UPDATED - A Brief Encounter with Sir Terence Conran

It's always sad to see the passing of a great designer. And hearing of the death of Sir Terence Conran was particularly poignant. It's not often you get to meet the all time greats but designer Jinny was fortunate to cross paths with this famous British designer who brought modern style and simplicity to homes from the 1960s onwards. Terence Conran is most famous for his groundbreaking Habitat stores and he is widely credited with revolutionising retail and decor. He will be sadly missed.

Here's what happened back in 2014 when Jinny travelled to London for a book signing with Terence Conran. It was a day to remember...

Jinny of Jin Designs travelled to London to meet Sir Terence Conran. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to discuss her designs, but it was a chance to meet one of the world’s leading designers, face-to-face, and get a signature on a book he has just launched. The book signing took place at the fabulous Conran Shop - an amazing space which showcases some of the best contemporary designs for the home. It was a brief encounter with Sir Terence who was friendly and pleasant. When asked if he had any top tips for a designer, his response was “Read the book”. He then went on to pull a quote from his pocket and recite these words…

“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” William Morris

Jinny was delighted with these brief moments of chat and to have the opportunity to meet such an established and influential figure in the design world. She commented “What a lovely man. It wasn’t quite the design advice I’d been hoping for but he does have a very valid point. Maybe it’s time for a clear out at home.” Jinny has always believed in clean and simple designs. Her own design motto is "Keep it Simple". And whilst Sir Terence has been a pioneer of this throughout his retail adventures, Jinny is at the start of her adventures with Jin Designs to offer clean and simple designs for the modern home and lifestyle. The new Terence Conran book is entitled Plain, Simple, Useful - The Essence of Conran Style. Available from all good bookshops - or pick up a copy from the Conran Shop. It’s well worth a visit.