IN CONVERSATION WITH CARMEN EVANS
We caught up with Carmen Evans at Pan’s Lodge, an interior designer with over 20 years of experience creating inspired architectural elements in the finest homes and interiors.
Let’s start from the beginning. What was your journey to become a designer?
“As a child, one of my earliest recollections of design was reading about Nina Campbell’s appointment as designer for the Duke & Duchess of York’s Sunninghill Park interior and I recall being completely inspired and in awe by the richness and scale of the design.
My first introduction to the world of interior design was through a school work experience placement for an interior textiles company; this early interest led onto formal training at The Winchester School of Art and Central St. Martins, London. After graduating, I spent a few years working for London based interiors company Designer Guild before moving onto a design practise in Winchester, Hampshire. In 2006, I formed my own company Pan’s Lodge Interior Design which celebrates 15 years of interior design.”
How would you describe your signature aesthetic and has this changed over time?
Our signature style is relaxed, classical luxury. Over a time this has evolved and been strengthened by the projects and clients whom we have worked for. There is always a richness of detail in my work using the best quality materials possible and working with expert craftspeople and manufacturers.
What is your dream project?
With over 20 years experience in this industry, I still consider every new commission a dream project. All of our work is referral and so I really respect that each client and project is going to be very different. I enjoy the process of applying the skills and techniques learnt over the years and enjoy working with many talented professionals and craftspeople. My next dream project would be to see our new Drapery Collection 2022 be installed in a multi-room project complimenting the work of Clive Christian Furniture Co and other interior design partners.
What one piece of advice would you give to someone looking to start out in the industry?
In addition to formal training, gain as much varied industry experience as possible. There are so many new and exciting facets to the interior design profession that time spent, in different areas, gaining first-hand experience working alongside experts is so valuable. Only then can you really know what pathway is right for you. Be as broad minded to different sectors as possible.
You recently collaborated with Clive Christian Furniture Co (CCF) on the interiors of Yewden Lodge, a family home in the Hambleden Valley. What was the most exciting aspect of this project?
There were so many interesting and exciting aspects to this project which spanned a 2 year build and renovation programme. Thankfully, my early introduction to the project meant that we could work with the client’s architect and build team to implement both structural and M&E improvements from the on-set. There were many highlights, such as seeing the bespoke Versailles oak floors laid; the installation of the CCF Architectural Master Bathroom teamed with the finest, book-matched marble sourced in Portugal. The list goes on … to the hanging of the custom finish chandeliers and lanterns to the nerve wracking weeks spent watching the de Gournay silk damask wallpapers and hand-painted panels being hung.
Have you worked with the CCF team before?
Yes, I’ve worked with the CCF team on many projects over the past ten years, or so, designing interiors that complement their signature style of furniture, including various Architectural and Edwardian kitchens, drawing rooms, panelled libraries and dining rooms, games rooms through to master suites. An interesting collaboration was designing an interior to complement a CCF Architectural drawing room fitted with barrel-backed cabinets and burr oak door panels custom finished to match the client’s existing antique furniture. The cabinetry incorporated the CCF black bird and grape marquetry panels inspired by the Art Deco panels on the Orient Express. This year, we have recently completed the refurbishment of a private residence near Southampton featuring a CCF study, master bathroom and dressing room.
How does the CCF aesthetic fit within Yewden Lodge?
The CCF aesthetic worked so well at Yewden Lodge because the level of detailing and cabinetry proportions perfectly suited the scale and period of the Victorian country house. The level of customisation that CCF were able to offer meant that the interior design could be sympathetically brought up to date with contemporary finishes and choice of materials.
Which is your favourite room at Yewden Lodge?
Of course, I love all of the rooms at Yewden Lodge for various different reasons, it’s hard to choose between the stunning master bathroom & dressing room suite and the drawing room. At a push, I would say the drawing room, it involved so many intricacies and detailing and yet the end result looks so luxurious, refined and relaxed.
Where do you find your inspiration?
On my daily travels, passing through villages, towns and cities, I am always looking out for architectural details and insight into their interiors, such as window styles, canopies and railings and glimpses inside revealing fantastic chandeliers and mirrors. I collect architectural and interior pattern books and where possible visit historic house interiors.
What is your personal style signifier?
Luxurious detail
What’s your most recent “find” and where do you source your favourite design pieces?
AF Jones, a fifth generation, family owned company specialising in architectural stone masonry, - their knowledge of stone and procurement is second to none.
What’s your favourite material to work with?
Fine timbers, particularly burrs and marquetry panels. Carved, gadrooned edge details are a favourite.
You are never without?
My iPad!
This project was designed in collaboration with our Clive Christian Furniture Weybridge Showroom