Happy New Year! 2016 is here, which means plenty more interviews with our favourite interior bloggers. First out this year is Martyn from Martyn White Designs. We sat down with Martyn to find out how he uses his blog to build on his design degree, as well as showcasing the interior designs he’s lusting over and looking forward to in 2016.

tell us a bit about yourself?

I would describe myself as an interior design fanatic. I have had a huge passion for interior design for as long as I can remember. I loved visiting home stores when I was a child and climbing into the cupboards! The majority of my working life has been focused around luxury, so I’ve always been surrounded by incredible and inspirational designs that have continuously fed my passion. I now have my own website, which I started to develop at the end of 2014, that has allowed me to explore many avenues within luxury furniture, art and interior design.

When did you start blogging and why?

I officially started blogging under the name Martyn White Designs in August of 2014. I had sporadically posted before this date but it was a mash of random subjects and events. I love writing about design and found that it was the perfect way that I could share my discoveries and passion online, with people that had similar interests. As things developed, I found that friends, family and even strangers were asking for my advice on decoration and designs. I knew that my blog could be a fantastic way of introducing people to new designers, helping to inspire them in their decorating choices.

How did you decide to blog about interiors?

I wanted so desperately to work in, and be associated with, the interior design world. I have a degree within the subject but found it incredibly difficult to be considered for design jobs as someone starting out has such a limited portfolio. There were so many avenues that I wanted to explore and I knew that the only way that I could do all of them was by starting my own website and blog. Once I did, people started contacting me with interior design questions and I knew that I could use my knowledge and experience to introduce designs and inspire people.

How do you select what topics and material to publish on your blog?

When I first started blogging, many of the topics and content were decided upon through research and discovery. I would see something that I fell in love with and knew that others would love it just as much. As time has progressed, many more companies and designers contact me directly to introduce their products. A rule that I always stand by, is that I have to have the passion and love for it to be featured. I feel incredibly lucky to have fantastic readers that are quite vocal. I can easily find out what content my readers love and in turn they know that each of my articles are genuine, with my heart, soul and passion behind them.

What advice would you give to people looking to start a blog?

I get asked this question a lot! You have to be in it for the long haul. Unless you are extremely lucky, it takes a long time for a blog to gain momentum. You have to build followers and have enough weight behind your blog for it to be discovered. Always stay true to your content: it’s so easy to fall into the cash trap where companies offer you money to feature their designs. If the content does not match your blog, do not use it, no matter how much money they are offering. Show your passions!

How would you describe your interior style?

I am very contemporary when it comes to design. The Scandinavian look is my favourite, however, I love to add a traditional twist to designs. It is important to look forward in design but also respect designs of the past. London is a huge mixing pot of new and traditional designs, which has inspired many of my designs.

Where do you find inspiration?

Much of my inspiration comes from London and its surroundings. The city is so diverse and rich in history, that every corner you turn reveals something new and exciting. To have incredible designers and brands on my doorstep really feeds my imagination! Something that I have been told differentiates me is my love for architecture. All of my favourite designers are architects rather than interior designers, which has given me an appreciation for a different set of materials, incorporating elements of exterior design.

Can you describe the style of your current bedroom?

Very contemporary in design: green tones against a white background, with modern dark wood furniture. Unsurprisingly, my bed is my favourite focus of the room with multiple layers and textures.

WHAT INTERIOR OBJECTS ARE YOU LUSTING OVER RIGHT NOW?

An object that I’ve been lusting over for some time, is vintage stage light floor lamps. These lights have so much character to them – and such a rich past. I’m holding out to find the perfect design; one where I can discover its story. Other objects that I simply cannot get enough of are glassware designs. My glassware collection has grown so much in the past year that I have had to purchase three new units to keep them in! Yes, I do use it all!

What interior trends are you looking forward to in 2016?

I am looking forward to seeing injections of colour return. 2015 was about subtle tones and light prints, but we are already starting to see more detailed and daring prints hit the stores. I think this will give people the confidence to mix things up and be a little more daring.

Which article on MARTYN WHYTE DESIGNS would you consider your favourite?

I love all my posts equally! but there are two articles that I have a soft spot for: the Mondrian Hotel post because I had the opportunity to snoop around a luxury five-star hotel designed by one of my favourite furniture designers, and my first ever interior review, which was a converted grade II listed vicarage.

What is your next interior project?

It is still in the planning stages, but I am in discussion with another designer about collaborating to transform a traditional property with some very characterful twists! You will have to stay tuned to find out more! What interior trends are you looking forward to in 2016? Let us know in the comments below or share by tweeting us on @gingerlilyltd All of the images featured in this post belong to Martyn, Martyn White Designs. Please contact Martyn if you wish to use any of his images.