Blank Canvas Limited have been shortlisted for Living Space – Europe Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2022. Read more about the Director, Simone Manley, below:

Name: Simone Manley
Company: Blank Canvas Limited
Position within Company: Director
Website: www.blankcanvas.co.im

Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
Having obtained a degree in Interior Architecture & Design in 2008 from Nottingham Trent University, I went on to work for some of the world’s top design firms such as David Collins Studio, Roselind Wilson Design & Gettys in London & Asia.  After living and working in some fantastic cities working on Hospitality Design, it set me up with the foundations to form my own Interior Design Company on the Isle of Man where I originally grew up. It allowed me to bring my cultural experience and wealth of detailed knowledge to the Island which I was excited about.

How would you describe your personal design style?
After working in the Luxury Interior Design industry for years I acquired a taste for bespoke finishes, custom furniture and textures, so when the projects allow it, I will always bring in bespoke elements specifically tailored to that project. My style would best be described as timeless elegance.  I love to marry old with new, combining beautiful architectural features with softer FF&E finishes. Ultimately, for my clients, I am driven by their tastes and wants and help nurture their ideas, but always happy when given free rein.

Where does your design inspiration come from?
David Collins was a huge inspiration to me. The studio constantly challenged my design decisions which has been ingrained in me for every project I embark on. I also draw inspiration from travel, I love nothing more than to check out the latest restaurant, bar or retail space to see what other designers are doing around the world, but equally, concepts more often than not stem from nature for me, so nothing beats a good stomp to clear the mind and get the creative juices flowing.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Design is forever evolving but we always go back to our history to draw inspiration from some of the most inspiring architects and designers. Designers are becoming more environmentally aware and I’m starting to notice a mental shift in my clients too in terms of being alert to design sustainability.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2022 and beyond.
Sustainability
Being bold with colour and forms
70s revival 
Biophilic Design
There’s always a time and a place for mid-century.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Always start with a solid concept.  I love to tell a story when designing, I also think it helps explain and justify design decisions if you have a strong concept to stem from.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
The International Design & Architecture Awards are fundamental to our industry.  They create awareness of other amazing talents globally but also continue to support the industry, which is more important than ever post-covid.

What projects are you currently working on?
I’m currently focusing on some exciting private residential projects, some are cosmetic, and others are new extensions to old properties so I’m excited to see how these projects unfold over the coming months.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?
Refuge – a Coffee & Champagne Bar.  The original space was just a basic coffee shop with lots of design restrictions.  The brief was to create a chic escapism from the hustle of the city, with a minimal colour palette and architectural finishes, to ease the transition from day through to night. The clients trusted my design guidance which made the design process a joy, and my friends get to enjoy the fruits of my labour – it’s so lovely for friends and family to enjoy the tangible outcome of my efforts!

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?
Chelsea Harbour is a fantastic platform for designers and has been integral to every new project in the past. It’s a great resource for keeping me up to date with new suppliers and the latest material trends. My iPad is integral to my design process. From presenting schematics to drawing up floor plans, I would be lost without my iPad.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:

Your most treasured possession? Wow, my most treasured possession(s) have to be my children and our puppy.  I think I’d also have to include my engagement ring in this list, too!

Your favourite holiday destination? This has to be Florence.  I got married in the hills overlooking the Duomo so this city is pretty magical to me. Enriched with history and culture, this wanderlust city is my number one.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar? My favourite hotel is the Ned, there’s just something about the decadence and grandeur of the open-plan lobby, with its imposing columns.  I love sitting at the lobby bar people-watching. My favourite restaurant is Olio Restaurant in Florence, the food and wine there are to die for. We had these culinary genius caterers at our wedding so it always takes me back to my happy place when indulging in their delights. My go-to bar has to be Sketch in London. I used to go as a junior designer and I think it’s nostalgia that makes me yearn to go every time I am back in London. Their design is something for the senses, even their website is playful.

Your favourite book, film & song? I lived in Shad Thames in London and when I discovered ‘A Tea Rose’ by Jennifer Donnelly, it brought the area to life for me. A historical fiction book based in East London – such an addictive read.  My favourite film has to be Elf, we lived in New York for a short time and this film just takes me back there every time (it also epitomises Christmas for our family too).  My favourite song is by Norah Jones ‘Don’t know why’, I quite often play her soundtracks whilst working as her voice is so serine and calming.

Your favourite food and drink? Food is everything to me so this is tough.  I will have to cheat and give two answers; a sourdough-based margarita pizza or Xiao Long Bao. I think both foods take me back to new chapters in my life and new experiences, but also to me, these foods would be on my last supper menu! Xiao Long Bao is definitely food for the soul, although a battlefield as to how to eat it when it’s your first time. 
My go-to drink is an oat flat white by day (although trying to rely less and less on caffeine) and a negroni is my tipple of choice.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? We live a pretty high-energy lifestyle with two young girls and a puppy so if we ever get the opportunity to stay at home, being able bake or cook as a family and then snuggle up on the sofa to watch a film has to be my idea of perfection, it’s one of the very few times where I feel like I can make time stand still.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? I think I would have been a teacher. Throughout my younger years, I used to spend a lot of time outside of school doing extra activities to help younger kids, but my passion for design won me over. I love nothing more than seeing my daughters learn something new and you can see that sense of achievement in their little faces. Instant gratification!

Blank Canvas Limited are shortlisted in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2022.

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