Spotlight: Up Close & Personal With Coast Interiors

The team from Coast Interiors are in the business of designing spaces for life. With a passion for home interiors, owner and lead designer, Melissa Popple is the woman behind this exciting brand, offering interior decor, design and styling services to many happy people in the Cape Town area.

We had the opportunity to chat to Melissa about the latest trends and inspirations that continue to set the tone in her business and in the industry at large.

Here’s what she had to share with us…

What’s your go-to colour choice?

“Neutral Greys from the lighter ‘Plaster’ to the moodier ‘Charcoal’ tones are my favourite Base Palette.

Botanical Greens from the richer ‘Olive’ hues through to the more vibrant ‘Chartreuse’ combined of course with Vintage Tan and Aged Metallic Accents!

Terra tones from the paler ‘Nude’ through to the earthy ‘Copper’ shades – all are Timeless Palettes in my opinion.

Of course, we cannot forget ‘Living Coral 2019’ combined with warm ‘Aqua/Duck Egg’ tones to bring out the ‘South Florida Tropical Vibe’!”

Is there a hotel, interior or building that’s most inspires your work?

“The V&A Museum, South Kensington, London is a great source of inspiration and a firm favourite to visit when I am in the UK – rich in global historical textiles from every corner of the world and not forgetting the regular fashion design feature exhibitions set in one the most beautiful Victorian buildings.

Locally, however, The Stack, Cape Town – for it’s vibrant afro-chic retro styling – the electric colours and print combos bring an instance happiness to your persona. Love to enjoy one of their incredible cocktails in the Upstairs Private Members Club Lounge.

Kloof House, Cape Town is another favourite – eclectic vintage decadence – every space in the house is archival – exudes Victorian drama! And finally, Athletic & Social Club, Cape Town – although I have never visited this watering hole whenever I drive past I cannot help but linger at the architecture – Victorian Classic Vibe – Design Fantasy of Colonial-meets-Modern – looking forward to a visit soon.”

A place you love to visit?

“Locally, Babylonstoren – a True Tonic to beat the stress of Urban Life – getting back to nature enjoying a relaxed walk around these amazing gardens finished off by a treat at the Conservatory.

I love to browse ‘The Red Shed’ @ the V&A Waterfront and Kamers/Makers Annual Spring Market – South Africans have the knack when it comes to creativity and artistic flair – there is no shortage!”

Internationally – Cities that Inspire:

“Barcelona: Catalan Modernism – The Modern Gothic and Oriental techniques of Gaudi in his creation of organic urban spaces in this city is a delight to view – signature ceramic and stained glass mosaic works along with incredible stone and iron works.

Florence: City where I had my Honeymoon so very close to my heart – Renaissance at it’s best. Embellished symmetrical and geometrical structures from domes to columns set in the incredible Tuscan region.

Marrakesh: Never been but on my bucket list to stay in a Riad – The appeal of Interior Courtyards, Gardens and Open Skylights of the Moorish architecture and Mosaics.

Istanbul: Never been but on my bucket list too – Ottoman Empire intrigues. The Byzantine architecture and coloured Mosaics.”

Where do you go to spot new styles?

“Living ETC (UK) Magazine – has been my No. 1 source inspiring look too – never disappoints!

Decorex UK, London – I had the privilege of attending this expo in 2016 last and it truly was a wealth of design and creativity – incredibly inspiring!”

Décor Store Favourites:

• Anthropologie, UK
• Graham & Greene, UK
• Rockett St George, UK

Local Décor Store Favourites:

• Cecile’ & Boyd
• SHF
• Weylandts
• Block & Chisel

And what can we expect to see from Coast Interiors? Any interesting projects you are working on?

“We are currently involved in Phase 2 of a Local Residential Project as well as a Public Sector Revamp Pending.

New Side Line to Coast Interiors – ‘B.spoke Soft Furnishings Studio’: Our passion is creating complimentary scheme themed palette colour way scatter cushion sets providing our clients with signature unique décor accents that will ‘stand out from the crowd’ enhancing their interior settings. Creating select combo sets of each design, style and sizing never to be repeated using selected imported/couture fabric – Limited Edition Sets.

We are also about to launch a new ‘Spring’ range in September/October so watch this space!

Do you have a favourite restaurant?

“Diemersdal Farm Eatery, Durbanville – Local Adventurous Culinary Delights in the most Intimate and Relaxed of Settings – Enjoy the Flavours of the Countryside and Farm Ambience in the carefully restored Old Stable.

La Perla, Sea Point – Fond Childhood Memories – Italian Pasta at it’s Best and of course not forgetting those famous classic carved wood chairs and sunset views – eternally stylish!”

Who or what is your biggest design influence?

“I honestly cannot say that there is a particular individual or specific style that influences me – I like to think that I obtain my inspiration from many sources and talented influencers out there past and present.

Fashion Designers: Ralph Lauren and Roberto Cavalli.”

What interior styles do you favour? 

“Parisian Apartment Style – Ranges from Baroque to Rococo to Neoclassical in décor with a hint of Art Deco. Mediterranean, Old World and Cabaret influences – High Ceilings and Tall Windows with a View but the highlight is of course the Grand Architectural Plaster Moulding Details.

Exotic Colonial Style – Evokes a Bygone Era that was Genteel and Elegant while at the same time appearing Relaxed and Comfortable – Incorporating Rattan, Lush Green Foliage and Exotic Textile/Prints or Wall Art featuring Tropical Scenery, Flora or Fauna Botanical Trend and Animal Print Accents.

Contact: Coast Interiors