lucky to have access to so many makers and designers. I find new products and materials through a mixture of trade shows, visiting showrooms and galleries and also from reading magazines and journals. Platforms such as Pinterest, Instagram and Etsy also make it easier to discover smaller makers and designers whom you might not otherwise stumble across. 

What are you working on at the moment?

I am finishing up a year long project in SW London- a large 1960s house which has been completely remodelled. Sustainability and eco credentials have been important in the material selection for this project and handmade and natural finishes feature across the design, ranging from items of furniture and rugs though to bespoke joinery and beautiful original artwork. 

Excitingly, I am also designing our new family home alongside, a Grade II listed Regency period house Work is due to begin early net year.

Balance Interior Design mood board

Who are you inspired by?

I am inspired by friends who have followed their heart and are running successful small businesses whilst achieving balance in their personal lives and challenging their personal development. 

Design wise, I am inspired by designers who combine different styles to create eclectic yet restrained spaces that feel modern yet timeless. Examples include Faye Toogood, Ilse Crawford and Athena Calderone along with smaller studios, Field Day Studio and Studio IRO, both London based. The home of artist, Liza Giles is beautiful. Despite the pure white walls, it is anything but plain and is a lesson in successful combination of colours, textures and styles.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in interior design?

Following qualification, get as much experience as you can on-site as well as in studio so that you understand the build process and how you can collaborate with trades to achieve your (your clients!) vision. I’d also recommend building up a network of creatives and designers so that you have a design community with whom to share with and learn from. I was lucky to be accepted into an interior design group (previously known as The Interior Design Collective) a couple of years ago. It is now an inward facing group only but the day to day support of this community is invaluable. 

What’s your most treasured possession at home?

I could not pick out one, but I have a collection of art and objects which I have accumulated over my lifetime and which hold deep meaning and which recall moments past and feelings of gratitude towards their makers

Can you paint us a picture of what your home looks like?

The vibe is calm and pared back, with a background of neutrals punctuated with earthy colour accents and a measure of black. I enjoy Scandinavian design paired with tribal and vintage pieces prefer soft, layered lighting, so I have plenty of table, floor and wall lights create cosy, atmospheric light. Art and objects are important in our home, they tell a story of our lives and I enjoy to style these along with foraged stems and ’natures treasures’ which I collect on walks with my children. Whilst the overall style could be described as modern, it is balanced with older pieces collected over the years for a homely, lived in vibe.

Photos included in the article are taken from Balance’s home design, ‘Between the commons’ – interior design by Balance Interior Design, Photography by Anna Stathaki and styling by Amy Neason.

Balance Interior Design – https://www.balanceinteriordesign.co.uk/