Being at home with James Leonardi
Tell us about you?
Hi I'm James, I grew up in sunny Southend on-Sea where I've purchased my first home. The flat had been on the market for 1 day when I viewed it. The high ceilings and open planned layout sold me a dream, but in reality, the flat needed lots of TLC and a new lease of life!
I've always had an interest in interior design, this was pretty much instinctive from an early age. I remember watching my first Grand Designs episode when I was around 11 years old ( I'm now 32 ) thinking, "Wow, exterior render and polished concrete flooring is really cool" - I didn't get out much back then...
I noticed you uploaded old styling photos on your account to show how your style has developed over the years, Tell us how you found your style?
Truth be told, I have been strongly influenced by Instagram. There are so many amazing homes and bloggers out there that have shaped my design ethos.
Accounts like;
What is it about Scandi minimalism that you love so much?
It's all about clean lines and clever craftsmanship. Scandinavian design is pure simplicity and also incredibly functional. I love the use of muted colour tones and mixing different woods and textures to help create a tonal contrast. For me, a Scandi home will have carefully selected pieces that add personality and charm, placed with the intention of creating a timeless design that never gets old.
Having a minimalistic home involves having a very paired back space, how do you achieve this?
Buying less and buying better is the way to go! I tend to buy fewer items now and try to invest in quality. Nothing should crowd the space in a Scandi home - creating a minimal fuss environment is key, so I tend to hide the less aesthetically pleasing items away. For instance, I use the IVAR cabinet from Ikea to house all my living room junk - it also serves as a great gallery plinth to show off my artwork and camouflage my ugly TV.
I can see you love abstract art. Where do you buy most of your artwork from? Do you have a favourite artist?
Yes, I love abstract art! Admittedly, when it comes to colour, I'm certainly a colourphobe! White walls feature heavily as the backdrop to my whole flat. So, using artwork alongside this helps break up the different zones, whilst injecting subtle pops of colour and contrast.
All my prints are from the Poster club. Currently, I'm really digging ATELIER CPH, who is a Copenhagen based creative studio - they're all about abstract shapes and minimalist composition - which is right up my street!
Whats your favourite space in the flat and why?
I'm a sucker for open plan living. I love how 50% of my flat is visible from the edge of my hallway, it's so bright and airy! Also, the continuous flow of herringbone flooring really gives the illusion of a bigger space.
And finally what is your top tip for someone who wants to create a Scandi home?
I think the key to creating a Scandi home is to surround yourself with things that mean something to you. I change my mind like the wind, so it's important that you buy things that you won’t get tired of easily. Make sure you invest in the items you'll use regularly, so sofas, chairs, tables, sideboards etc. It's easy to rush into buying furniture, so make sure you have a clear vision before you make any hasty decisions!
Lastly, remember to keep it simple, and don't be afraid to use texture and colour to keep things from becoming too cold and clinical. I feature many different types of woods and materials in my flat - It's all about creating the right type of ambient vibe.
Thank you to James for giving up his time to do this interview. Check out Jame's stunning home here