Talk Shop: Saskia Blyth // Blyth-Collinson Interiors
ABOUT SASKIA
What would we do without Instagram? It’s the best platform to find inspiring interiors from all around the world. Case and point—we fell in love with Saskia Blyth of Blyth-Collinson Interiors and knew we had to have her on to #TalkShop. Her interiors, very much English Country Style with a twist and lots of color, is such a joy to look at.
Saskia grew up in Austria and studied design in Vienna and Florence. She now has more than 20 years experience designing exclusive residences for discerning and discreet clients all over the world. Her interpretation of her vision is as much how she sees a detail or scene as it is about her instinct – what she calls a sixth sense for creating an elegantly balanced interior. Saskia’s vision is sparked with boundless energy and embraces logic, practicality and application. This carries through to the completion of every project.
Saskia has designed for many private families, including middle eastern royalty, all over the world. Her projects have included, amongst others, villas, chalets, private jets and yachts. Her long-standing relationships with contractors and suppliers ensures that she and her team deliver the highest level of finish on all projects.
Describe your style in three words or less:
Timeless, effortless, elegant.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
My grandmother, mother and Sally Mecalfe.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I started 10 years ago and have never looked back. I love creating homes for my clients. The biggest joy and reward is a happy client.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
My biggest mentor is a friend who has ran his design company for 40 years. He is always calm and has the best advise. Sometimes not necessary what I want to hear but always undoubtedly right.
What does your home say about you:
Mi casa tu casa.
Where do you find inspiration:
Travel, books, nature, and fabrics.
Who are your style icons:
YSL, my mother and anything that Tajan has in auction!
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
A beautiful laid table with tons of flowers and the best white lady you can shake!
Do you collect anything:
Herve van der Straeten earrings. I am an addict!
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
I love cynthiaefrank and @guinevere_antiques.
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
The rule I never break is using the same design twice. I am not a cookie cutter designer so every space and project is treated like a clean piece of slate.
The one rule I always break is spending far more time than anticipated on a project. A weakness of always wanting to get it right and always being available to my clients.
What are you working on right now:
We are working on a stunning apartment in Notting Hill, a penthouse in Monaco, a family home in Chelsea and a stunning grade two listed country estate. I am a lucky girl!
Wardrobe staples:
Blue, blue and more blue. Never enough blue.
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
Soane. All of them. Cant go wrong.
Best interior advice you ever received:
Try not to take it personally. Never worked for me though.
Best career advice you ever received:
Alway be independent.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
I love buying art and furniture but I am under strict instructions from my husband to not bring back either.
Save on nothing. Your home is the most important sanctuary.
Your greatest extravagance:
Herve van der Straeten.
Favorite places to shop for home:
I love small artisans and galleries. Anywhere in the world and where I am lucky to travel to.
Most prized possession and why:
A 16th century hand carved Madonna.
Your interiors motto:
Create a home not a showroom.
Your life motto:
From quiet homes and first beginning, out to the undiscovered ends, there's nothing worth the wear of winning, but laughter and the love of friends.
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Trust your instinct.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: My mothers paprika risotto.
Drink: Hot water and lemon - how boring am I?
Film: Pretty Women - a classic. I know it by heart.
Hotel: The Four Seasons in Florence. I want to live there! Forever.
City: Istanbul
Bedding: Peter Reed - the best linen in the world.
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Black coffee. Can not live without it.
Playlist: Phil Collins and Bach.
Weekend Activity: Antique shopping. Hang out with the kids. Walking the dogs. Pub lunch.
Design Book: Haute Bohemians