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Words: Kate Thompson. Photos: Jennifer Channer, owner/photographer at Liberty Photography
When Southsea-based stylist and jewellery designer Charlie Smith offered to throw open the doors of her seaside pied-à-terre for the Welcome Home treatment, we didn’t have to think twice.
Undoubtedly there’s something so satisfying in seeing how someone who makes their living advising others on how to have a gorgeous gaff, actually lives themselves.
Her top floor apartment in a delightful purpose-built development overlooking the Ladies Mile, is a symphony of calm and consideration.
Over a freshly brewed coffee, Charlie explained she started visiting Southsea many moons ago when her good friend Neil opened Lano Yoga Studio here. She regularly came down to practice and fell in love with Southsea.
“I really came to appreciate the vibe here. I have lived in New York and Miami, and elements of Southsea reminded me of the juxtaposition of buildings and architecture. I knew when my children were old enough I wanted to move to be by the sea, and coming to Southsea has been the best decision I’ve ever made,” said Charlie.
When it comes to her personal style, Charlie admitted she loved nothing more than changing the whole look and feel of her home. She has experimented with lots of interior themes from eclectic rock and roll, vibrant colours and overloads of vintage to classic English county.
“I’ve opted for a neutral palette and wanted to create a sense of calm, with a bit of a coastal feel. I’ve used mirrors to make the most of the light, and I love to use different textures,” she explained.
As she shows me around the flat, you can instantly see how Charlie has used her trained eye to make the most of the space. There’s plenty of artefacts and interesting stuff on show, but the effect isn’t overwhelming.
While she isn’t a feng shui advocate, she does believe in tapping into the energy of a space and uses crystals to unlock positive energy.
The colour palette flows from room to room and occasional pops of colour bring vibrancy. The eye is instantly drawn to the carefully curated books on a shelf in the hallway and the pleasingly arranged necklaces on individual hooks in her bedroom.
Charlie admitted she has always had an eye for detail, and when she enters a room she can instantly see how she would arrange it.
“It’s all very intuitive. It’s like I get a picture in my mind of how a room could look.,” she confided.
Settling in Southsea has enabled Charlie to work with local businesses like Southsea Gallery, Southsea Nets and Wrap Interiors. She also works closely with major brands such as sofa.com, and can access the best deals for her clients along with Victory Colours Eco Paint.
“I call myself a savvy stylist. Having worked with some of the major names I know how the system works and where to buy the products that the brands stock without the big price labels. Working with a stylist doesn’t have to cost a load. Having someone with a good eye to offer advice and taking the plunge by having a good declutter can work wonders and will re-energise your room,” said Charlie, who also works with commercial clients and specialises in window dressing.
Charlie’s styling top tips:
Find out more about Charlie’s practice here www.bycharliesmith.co.uk
Posted in: Articles, Home & Garden
