Jasmine is a stylist and I interviewed her because of her skill for repurposing unwanted or not very useful items into pretty and practical ideas for the home (you can read her tips on that in this previous post). We stayed in touch, and I was excited to hear recently she had a new venture brewing...
Tomorrow, Jasmine launches Collectie, an online design shop with a bit of a twist that's perfect if you've ever looked at a photograph of a beautiful room and thought – 'I'd like all of that, thanks very much'. The idea is that rather than buying individual items, you buy a whole collection of complementary pieces, curated by Jasmine, which can be used in various ways to create a coherent look. It seemed like a good excuse to have a nose at some of Jasmine's favourite things. Over to her...
Where do you live?
'I am lucky enough to live by the sea in Brighton. I've resided in the same gorgeous little two-bed flat for ten years – a life record for me! It’s a top floor Victorian flat with period fireplaces in the bedroom and lounge, picture rails and sash windows.'
What's your favourite part of your home?
'I have two favourite spots. I have a corner sofa in the lounge which sits with the long part in line with my big sash window, it's a proper sun trap in the afternoons; you can sit with legs stretched out and people-watch out the window while the sun beams in. Amazing sun set views over the South Downs from there too.'
'My second favourite spot has to be lying in my bed with a view of my fireplace [pictured above], candles on the mantel and a fab Kitty McCall print framed above it. Cushions stacked behind me, cup of tea in hand and playing Cesaria Evora. Bliss!'
Describe your home's style
'It's a combination of modern and retro furnishings, many of which have been upcycled by me. My TV sits on a beautiful rescued Danish cabinet – upcycled with a lick of white paint on the outside and similar era wooden legs. I have a bespoke tripod lamp – made using an old wooden surveyor's tripod – which sits next to the sofa, and there are various antique glass bottles and vases adorning the mantelpieces. A mostly white and grey palette is mixed up with bright cushions, darker Danish woods, flowers and candles. That and many wonderful foreign flea market finds!'
Who is your interiors hero?
'I look to different people to inspire me at different times. At the moment I've been taking some inspiration from Abigail Ahern, with regards to setting up a new store and her business advice, that and her wonderful styling. Oliver Heath has always been an eco interiors hero and I had the pleasure of meeting him and helping to style his house for a campaign once. And on a more architectural level my biggest hero is George Clarke – he’s so talented and creative and always seems happy!'
'How long have you got? OK, here are my top 5:
2. Dutch ceramics by Lenneke Wispelwey
3. Charcoal linen bedding by The Linen Works
4. Porcelain vases by Elisabeth Barry as part of the new collection from Sheila Bownas (pictured above)
5. Large oatmeal Artisan linen cushion, which is part of my Hint of Mint collection for Collectie' (see top image)
Where did you come up with the idea for Collectie?
'I've been working as an interior stylist for years, which has involved working on tight budgets, sourcing interesting or one off pieces, being extremely creative, reinventing items for new uses. One thing I discovered was that people wanted not just the items I found but the way I had styled them and collated items together. Friends would often visit saying ‘Can I steal that idea?’ and clients would comment on how they would have never thought to choose a certain item or to place it in such a way.'
'Increasingly, people want beautiful homes with ambience and style, and items that do not all come from Ikea (sorry Ikea). With this comes a need for knowledge of what will look good and where, how to display accessories and most importantly a stack of time to search for all these lovely things, finding new talented designers and one off antique pieces. I have not found – though I’m sure they exist – anyone else in the UK offering pre styled collections, including every element – from candles to lightbulbs – you need to take out of the box and re-create at home.'
So how would you describe Collectie?
'Collectie only sells curated and personally styled collections of interior goods. There are just three differently sized and styled collections, each one being a bespoke limited edition of 12 or 10. You can unwrap your bespoke box and re-create the look straight in your home, or have a play and mix up the collection to style as you desire.'
Where did you get the unusual name?
The word collectie means collections in Dutch. After leaving university I moved to Holland for a while and became so inspired by all the wonderful design shops there. It really sparked my desire to pursue interior design as a career.
What kind of stuff are you going to sell?
'I guess my taste is fairly eclectic, which is reflected in the choices of items that make up each collection. I gathered a mix of old and new, polished and raw, local artisans and foreign designers to curate collections that are unique, well made and work well together.'
Above: Images by The Design Villa, aka Australian stylists @villastyling, one Jasmine's favourite Instagram accounts
Who do you love on Instagram right now?
@aquietstyle – for her beautifully styled shots of flowers
@villastyling – wonderful, tropical styling from Australia, with plenty of plants
@DIYstop – for their brilliant creative ideas
@gypsies_and_debutantes – for their colourful embroidered accessories inspiration!
Find Jasmine/Collectie on Instagram @collectiehome
Visit the store at: www.collectie.co.uk
