For the leading interior designer, that’s just not the point behind opening a series of 50 to 60 international stores stocking her own range of super stylish furniture.

Speaking at the launch of her first concept store in the world - at our Newcastle store - she outlined her defining design philosophy of simplicity, grace and individuality.

“I’m not creating this range to make a lot of mini-me’s,” she said. “For me, it’s so important that a home should be a sanctuary, so I’ve created the range to give people a way of creating homes that are entirely theirs.

“Design has been a passion for me from an early age, and what I have tried to create, based on influences from the East, is a very simple design system that’s actually a way of life.

“My furniture range is there for people to buy one piece, or more, and then put their own identity on it.”

Kelly Hoppen started designing when she was just 16 years old, and after a prestigious career is famed world-wide for her signature palette of neutral shades. She’s famed in other ways, too – as the stepmother of Sienna and Savannah Miller, and for her former marriage to hairdressing superstar Nicky Clarke.

Leading designer Kelly Hoppen MBE outlined her tips for stylish living when she launched her new home furnishing collection at Barker & Stonehouse in Newcastle upon Tyne.