Interior designer Esther Bond is renowned for her bold use of colour, imaginative lighting and accent on luxurious textured patterns. Leading a 25 strong team from the Camberley head quarters of her company, ‘Designs For All Occasions’, Esther has been at the forefront of interior design for more than fifteen years.

From the UK head offices of Guinot perfume house to a restored Georgian mansion, Purley Magna and from the spectacular penthouse suite at the Brighton Glass Pavilion to private client commissions, Esther’s imaginative designs consistently realise her unique brand of exquisite style.

Interior design has always been both a passion and profession. Through personal recommendations, a reputation for innovative designs and a commitment to exceeding expectations, Esther’s company has expanded fast to include private property, hotels, developer projects and an array of international private clients. Today, Esther remains true to her original pledge – to offer all of her customers a personal service, working closely with them to breathe life into cutting edge design trends and produce beautiful, liveable spaces.

Lusso speaks exclusively to Esther about some of her most exclusive commissions and her predictions for next season’s style.

We have noticed a move away from plain walls and neutral colour – can you tell us a bit more about the current trends?

You are absolutely right, and it’s about time too! The days of wall to wall beige are gone and it’s time to start having some fun with our surroundings. Strong colour and bold design, accented with feature walls and patterned wallpaper are the latest trends this season – particularly botanical and bird designs. The message is – don’t be afraid to make a statement, experiment with glamour. Mix vintage pieces like glass mirrors with big paintings (unframed), mix warm colours with neutrals and vibrant accessories to instantly transform your space, it’s going to be a long, hot, luxurious summer! And if you really must do neutral this season, then Grey is definitely the colour of the moment, in all it’s different shades, grey is all set to become the new beige… but don’t forget to add the colour!

In my experience, clients, bored with clinical minimalism, are moving towards decadent décor. The mirrored furniture we used in a recent ‘Gatsby’ inspired apartment in Ascot is a perfect example of this.

Can you give some guidance when accessorising?

This season’s story is all about metallics. They are a big, opulent statement in the fashion world, and homes are getting the same treatment. Materials flecked through with metallics can make existing space contemporary. As with wallpaper and colours, mix period pieces to create a unique look, making use of juxtaposing dark woods like mahogany, ginger and zebrano with beech or wenge to add depth and contrast to the space. Design is not regimented any more, so play around and experiment with your favourite pieces, with traditional damask patterns and weaves with sheens, silks and velvets. Go for texture, tactile fabrics, including on walls. Just remember that fur is out!

What inspires you?

All the designers at DFAO have their own, unique flair and work with the space to create striking interior solutions. The line between haute couture and interior design is blurring, we can increasingly look to the catwalk and contemporary trends for ideas and inspiration. To give you a few examples of the diversity, we’ve just completed a major new luxury show home in Caversham in the Thames Valley utilising a stunning mix of lime greens and cream silks, accented with furniture in black and silver. It’s an eclectic mix of traditional and modern. On another recent project, the client wanted a bold, modern look in contrast to the white clapboard cottage exterior. We went for a circular theme, with circles on the furniture and distinct patterns on the interior fabrics.