Eldvarm Encounter with Chelsea Reale of Sissy + Marley Interiors

Our next Eldvarm Encounter takes us out to the East Coast of the US to meet Chelsea Reale, one half of Sissy + Marley, the celebrated interior design firm she established with Diana Rice. Known for their elegant use of minimalist design with an immaculate attention to detail and use of materials that celebrate texture, it's no surprise that their work has been featured in publications from Elle Decor to Architectural Digest. Join us as we find out more about what inspires Chelsea, what the fire means to her and how she owes her love of all things beautiful to her mother.

Could you tell us a bit about your background and how you came to be interested in design?

I grew up with a mother who was naturally creative, talented and had an appreciation for everything beautiful. She is a multi-hyphenate as we call it these days. Everything she touched she made beautiful, from a hand knitted sweater, a beautifully set table, a drool worthy meal, and of course the home. My love for fashion, design and all things beautiful was a gift from my mother.

Where do you find inspiration? Is there a particular period in art or design that speaks to you?

There is inspiration everywhere, one only needs to open their eyes and appreciate it. Travel, architecture, nature, music are the obvious ones but truthfully I can also get lost for hours on Pinterest. There are so many talented people in the world who create beautiful homes, make beautiful meals and style clothing in a way that is sure to inspire.

We like to have books that inspire in our showroom so we are always keen to hear what books others find inspiring. What is a book that you share with friends and family?

The House that Pinterest Built is a great book to share. It's real visual eye candy and a lovely story told by Diane Keaton of how she dreamt and built her house from the ground up with the help of visual inspiration from Pinterest.

Do you have a favourite book on design?

There are just too many to pick a favourite! We love stacking books of interest on tables, dressers, benches and shelves so that inspiration is always near.

You're known for your exquisitely chic use of serene colours. Do you think that colour has an impact on mood?

Yes, I would say that we are moved by colour. We are naturally comforted by a neutral palette, and it informs the homes we build and the way we dress. It always feels timeless, crisp, chic, classic and always very luxurious.

Where did you first discover the Eldvarm range? Could you tell us about which is your favourite of our products?

I think the first time we saw Eldvarm products was while we were shopping out East in the Hamptons at MONC XIII. We fell in love with the entire collection and have been specifying Eldvarm for projects ever since. It was love at first sight.

We like to think of collectibles in the home as a way of connecting with moments and memories. What is the most precious item in your home and what is the story behind it?

There is nothing more precious than anything else in our homes, only things we love and we make sure to love them all equally. We believe you should only fill your home with things you absolutely love and that give you joy.

We think of the fireplace as the heart(h) of the home. Do you have any particular memories or associations with the fire from your childhood or more recently?

There is something about a fireplace that is comforting and also mesmerizing. It instantly puts me in a good mood when it's lit. The sound and the warmth the fire gives off is an instant way to make you feel good.

We believe that lighting the fire or a candle can really have the effect of lowering the sounds of life, taking a moment to slow it down. Is this something you relate to?

Absolutely. There is nothing I love more than sitting in front of a warm fireplace with a cup of tea, or a glass of wine.

Eldvarm has built itself around four core elements. These are Love, Beauty, Generosity, Vulnerability. Which of these elements speaks to you the most and why?

Beauty. I feel blessed that I get to create beautiful homes for lovely families, there is no better feeling.

If you'd like to keep up with Chelsea's work at Sissy + Marley Interiors be sure to follow them on Instagram and check out their website and services. You're sure to find ample inspiration for serene living and you might just spot an Eldvarm piece by the fire!