An esteemed pioneer in her field, Elizabeth Danon has, without doubt, revitalized the world of Home Staging. Since studying Interior Architecture at University, Elizabeth felt the calling and passion for making different spaces work for people. Her ethos, uniquely holistic: positively connecting our physical environment with our mental well-being. Her ultimate mission: to clear and create spaces that enable her clients to make the most of their personal surroundings whilst also incorporating their individual style and vision.

We were fortunate enough to catch up with Elizabeth and find out more about her special approach to interiors, her company EDIT and her plans for the future.

HSA: Where did your passion for interiors begin?

Elizabeth Danon: From a very young age I would rearrange my bedroom every half a year and wake up feeling like I had a new life. I always knew that my space affected the way I felt.

I really had no idea I was passionate about interior design until my art foundation at Chelsea Art College, where I studied fine art, fashion, illustration and spatial design. I was quite oblivious to what spatial or interior design actually was, I just knew I had a strong natural eye for spaces. Then I applied at Brighton University for Interior Architecture (not even thinking I’d get a place) and I got on the course and that was that!

HSA: You have an interior architectural background. How did home staging get in the picture?

Elizabeth Danon: I realised there was a big gap between interior design and staging/styling. I felt the only way to really sell a home is to design the interior appropriately.

Interior architecture taught me to respect the light, flow and overall energy of a space. Most of the time these interiors are already planned out, meaning you have to adjust and adapt by using alternative ways of thinking.

I’m interested in the psychology behind a vision that appeals to everyone, styled within individual places – EDIT Property Styling gives me that exciting challenge each time.

HSA: What inspired your holistic approach to interior design? Can you tell us a little bit more about how you work?

Elizabeth Danon: When I walk into any space, whether it’s a friend’s home or an empty development, my brain automatically designs the interior. The only way I can describe it is that it’s like some sort of Matrix vision ability.

I take in the light, smells, flow and the energy of the space, or what that energy needs to be. For that reason the only option for me is to work in a holistic way.

From the very beginning of the design process I provide space clearing (decluttering) sessions with my clients, taking into consideration their way of life, how they use their space and their dreams for their optimum lifestyle. When it’s a new build project, I figure out how to bring life to what might appear to be an empty soulless space.

HSA: How did you come up with the “Interior Therapy” concept?

Elizabeth Danon: My original name on my website was Elizabeth Danon Interiors.

What seemed to set me apart from other interior designers was that I worked in this holistic way. My initial sessions with clients reminded me of a therapy session, where they would open up to me about their desires but also their sadness which was reflected in their environment.

Because my original business name was a bit of a mouthful I was trying to form an acronym. The therapeutic element of interior design is how your environment affects you.

Elizabeth Danon Interior Therapy just so happened to form the word EDIT, which also by pure chance worked perfectly with my approach to design!

I edit environments and therefore edit people’s lives – removing the things that don’t work well in their life anymore and enhance the things that do.

HSA: What is your space clearing method and how do you use it when helping your clients with their homes?

Elizabeth Danon: We begin with some simple questions to open up their life vision, including their likes and dislikes. It’s a process that is refined to honour and appreciate the things they already own that might be hidden (possibly an unframed picture or a beautiful vase inside a cupboard).

We set those important items aside and then tackle each room by removing everything from the wardrobe, cupboards or any full spaces, then we go through each item and only put back those items which are beautiful or useful in some way.

I respect my client’s decision on every item, and we find that the process speeds up as they get into the flow.

It’s incredibly releasing as we go through this process, and in every case, it is life-changing.

My clients feel better in their work, relationships and most of all the relationship with themselves through treating their environment with respect and love.

HSA: You founded your company EDIT in 2008 – what motivated you to start your own company and how did it start?

Elizabeth Danon: In 2008 I began blogging about interior design for fun; I enjoyed sharing my research on the psychology of your environment and how it affects you.

EDIT Property Styling was formed 2 years ago as an inspired thought in the shower. (one of the best places to think clearly)

I had found that so many properties in the UK were being put up on RightMove in terrible states, or that they were often completely empty. They’d remain on the market unsold often for a year or more, which seemed quite unnecessary and clearly painstaking for the seller.

Over the years I had been offered various items from brands which I would feature on my blog. I would write about these items and take photos of them styled in my home.

This is where those two circumstances came together to form a solution – let’s show off these beautiful items in real-life properties and in turn enable that property to sell in its prime.

Potential buyers are enticed from the moment they see the online listing photographs right through to the experience of walking around a property that is designed and styled to its highest standard.

Since that moment I’ve created a company that enables homeowners and property developers to sell their spaces in an affordable way with a quick turnaround, whilst also inspiring potential buyers to experience a new lifestyle.

HSA: What can EDIT offer to a homeowner who is looking to stage their property?

Elizabeth Danon: A quick turnaround on the sale of their property, an affordable package that includes interior design, installation, styling and photography and high-quality styling using premium brands to specifically suit their property and attract buyers.

HSA: What was your most challenging project?

Elizabeth Danon: A two-bedroom apartment that had been built on top of an existing development. The staircase had been narrowed by 5cm meaning that any sort of standard width sofa couldn’t fit through the door frame. I solved the problem by sourcing a sofa that had been designed to come in pieces, and that’s easily put together in 5 minutes!

Smaller spaces tend to be thought of as requiring smaller furniture, however what I’ve found is that when you place furniture in the room, it actually feels more spacious – this is because it creates scale that we can relate to.

HSA: For you, what are the most important pieces every home should have?

Elizabeth Danon: A comfortable sofa, wooden or fabric upholstered beds, appealing artwork, well designed lighting, clever storage, real plants and beautiful accessories.

Using natural materials throughout is the most important factor to consider. This is because natural materials appear (and are) far more luxurious and they also connect people to their environment.

HSA: What are your favourite interior design trends for 2019?

Elizabeth Danon: I like to stick to design classics that use natural materials. True style has no life span, it doesn’t come in and out of trend, it’s timeless.

HSA: What are your best tips for those who are looking to restyle their home?

If you’re styling to sell your home then you need to remove all personalised items, add in affordable plants and artwork that is neutral. Freshen up your sofa with some high quality cushions and make the beds in white cotton sheets with a bedspread. Most of all keep it neutral and only add colours that are soothing like tones of blue and green. And… get in touch with me for a consultation.

HSA: What are you working on at the moment?

Elizabeth Danon: I have just completed a townhouse on Montpelier Place in Hove. Within a month 3 out of 5 of the properties have sold. My next installation is in Portslade in a 2 bedroom house as part of a development of an Old Brewery. I’m looking forward to styling this one as it will have some original character.

HSA: What are your plans for the future?

Elizabeth Danon: To expand and grow my business and serve as many developers and homeowners as we can! I love what I do and I’m offering this service all over East Sussex, Surrey and London.

HSA: If you had to give a piece of advice to someone who is looking to become an interior architect like yourself, what would you tell them?

Elizabeth Danon: Your path will be totally unique. Enjoy each moment of the process and keep being approachable and friendly; you’re far more likely to attract wonderful clients and exciting projects in the future. Don’t be put off by the technical side of things, what’s most important is passion and vision, that’s what people will need most from you.

Focus on the space and your client and the rest will flow.

Find out more about Elizabeth and EDIT here: http://www.editpropertystyling.com/