Interior designer Kelly Hoppen CBE, the undisputed queen of sophisticated, quietly luxurious interiors, has singled out Ian Hippolyte's beautifully curated London home, which he pulled together with classic high-street buys as the home that best represents 'luxe for less' in House Beautiful's Real Style Awards 2026.
Kelly says: ‘Ian has a confident eye for pieces that feel considered and full of character. There’s a real simplicity to the way he builds a room, but the layering of tones and tactile textures creates depth and warmth. The detail feels intentional, from the florals to the sculpture and ceramics – it’s calm, balanced and well edited. The space has room to breathe and that’s where the quiet luxury comes through. Congratulations, Ian.’
We asked Ian (@ian.hippolyte) to reveal his tried-and-tested approach to capturing an elevated look without spending a fortune.
What’s your decorating style in three words?
Curated, refined and timeless.
What’s your ultimate real style secret?
Scale is so important. Opting for bigger decor pieces, such as an 8-foot indoor tree, large lamps and extra-large artworks, can make your home look much more luxe than using smaller pieces.
What are your top three tips for creating a luxury look on a budget?
1. Take advantage of sales, such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
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2. Sometimes, it’s ok to just get the dupe.
3. Create DIY artwork or use large prints if you can't afford to commission a piece.
