INTERVIEW WITH KATJA BEHRE

I was so excited when designer Katja Behre, creator of the Elli Popp brand, granted me an interview and fresh photographs of her new collection just before their launch. Katja will be showcasing her designs this month at the 20th annual International Contemporary Furniture Fair, in New York this month. I found it almost impossible to choose which wallpapers to show you as they are all so wonderful by name, colour and design, but here is a little sample of the exquisiteness we can expect!


Can you tell us who Katja Behre is?

Katja Behre, independent designer based in London, has been working with colour and design for years. Her work involves a great deal of exploration into both nature and styles of the 1920s. In 2007, Elli Popp was launched at New Designers One Year On satellite event and Tent London. The brand features a variety of art applied to interior design such as wall coverings, cushions, room dividers and chair upholstery, which each hold a personal touch through their uniqueness and natural elements.


How did you choose your umbrella brand name, Elli Popp?

With combining paternal Great Grand Aunt ‘Elli’ with maternal Grandmother’s maiden name ‘Popp’, umbrella brand Elli Popp’s name carries the essence of what it stands for, that is, personality and comfort. It also gives a cheerful and colourfully positive feel.

You have just finished off your new collection, can you tell us all about it?

My new collection is slightly different in that I’ve started to use more insects, dragonflies and butterflies as well as drawings of romantic shaped figures. There are designs with graceful ballerinas dancing with butterflies. Butterflies are used a lot, giving a poetic touch to the new collection. Butterflies, dragonflies and birds seem to carry a natural elegance and sense of depth in movement.


Your work features a range of neo-romantic designs. Where does this stem from? What else inspires you?
My first interest in design began with a fascination of nature, encouraged by my family trade in flowers and garden architecture. I was surrounded by a world of lively colours and shapes, full of huge gardens, forests, greenhouses, and the beautiful nature of Hannover, Germany.

I’m continuously inspired from my environment, people and friends who surround me. London has had a huge influence on my recent work, with its amazing gardens and luscious parks.
Otherwise, I’ve always admired the colours and motifs of the 1920s with their beautiful romantic softly outlined flower patterns and strange colours. The time appears full of life and swing, with hip fashion design and a great sense of style.


And who else inspires you?

Everything around me has an inspiration. As much as I love to see exhibitions, theatre, concerts and cultural events in general, I get my most inspiration by walking around, enjoying the view, colour and shape combinations around me and the playful simplicity of nature. The shadow of a leaveless tree at night, the first blossoms breaking out of their shells or a pink door frame with a wall out of old laquered moss green tiles.

I also have a fascination for vintage objects. I love things which hold a personal, sentimental story behind them. They have a strong influence on me and my own unique style.

What advise would you give to designers starting out today, young or older?
Keep believing and loving what you do, otherwise you may give up before giving a chance to the wonderful and successful things that await. Every fallback brings a new strength and experience. I suppose I’m a bit of a romanticist and believe that if you follow your dreams with a true heart and hard work, eventually something will happen.


You are heading off to the 20th annual International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York this month, are you excited?

I’m very excited and looking forward to both presenting my work and seeing all the other talents invited to the fair. I’m sure it will also be encouraging and constructive for me to get an entirely different view from the American audience.

Work aside, will you have time to explore?

Fortunately I have some free time to walk around New York and explore the city. Also, a really close friend of mine lives here so I’m sure I’ll get to experience the local social side of New York as well, which I’m really looking forward to. I enjoy seeing places that are generally hidden from the big crowd, wandering through small streets and hidden places.
Going to Private views like in London and looking out for some tickets for some great gigs.

And finally, which famous interior would you like to give the Elli Popp treatment too?

The Queens inni ;-)