The team at Cornwall-based Hops and Camellias is certainly celebrating this week after news that the design practice’s work on a St Ives Victorian property has been shortlisted in not one, but three, categories of the prestigious International Design & Architecture (ID&A) Awards. These key awards are run by the Design Society in collaboration with leading interiors magazine design et al and Camellia’s talents have been recognised in the sections for ‘Living Space –UK’, ‘Bedroom’ and ‘Kitchen over £25,000.’ The St Ives five bedroomed property is owned by Hops and Camellias clients who are based in Singapore. Knowing the team’s specialism in coastal architecture, design and interiors, they approached Hops and Camellias for their management across the whole rebuild and refurb of the house, citing the uniqueness of the area and the diverse colour palette as their main inspiration. Architecturally a relaxing yet practical environment for holidays was the main requirement however the owners were also looking for a flexible internal accommodation option that would also prove attractive as an exclusive holiday let. 
Design Director of Hops and Camellias, Elaine Skinner, says, “This St Ives property was a major challenge structurally and logistically although this is just the type of test that the Hops and Camellias team rises to brilliantly. Alongside our Cornish builders, we obviously know the logistics of St Ives intimately so our project management team successfully planned to overcome the parking and access restraints of narrow streets. The interiors style had to be fun yet formal, embracing the integrity of the property’s character and proportions, without compromising contemporary living requirements.” From an interiors perspective the client was fully appreciative of the town’s charms and therefore briefed the Hops and Camellias team to imbue their new home with flourishes of the artistic heritage, the fishing legacy and the mild sub-tropical climate. As a result, Hops and Camellias utilised the ‘iconic St Ives view’ juxtaposing it with modern art, acid yellows and an intentional mix of furniture accessorised with the key colours from the outlook. The fusion of classic, eclectic and luxury coastal elements within a Victorian structure now reflects the evolution of the property from its fishing village roots to a contemporary holiday getaway. 
Of the shortlisting in the three separate categories of the International Design & Architecture Awards, Elaine Skinner says, “As the only Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and one of the only British Institute of Interior Design qualified and accredited practices in Cornwall, we are continually driven by the need to create and deliver exacting industry standards. Entering awards such as these is an exciting way to raise the profile of these standards whilst inspiring us to continually strive for excellence. Within Camellia, we know our design work is a success with our clients, and these awards firmly reinforce that. It’s great to see that our work on this particular St Ives property is being shortlisted in so many categories of these prestigious awards.” Sarah Hemsley of leading lettings agency Cornish Gems says, “St Ives is always in demand with our extensive database of clients and the Hops and Camellias work on this property makes it one of our major showcase properties. The introduction of the practical flexibility of the space mixed with the luxurious, yet comfortable feel makes this an ideal holiday home. What we really love is how the Hops and Camellias team has combined Cornish storytelling via artwork and interior touches. Our bookings are well ahead of our initial expectations and it’s always great to work with an architectural and interior design practice who are so cohesively in tune with the needs of both the owner and the holiday guests.”
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