Mention Christopher Peacock to architects and interior decorators, and the recognition is instantaneous: the name alone connotes the highest caliber of handcrafted custom cabinetry. The cupboards, wardrobes, and pantries fashioned at Christopher Peacock London serve a dual purpose: they imbue rooms with a refined sophistication, while simultaneously restoring  order to some of the home’s busiest spaces. For two decades, Christopher Peacock’s workshop has been building bespoke fixtures for luxury homes, bringing harmony to interiors across the world.

Miglé Gri is the senior in-house designer at Christopher Peacock London, overseeing many high-profile projects locally and globally. “I was heavily influenced by my grandfather, who was an architect,” she explains. “Coming from an architectural background myself, I always envisioned working in a creative field. The combination of attention to detail and aesthetics made interior design a perfect fit.”

With a senior position at one of the world’s leading cabinetry companies, it’s no surprise Gri has a genuine eye for the design elements that belong in a room—and which elements are best left stored behind a pair of elegant armoire doors. Here are some pieces of advice she shares with homeowners looking to make their spaces more invigorating, unified, and accessible.

Inspiration is Imperative

For Gri, no great design can be created in a vacuum. To have a vision, there has to be a context. She cites three sources of inspiration she looks at when deciding on the layout of a room:

• The personal style of her client: the signature aesthetic that resonates with them.
• The lifestyle of her client: what they do for work, what they do for pleasure, and what gives them the greatest satisfaction.
• The project location: the type of architecture typical in the neighborhood, and any natural and cultural details.

These three starting points allow Gri to put her design in dialogue with the homeowner, as well as the home itself.

The history of the home is also important in the ideation process: “I try to gather as much information as I can about the heritage of the building,” says Gri. With all of these inspirations to guide her, she can then let the intuitive process take over; she goes with a “gut feeling” when finishing her concept designs and crafting an initial pitch for her clients.

Nothing Should be Superfluous

It’s not only the personal, structural, and historical contexts that influence a design: according to Gri, every element, no matter how small, can hold meaning and help to translate a homeowner’s individual story. 

“I believe every piece in a room should have a purpose, or some sentimental value, and make a difference to the mood or lifestyle of a home’s inhabitants,” she says. “Artwork should also pull the room together.”

Gri is cognizant of traditional design elements when reimagining rooms for her clients—but she’s especially attuned to two details in particular. The first is texture, which, for Gri, goes beyond the tactile quality of the surfaces. It begins at the floor and extends through every fixture and furnishing. How does the room feel as a multilayered, three-dimensional space?

The second detail is illumination. “I make sure special attention is given to the light fixtures and fittings due to the effect this has on the overall ambience of the room,” says Gri. “Lighting should be carefully considered both for indoor and outdoor spaces.”

Prioritize Communication

What do homeowners need to consider when choosing a third-party expert to help re-envision a room? According to Gri, “clients build relationships with a designer very easily, and trust is essential for a successful project.”

To that end, she makes a point of earning the confidence of her clients, proving her extensive knowledge of luxury products, materials, and finishes, and ensuring there is clear, frequent communication throughout the process. Knowledge and communication skills are two essential qualities homeowners should look for in an interior designer. There are two additional tips Gri gives to those thinking about remodeling rooms:

• When it comes to interviewing talent, “consult three designers that you admire, even if they have very different tastes.”

• Once you’ve chosen someone you’d like to work with, commit: “Following the initial briefing with your interior designer, trust their specialist opinion.”

At Christopher Peacock London, cabinetry may be the main focus, but it must be integrated holistically into a space in order to bring balance, harmony, and happiness. “Having a beautiful home to return to is the ultimate pleasure,” says Gri. “As a designer, I take pride in creating this aspect of a beautifully led life.”

Originally published in November 17, 2019 by sothebysrealty