A perfect storm

In design, periods of purism are often followed by a dramatic new mood. Now, the scene is set for an exciting revival of eclecticism, finds Arabella Youens

- Arabella Youens

THE interior designer Chester Jones is known for conjuring rooms that feel both classic and modern by deftly integrating furniture, art and textiles of different eras and genres. Two tenets underpin his approach; one is that spaces shouldn't reflect a strong imprint of the designer. 'A sense of the individual identity is highest on my list of priorities,' he says, 'good interior design is simply the background.' The other is that interiors should evolve; he believes that static interiors date too quickly. 'Everything changes—the values held firm at one point in our lives are later questioned and new ideas take hold. Likewise, the things we collect should create a narrative about us and change as new interests develop.'

As a result, his rooms demonstrate a varied taste in art and furniture, all of which are chosen either for their aesthetic strengths or personal resonance, rather than slavishly adhering to any historical period. 'Being faithful to a particular period in history might look wonderful at first, but then it becomes stuck in that time.' Mr Jones believes the role of the designer is to help clients choose pieces of art and furniture, leaving room for individual interests and idiosyncrasies. 'If things become too familiar, one ceases to notice them. Our role is to attempt to make new relationships between seemingly disparate things.’