London-based design expert Christian Bense works with residential clients across the UK to transform the interiors of their luxury homes. Creating living spaces that blend traditional and contemporary styles, the South African-born designer provides a full creative service from initial consultancy to selecting the final furnishings and artwork.

We spoke to the interior designer about the influences behind his aesthetic approach and why he thinks online galleries are an effortless way to discover new artists.

We really enjoy seeing the interior projects you work on. How would you describe your fundamental design style?

My style reflects a cross-pollination of contemporary and traditional. Mixing the blank slate thinking of South Africa, with a distinct nod to the more traditional homes and interiors of the UK where I currently live and work.

The idea of mixing old versus new, contemporary versus traditional, is not something which is particularly unique in the world of interior design, however my style is more than just pairing a few antiques with some shiny new furniture. Rather it’s about creating spaces that effortlessly splice these two concepts, producing something that is unique to the home and the client. Every home I work on may end up having a different ratio of the two, and it is this ambiguity in the style which makes my projects unique to me.

If money was no object, what piece of furniture or art would you buy?

I believe that art will always outlive furniture, so if I had to make a substantial investment in one or the other, it would definitely be art.

I have been a fan of Adebayo Bolaji’s work for a while now and would love to get my hands on one of his pieces. Apart from being obviously striking, having studied art in South Africa, there’s a familiarity to his work which I love.

What have been some of your favourite interiors you’ve worked on since starting your own design studio?

There is one project in particular which those who know me the best have all described as “very you”. When you are trying to establish who you are as a designer, it is important to take those cues from the people in your life, as those sorts of reviews are often the most telling. The most unfiltered.

With references pulled from the forever classic Heckfield Place and Ett Hem hotel, this project says more about my client's impeccable taste than anything else. What started as a single consultation to help tie up a few loose ends in the early stages of the build, my consultancy role soon became a fully involved design service. With the scope covering all five bedrooms, the vast open-plan living spaces, formal lounges and a fully equipped basement cinema, this project is a prime example of collaboration, clear focus and the freedom to deliver on brief.

How do you usually select artwork for clients? Are there any particular places online or in real life you visit to find inspiration?

There will always be a debate between designers about what is the right way to select art for a project or design. Personally I think that art should be an additional layer to a design, rather than being at the starting point of a design. So it is very seldom that I would start with art, but rather I tend to finish off a design with it.

I tend to keep the discussions around art separate from the initial design meetings. Obviously art locations are established early on, however in order for my designs to feel organic and effortlessly curated, what is ultimately hung in those locations is for a separate discussion.

Instagram is an amazing resource for discovering work, but I always find myself heading back to the likes of your website and other online galleries who all have amazing platforms which are easy to navigate. If my client is purchasing art which is new to them I want them to select pieces which they are drawn to on their own, rather than letting the design dictate this decision.

When it comes to sourcing furniture and art objects, you must deal with a varied range of client tastes. What styles are you naturally most drawn to?

Having just finished my own apartment recently, this is still a question I am struggling to answer. Danish mid-century is probably a lazy answer, everybody loves a bit of that. I think rather than trying to pinpoint an actual style, a vibe is probably easier to pinpoint. That vibe would have to be sleek masculinity. This is a hard question.

What advice would you give to people who want to add art to their interiors and aren’t sure where to start?

If you are unsure of where to start, focus on scale before you worry about content. Every home needs some large-format art, get the ball rolling there, and the smaller pieces will be harder to intertwine.

We’re so pleased you featured ceramics by two of our artists Abid Javed and The Clay Assemblage in a recent project. What attracted you to their work?

What I love about Abid’s pieces is that there is an ambiguity of purpose to them. They can be either a vessel or art on their own. They have movement and life in them which really adds value to a room.

Do you have any tips for establishing an interior style that will last?

If you want to develop a style that will last, it needs to have its foundations on intellect and design principles rather than simply wanting to replicate a visual. Any designer should be able to interpret any style, but that’s not the point. To establish a style, one which will last, you need to understand what it is you want to achieve first.

Explore more ceramics by Abid Javed here.