We sat down with London-based interior designer, and friend of SANN, Stephanie Barba Mendoza. Listed as one of Country & Townhouse's Top 50 interior designers for 2024. Her maximalist style pairing colour, pattern, textures and antiques breathes character and joy into the spaces she designs.
Stephanie, you have such an eclectic and creative sense of style and an incredible ability to curate spaces. What are your go-to sources of inspiration?
I truly believe that inspiration can be found anywhere if you are open to it. Art, music, fashion, and books are conduits for letting your creative juices flow. Traveling is also a great source of inspiration. As the late Diana Vreeland said, “The eye has to travel.”
Top 3 favourite places to visit in London right now?
Flute at the Broadwick Hotel is a fun rooftop spot; the newly refurbished Julie’s and The House of KOKO are also great.
What are your top tips for bringing fresh life to a space in your home without a full-on renovation project?
A lick of paint on the walls can make a significant difference. Changing the colour of your walls can completely alter the feeling of a room. Additionally, moving furniture around and rehanging your art will freshen up your entire home.
Your maximalist approach is creative and well-thought-out. Any advice on how to style a living room space without it feeling overpowered/cluttered?
Layering is important; add details and trinkets, and incorporate photos with beautiful frames—items that mean something to you. To ensure it is curated and not cluttered, be strict and only display things that you love, find aesthetically pleasing, and are useful. Let go of anything else.
And finally, we couldn't not ask: what's your favourite SANN Solid Lip Serum right now?
Morning Dew for daytime and Wild to get a bit more wild!
