British Style Society
You Are Reading
Designer Interview | Sam Hood for Amara
0
amara
Creative Hub, Interviews

Designer Interview | Sam Hood for Amara

We love sharing insights to the creative industry incorporating all aspects of design and innovation. Recently Editor Natasha had the pleasure to talk to interior designer and founder of Amara, Sam Hood, on her creative inspirations and advice on getting started in the design industry.

Initially starting life as an interior design business, Amara has always been about bringing designer style and expert knowledge to every home. Created by husband and wife team, Andrew and Sam Hood, the company has utilised their combined strengths from the very beginning. Sam’s career in retail fashion nurtured her innate talent for styling and staying ahead of the trends, and she found her calling in interiors after project managing her own home renovation.

Sam, please give us a little insight into your creative background.

I’ve always worked in a creative environment and interior design was always a passion of mine which led me into turning my interest into a business.  I love pushing my interior design limits and introducing new and exciting brands to our customers which they may never have discovered without our help.

What have been your key inspirations for your design and concepts?

I love visiting different cities and countries and immersing myself in their various cultures and ways.  I’m lucky that my role allows me to explore the globe discovering new trends and inspiring me with new ideas to introduce upcoming brands and designers to our customer.

Describe your ideal space and interiors that have really impressed you.

My ideal space would be an interior that reflects my personal needs. In my home the kitchen is the most important room. As we spend lots of time there as a family, I wanted to create a space that reflected our culinary and social needs such as having an island built in the kitchen which we can gather round.

Are there enough opportunities for emerging designers to showcase their designs and enter this competitive industry?

Amara is a great platform for helping and encouraging new brands and designers. With outlets such as Amara’s editorial section and The Amara Interior Blog Awards, I think it’s really important to show our support to growing and established designers in the industry.

There are lots of other different platforms out there such as trade shows and exhibitions that are perfect for showcasing your work and designs.

What has been your most memorable success to date?

The launch of Amara’s first ever own label collection A by Amara is certainly one of my most proud moments. It’s something I’ve always wanted to work on for a very long time but I wanted to make sure the timing was right.

One of my other biggest achievements is taking Amara from a team of 3 members of staff 12 years ago to now a team of over 70!

On a personal note, how would you describe your style?

My style is an eclectic mix of treasured pieces I’ve had for years, combined with new and modern pieces I’ve bought along the way. I love to mix and match trends and colours to create a unique look.

Do you have any advice for designers entering this industry?

To any ambitious designers starting out in their career I would always suggest to any individual is to never give up and continuously work hard to achieve the dream goal. Gain as much experience as possible to hone in on your talent and to create your unique style which you’ll take throughout your whole career.

In your opinion is design an art or a science?

Design is a mixture of art and science. Design allows you to explore your creative side to develop something, whether it be a home or outfit, which is stylish and suited to the person. But as a designer you understand the psychological impact of a simple colour choice or the position of an item in a room.

 

We’d like to thank Sam for offering an insight into the industry and advice for budding designers.