Spotlight: Living Inspired Interiors

Owned and operated by the ever-stylish Tanya Solomon, Living Inspired Interiors is in the game of creating stylish home spaces. Very stylish home spaces.

Based in Gauteng, South Africa, the interior designer, and online decor store caters to an exclusive, design-savvy clientele who loves and appreciates the finer things in life, from high-end spaces, complete turn-key revamp solutions, to luxury decor, homeware, art and accessories.

Tanya’s fresh take on luxury is evident in all her projects, from sleek and chic marble and glass bathroom spaces to her use of iconic pieces such as the 70’s Mushroom Lamps she so adores for their sophisticated, sexy lines. Not to mention all her creative ideas fuelled by a love of all things pretty, from bronzed curved wall panelling to sumptuous fabrics.

Tanya has currently just wrapped up one of her biggest and most luxurious projects yet.

“For the past seven months, I’ve been working on the most exciting project I’ve done to date!” she says.

“We are in the final stages of completing an entire full renovation of a five-bedroom family home, with a brand new outdoor extension consisting of an entertainment area with a spectacular bar, garden boma and fire-pit, as well as a giant garden cinema TV screen. Not only did we revamp absolutely every aspect of this home but I am honoured to have also done all the interiors, design elements and installations. It’s been the most challenging project, yet also most fulfilling in so many ways. I cannot wait to share this magnificent project with everyone soon.”

What inspires you and helps you create such beautiful interiors?

Traveling is one of the most important aspects of what inspires me with my projects. I draw inspiration, not only from attending the interiors fairs in Paris and Milan yearly, but love being inspired when visiting luxury hotels, too restaurants and all other interior spaces when traveling abroad.

You are known for your classical contemporary spaces – what draws you to create this look with such pizzaz and confidence?

I love a clean lines, sophisticated designs, but also versatile fabrics, a neutral palette, and a classic style that will last for years, and not only a moment. Although I definitely do make use of current trends and combining, both classic elements, with current trends I love definitely draw from and love the most.

What interior that you have created has left you with a lasting impact?

My very latest, and recent project that I’ve just completed in December 2023, really challenged me on every level. Not only did I curate and project manage, a full renovation of a 5-bedroom family home, from gutting the entire space, from start to finish, but also got to do the entire interiors, from the revamp, to all the hard and soft finishes. Designing every element, from all the joinery, new kitchen, bathrooms, inside and outside bar area with one cellar, showing off with uber chic Onyx stone, as well as every piece of furniture for the entire house. We also added on an extended outdoor entertainment area with bar, sunken garden boma area and outdoor TV screen. I would definitely say, that this project has really been the most exciting to date. The end result spoke for itself, which was really satisfying, and definitely has made a lasting impact for me. I can’t wait to share pictures of this project on my social media very soon.

Which interior designers have influenced your interior style?
My all time favourite interior icon has always been Kelly Hoppen, but I’ve also falling in love with Sophie Paterson, also a UK based designer. AK Interiors, Moskow/Russia, and Peng Zheng, C & C Design, China and there is so many more, not to mention SA based designers that I always look up to and admire.

What is your personal style preference?
I’m very much classic, with a definite sophisticated design style, with a great appreciation for quality fabrics and textures. I love complimenting my interiors spaces with well curated, and good ART.

What have been your career highlights?
Definitely taking the leap to starting my own business.

What do you define as ultimate luxury?
GOOD Investment ART pieces! And bespoke accessories, definitely makes a difference when it comes to beautiful interior spaces.

Tell us more about the latest interiors project that you have recently completed? ( The Brief and Style)
– It’s modern, sophisticated and although the palette is neutral, I’ve made use of different natural stones, as well as fabricated stones to create interest throughout the house. I’ve tried to create a space that makes the clients feel like they are on a permanent holiday in Europe, instead of being in a city home, and it was great to achieve this goal.

5 Quick Questions with Tanya

My favourite thing to buy for my home is…
Gorgeous, fragrant candles & defusers, collectible coffee table books, from ASSOULINE in particular. I also love collecting recipe books. And definitely, fresh flowers for my home weekly..

The easiest effective design technique is...To install a current, and new wall covering on a feature wall. Recover scatter cushions, and replace old accessories with something new!

One thing I never do in an interior is…
“LESS IS MORE…” !! I definitely love creating lots interesting layers to every interior project/space. My clients really all love, and appreciate my eye for sourcing accessories in particular.

My biggest design mistakes are…
Leaving things for others to check, or rely on. It’s definitely best to keep your own eye on the ball at all times.

Your design Motto ?

My motto will be “My DESIGNS ARE THERE TO COMMUNICATE, not just decorate..”