The bespoke mural in Heuman’s daughters’ bedroom (above) is a case in point, inspired by the mural in the Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel in New York: “I first went there with Nicky [Haslam], while I was working with him, and it was this really special moment, so that mural has a lot of sentimental value to me.”
2. Plan, plan, plan
“If I could give one piece of advice, it’s to make sure you have a floor plan to scale, including all the different types of furniture that you want, before you start buying stuff” says Heuman. “Don’t even think about how it’s going to look, just how it will work practically. If you have that in place it informs what you need and what you should buy.”
When it comes to the choosing of furniture stage, she will often make bespoke pieces for clients, and always mixes in vintage and antiques to add personality. For new pieces, “My favourite shops are Soane, they do the most beautiful things, and Pinch.”
3. Bring in an element of fantasy
“I always like to include something that is not quite of this world; a twisted idea of a known object,” says Heuman. “I think it’s good for the mind and creativity, and it might tap into something that’s imagined, a world you might find in a book. A lot of homes are comfortable and beautiful, but I also think it’s important, especially while we’re stuck at home, to have an environment that’s inspiring and energising.”