This Famous Movie Is Giving Beata Heuman Some Great Design Ideas
Plus the designer tells us about her next project.
Updated Oct 12, 2018 12:09 AM
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Beata Heuman is known for her playful twists on traditional style, and her designs are easy to love, no matter if you lean contemporary or classic. In her new book, Beata Heuman: Every Room Should Sing (on shelves now), the Swedish-born, England-based designer documents her cheery projects and custom furnishings throughout 240 pages. Inspiration abounds, from the diamond-printed moldings outlining the walls of one room to a vintage pendant light emblazoned with the words Jellied Eels.
Heuman caught up with Domino’s editor-in-chief, Jessica Romm Perez, on this week’s episode of Design Time (out today on Spotify and Apple Podcasts) to talk design philosophies, Scandi-centric looks, and tackling small spaces. “My first flat really helped me put [my] principles to the test,” says Heuman. “You should think about layout and storage very carefully. In a small space, it’s crucial that everything has its own place. If it gets messy, it will become quite overwhelming.”
In their discussion, Heuman also describes her 10 favorite things of the moment. Read on for a sneak peek.
Design Hero
I really love John Soane, the 18th-century English architect. I think he’s just awesome. [His work] is so, so beautiful and amazing.
Iconic Spaces
There’s a house called Villa Santo Sospir in the South of France. It’s been sold since I visited, but when I was there, six or so years ago, it was this time capsule in which nothing had been moved and medicine cabinets were filled with old potions and bottles.
Fave Film
The original Mary Poppins—my children love it. The costumes are so incredible. I keep pausing and taking photographs, because I continue to get ideas for things.
Best Meal in Town
There’s a restaurant down the road from me called the River Café, which I’m really looking forward to going back to.Hotel Hitmaker
I went to La Sirenuse in Positano, Italy, once. This was before I was married, so it was a while ago. I bought the scent from [the hotel] and use it every day. I’d love to get back there.
Bedside Book
I’ve been reading through the book Swedish Grace, which is about the Swedish equivalent of the Deco period. The Stockholm City Library is in the book, for example. It also includes plenty of furniture designers and architects.Plant Pick
The mimosa. You get them this time of year. We planted one in our front garden a year ago, and it looks like it’s going to have a few flowers this spring.
Role Model
I think Steven Gambrel is amazing. [His design] is much more advanced than what I do, like it’s more grown-up. I think his attention to detail is pretty incredible. I’ve been going through his book a lot and really love his home.Vintage Source
My favorite vintage source is the British company Foster & Gane. It has a really beautiful selection and keeps quite a lot of Scandinavian items and some really old stuff. The owners have such a good eye for smaller bits and pieces for the home.
Latest Project
I’m going to the farm [in Sweden] where I grew up and that’s next door to my parents. It’s on my list of things to really focus on, to have the home ready for the summer so we can spend time there.
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