Brian Woulfe is a tastemaker in more ways than one. At a young age, he was a classically trained pianist and later set up classical music label Landor Records. As an A-list interior designer with his studio, Designed by Woulfe, he makes dream homes for high-profile clients. He also runs a digitally led creative agency, Social with Woulfe. To provide a platform for LGBT professionals, he founded The Village Speakeasy. Now based in Phuket, the Irish-born decorator adds his flair to high-style private quarters, high-end properties and, most recently, the new Judith Leiber showroom at EmQuartier.
How do you ventures complement one another?
Each one represents a part of me. From my training as a concert pianist from a very young age to my interest in art and design, they all represent the things I'm extremely passionate about — passion for music, passion for design and passion for people.
DOES YOUR BACKGROUND IN CLASSICAL MUSIC HELP WITH INTERIOR DESIGN?
A career in music does not happen overnight. In order to succeed in the competitive musical world, you have to be consistently raising the bar for yourself. You need a patient, persistent attitude and to enjoy learning and improving your skills every day. I think these skills assist me tremendously in my daily life, as an interior designer and creative director.
WHY DID YOU MOVE TO THAILAND?
That's easy: the lifestyle and the people. I love the warm climate, the charming people and the lovely scenery. Coming from cold, wet London, it was a refreshing change to wake up to the sun, blue skies and crystal clear beaches. I also love that Thailand attracts a wonderful assortment of visitors from abroad who wish to put down roots here by building wonderful properties, which I've been lucky enough to design. In a way I feel that I am contributing to the shape and style of the country in the 21st century, which is a humbling but ultimately thrilling thought.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE SPOTS IN PHUKET?
Taste Surin Beach, Old Phuket Town, Trisara, Point Yamu by Como and Suay Restaurant in Phuket Town.
WHAT IS MOST REWARDING ABOUT BEING AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?
I guess it's an obvious answer, but helping others fulfil their dreams when it comes to making a home is possibly the most rewarding part of my job. I'm never tired of seeing people's faces when they walk into a room that has recently had a sprinkling of Woulfe fairy dust! I get tremendous satisfaction from bringing an idea to fruition and from marrying my clients' particular tastes with functional needs — and, of course, the dreaded budget! Let's be honest, what designer likes budgets?
DESCRIBE YOUR FAVOURITE ROOM IN YOUR HOUSE.
I'm a complete hopeless romantic! It has got to be my living room lit with candles, burning incense, lots of cushions, mood lighting and, of course, the TV to watch The Notebook and Sleepless in Seattle for the 100th time. While waiting for the perfect person to come into my life, it also makes a great place to unwind and relax with friends and family, play board games or listen to music.
WHAT PART OF THE HOUSE IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOR LOUNGING?
My earliest memories centred around my mother and the meals prepared in the kitchen. Although I rarely have time these days, I love to flick through the scribbled asides in the margins of my cookbooks, passed-down recipes and recipes shared by friends. I have so many memories of times spent there — special occasions such as Christmas dinner and ordinary daily events such as eating breakfast on a dark, cold winter morning before being sent off to school. Whenever I have a party, people gravitate with their drinks to the kitchen. They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, after all, and food is certainly the way to a man's heart!
