Interior designer Joanne Atkinson

Jan 2 2010 By Hannah Davies

INTERIOR designer Joanne Atkinson works with Neil Wilson Design. Joanne previously worked in the Army in intelligence in Northern Ireland and Iraq, but decided on a career change. With encouragement from her sister she retrained in interior design.

She is from Kirkby Malzeard in North Yorkshire but lives in Newcastle with her boyfriend John who she met in the Army.

Where do you live?

In a modern two-bed apartment on the Quayside.

My boyfriend John (from Newcastle, who I met in the Army) has just moved in so it is great
to be in such a central location together.

What’s your dream house?

I would love a ranch in Argentina with a big veranda and a view of the pampas.

I spent three months working on a horse ranch near Corrientes in between career changes to give me space to decide what I really wanted to do next.

What’s your favourite part of the North East?

I love living so near the coast for the first time. I have recently taken up surfing at Tynemouth and I now have the bug.

What is your favourite building in the North East?

The Sage Gateshead because I can see it from my window and the curves of the interior remind me of the Guggenheim Museum in New York.

Best holiday you’ve ever had?

Skiing in Lake Tahoe with my family, followed by three days in Las Vegas when I finished working in the Army.

It had been such a long time since we had a family holiday, just my sister, me and our parents. It was intended to celebrate my mum’s 60th as well as my safe return from Iraq.

We gave my mum a surprise makeover when we arrived in Vegas – blindfolding her and dressing her up as Elvis!!

Favourite thing in your home?

My red retro dining chairs. I love combining old timeless classic pieces within a modern environment. Although I love natural materials I also love bright colours, and I always try to combine the two.

If you could have one luxury, what would it be?

A studio ... my own space where I could paint, make pots, make stained glass, without having to put things away at the end of the day.

What are you working on at the moment?

At Neil Wilson Design (NWD), I am finishing the interior design plans for the new hotel brand Ryokan Hotel which means “Japanese Inn”. It is a full renovation job we are doing which is situated on the Westgate Road in Newcastle, where it will have an adjoining restaurant called Luigikhans with an unusual Italian/Indian fusion. Due to open in January 2010.

Who or what is the love of your life?

My sister is my favourite person, she is always supportive, inspiring and funny – and she and took me
on holiday when I couldn’t afford to go.

Favourite shop?

The Baltic Shop. It has a unique range of books on contemporary art and culture, a brilliant collection of funky art-world stuff, as well as prints, homeware and some
unusual design-led pieces of furniture.

Favourite restaurant?

As You Like It in Jesmond. I love interiors that use reclaimed/recycled furniture and materials in such a thrown-together way, achieving a look that is actually quite difficult to do successfully.

Favourite pub?

I like Popolos. I love the 1950s diner feel, the bright art nouveau- style red-and-black striped bar, the patterned floor tiles, the orange glow given by the tinted window, the projections on the walls, the cocktails ...

What’s the last play or film you saw?

The Kite Runner, which was brilliant. It shows in drama some of the cruel history of Afghanistan, from the Soviet invasion to Taliban desolation.

What book are you reading at the moment?

People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks. I am finding this historical fiction fascinating, and such a different approach. It follows the story of a rare Jewish manuscript which survives centuries of exile and war.

It brings together Jews, Muslims and Christians who all recognise the value of the book and risk their lives to protect it.

What are you listening to on your music player at the moment?

Paulo Nutini’s (pop rock, soul reggae) latest album Coming Up Easy.

Favourite TV programme?

I’m trying not to watch so much television, but I like the secret indulgence of Come Dine With Me – not secret any more! I like watching the cookery attempts as well as the group dynamics experiments.

What are you proudest of?

Attempting to help make Iraq a fairer country. Although the motives for the invasion are questionable, I believe that returning the country to a place where people are not being oppressed for their ethnicity can only be a good thing in the long term.

When and where were you happiest?

I am happiest now because I’m on a new career path with Neil Wilson Design (NWD) doing interior design work which I thoroughly enjoy and I am determined to continue to get better at it.

Do you have any wisdom to share?

Don’t ever give up.

What does the future hold?

Hopefully to become a great designer. I want to design environments that make people feel simply happier.