A design for life

Ben Huckerby hit the ground running when he launched his eponymous interior design business. Shortly afterwards, he helped transform Carr Hall Castle, near Huddersfield, which was voted Britain’s Best Home in 2008. Last year, he won the Best Interior Design category at the Northern Design Awards.

In recent months, he has been designing bespoke furniture and expanding into the leisure industry. He recently re-designed the interior of a private jet and has just started work on creating a new look for a luxury yacht.

He is based in Leeds, where he lives in a city centre apartment.

Describe your style.

I always believe that interior style should reflect your character and lifestyle and my love for both classic design and modern flair come together in my home. I think combining different textures, patterns and colours is the perfect recipe to create an interior scheme that flows seamlessly from room to room. I love mixing old and new. It’s timeless yet fun.

What is your favourite piece of furniture and why?

My terano nickel coffee table (£1,400 from www.benhuckerbydesign.co.uk) It takes centre stage in my living room. Its simple but striking design transforms any space giving a modern edge to the classical surrounding.

Where does your inspiration come from?

I take inspiration from all aspects of the design spectrum: textile design, fashion and contemporary art.

Where do you shop for homeware?

I use a wide selection of suppliers but I also love using eclectic antiques and artefacts. I like to emphasise that the label isn’t important. Individuality is and it’s also important to create a style that you’re really comfortable with.

Are there any designers/collections you’re excited about right now?

I can’t wait to get hold of Osborne and Little’s new Grand Tour wallpaper collection. Their glass beaded and holographic papers are the perfect way to bring a room up to date. www.osborneandlittle.co.uk .

Where is your ideal home?

Ideally I would love to return to Salcombe, a small fishing village in south Devon where I holidayed as a child. The surroundings are so quaint and harmonious. It would definitely be the perfect place to have a rustic cottage.

Your interiors wish list?

I adore sourcing original artefacts to create atmosphere and character, so I’d definitely like to stumble across some unique key pieces this year. I came across VG New Trend, an Italian design company at an exhibition earlier this year and fell in love with their crystal egg lamps. They look like diamonds in cages and are exquisite. I’d love two of them for my apartment but at £6,000 each, I’m going to have to pray for a lottery win. www.vgnewtrend.it

What is the best item you’ve ever bought for your home?

I bought some black and white photography artwork which works perfectly in the classically modern interior style in the home. Adding small touches can really take it to the next level.

How do you relax at the end of the day?

At the end of the day I love nothing more than getting in my own hot tub with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.