Mosey Loves: Evie Kemp

After discovering Evie (@eviekemp) and her gorgeous maximalist home on Instagram, we knew we had to learn more about this multi-hyphenate creative who loves colour as much as we do! Ahead of the release of her first design book later in the year, we sat down with Evie in her beautiful home to learn more about her creative process, interior style and plans for the future.

1. What star sign are you? How do you feel it relates to your personality?

I’m an Aries! I feel like I do like to charge into things and love starting new projects, I’m enthusiastic and creative but I don’t think I’m maybe as brave as an Aries should be, and I hate conflict.

2. You were born in England and grew up in New Zealand. How do you feel these places have influenced your creative aesthetic?

My more maximalist side is definitely rooted in my English side - pattern on pattern, as well as my love for vintage and antiques. My parents live here in NZ still, but their home is very English, lots of William Morris wallpaper and floral fabrics. NZ is a lot more utilitarian in its approach to design which honestly, I struggle with a lot but there are talented people doing cool things that really inspire me, and an increasingly clever and creative way of using colour which I love.

3. What were you like growing up? What were your interests and hobbies?

I’ve always loved art, animals and anything a bit spooky. Re-decorating my bedroom and my dolls house were always favourite hobbies too - so really not much has changed, I’m still into all of that stuff!

4. You started your creative journey as an illustrator. What led you there and how has that morphed and changed over the years?

I studied Graphic Design at university but while there I had two really great and inspirational illustration tutors which is what led me to illustration. The expression and freedom I found in developing my own style was so formative and I love drawing. I applied my illustrations to art prints and textiles in my final year as well as illustrating my first children’s book “A Dog Like That!” in the year after I graduated. Through styling, sharing and selling my designs online and at markets I grew my brand to include working for clients and brands in design, styling and interiors and that’s how it grew, and continues to morph!

5. Where do you draw inspiration from in your work, home and life in general?

I feel like I get inspiration from everywhere and I’m always looking. Art is a huge inspiration to me and if I’m ever feeling stuck or down, a walk round a gallery will help. Often, I’m inspired by an object I find while op-shopping, especially with interior design - I’ll often find the furniture first and then that will inspire the space. It’s kind of like working backwards but I think budget restraints is a greatest catalyst for creativity! I love a challenge.

6. What is your favourite aspect of being a multi-hyphenate creative? What’s the hardest part?

My favourite thing is the possibilities, or the unknown - I don’t ever really know what opportunity might pop into my inbox and that’s exciting and fun. The hardest part is definitely the juggle, I usually have multiple projects on the go - and they’re often quite different. I get very focussed with projects so having to switch between illustration for one thing, and building and filming a DIY tutorial for another is tricky. I try and dedicate days to a single project where I can.

7. What has been a career highlight for you so far on your journey?

I just completed a really fun project for the QT Hotel in Queenstown in collaboration with G.H Mumm. The Champagne Parlour is a pop-up suite for this winter which I’ve styled with retro ski vibes and designed all the elements for - from coasters to a decaled Range Rover. Incredibly fabulous and very fun. A project like this where I can design all the aspects is my absolute favourite way to work.

8. What’s the next project on the horizon?

Well, putting this out in the world officially… I have a design book coming out with Koa Press closer to the end of this year! It’s been a lot of work this year but I’m so excited about it launching. I’ve also just taken over my own studio space which will be available to rent for events, workshops, photos and general creativity which is really going to be my focus for the rest of 2024.

9. How do you fill your creative cup and recharge?

As I already mentioned, I love a trawl around the op shops and that would be my way to recharge. I often go with my Mum and sisters too and we have a good laugh. Catching up with friends is also a big one for me, I’m lucky to have friends who are creatives, or self-employed or both and they just get it. Having a support system like that when you work alone is so key.

10. Your home is beautiful. Tell us a bit about how you developed your interior style? Is there a story of how you came to live in this home?

Aw thank you! We bought this house 10 years ago from the original builder and designer. He and his wife had originally designed and built it in the early 80’s before swapping it for a motor inn before they had even finished it. They bought it back later and refinished it to their original plans before selling it to us when the time came for them to move into a retirement home. It was really lovely to meet them and know of their passion for the house.

As for my own personal interior style, interiors and furnishings have always been an interest of mine since when I was little. My mum is always redecorating so I inherited that from her. I feel like my own style is still evolving and is a real mash up of lots of eras and things I love; I like a good dose of retro, lots of colour, but also modern aspects. Lighting is really important to my design style - a room should always be comfortable and cozy.

11. What does a typical day in your life look like at the moment?

My days change a lot depending on the type of work I have on but generally I wake up around 7am, give the dogs breakfast and make myself a coffee while catching up on Instagram dms and emails, as well as (most days) posting on Instagram. Then I’ll take the dogs for a walk at the botanic gardens which are near our home. My new routine now I have a studio is to head into the studio for a couple of hours and work on a creative project there if I can, usually fitting in a couple of errands while I’m out. I usually have one piece of video content to make for brand work each week so depending on what that is I’ll spend most of a day prepping and filming that and editing the next day. I have a couple of zooms and usually a coffee meeting or two each week that I slot in.

When Sam gets home in the evening we usually hang out and cook dinner together if we’re not rushed and then watch a couple of episodes of TV. I’ve recently learned to crochet so I’ve been doing that while we watch tv to keep me off my phone more!

12. What is your favourite room in your home and why?

I really love our living room at the moment, it’s really social but also just nice and cozy for just us and the pets. When I sit there I feel surrounded by things that I love and it just feels like home.

13. What’s your most treasured piece in your home and why?

This is a hard question because I really do treasure almost everything, it’s why I chose them haha. But if I had to choose it would be the portrait of a grumpy young girl we bought last year in Paris at an antique market, I just love it so much.

14. What are the specific things you look for when purchasing pieces for your home?

Whether I’m buying new or second hand - quality is key for me. I don’t want things that will break or be worn out and end up in the bin. Even if my tastes or needs change I like to know I have good quality pieces that can go on to be loved by someone else. I also have to really love things, even the functional things in the house can spark joy so why settle for boring?

15. And lastly, what is your favourite piece from the Mosey Me range & why?

After sleeping very soundly underneath it for the past while I have to say the Stripe Seersucker Quilt Cover is my absolute favourite. I love the colours and the seersucker fabric is just so scrumptious.

Evie's bedroom featuring her favourite Seersucker Stripe Quilt Cover, with Crimson Maypole pillowcases and Velvet Stripe round cushion.

Rapid Fire Round

Sunrise or Sunset? Sunset!
Ocean or Country? Country
Good Movie or Good Book? Good book.
Silver or Gold? Gold 100%
Salty or Sweet? Salty
Pink or Purple? Pink
Wine or Cocktail? Wine
3 Songs you couldn't live without? “Harder than you think” Public Enemy “Feel the way I want” by Caroline Rose, “Heroes” by David Bowie

 

Learn more about Evie at www.eviekemp.com or on Instagram @eviekemp