Behind The Scenes: The Peter Jones Stage Designer Bringing Chelsea Arts Festival to Life

As Chelsea Arts Festival returns from 16–20 September, iconic Sloane Square department store Peter Jones was tasked with creating bespoke stage sets for two very different venues: the grand, historic Cadogan Hall and the sleek contemporary Saatchi Gallery. The brief? To design spaces that felt both visually arresting and genuinely aspirational – somewhere audiences could sit, be inspired, and leave with real ideas to take home. We caught up with Peter Jones home design stylist, Anna Stevens, to find out more.

Interview: Peter Jones Home Design Stylists

What was the inspiration behind the Peter Jones stage sets at Chelsea Arts Festival, and what story did you want the space to tell?

The inspiration behind both stages was to create two vibrant and engaging spaces that not only reflect the colours and feel of both venues but also combine the colour palette reflected in the hero imagery for both venues, really pulling in the vibrant pink and purple hues. The main feeling of the spaces I wanted to portray was an energetic, engaging and inspiring theme throughout reflecting the insightful events taking place within both venues.

Were there any particular colours, materials, textures or design references that influenced the look and feel of the set?

I wanted to use different textures for the different venues to encapsulate the feel and aesthetic of each venue. For Cadogan Hall I wanted to focus on the more elegant and traditional feel by incorporating darker, rich velvets and deeper toned wood, making the festival colors feel regal and deeply integrated into the historic architecture.

I then took a completely different approach for the Saatchi Gallery. I wanted that space to feel fresh, clean, and modern. I opted to embrace a Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic, stripping things back with lighter, blonde woods and natural, airy fabrics. It took the exact same color family and made it feel bright, minimalist, and perfectly suited for a contemporary art space.

Ultimately, it was about using materials to create two entirely different experiences – celebrating Cadogan’s rich past in one room, and Saatchi’s forward-looking energy in the next.

How did you approach creating a space that feels both aspirational and achievable for customers looking to take ideas home with them?

A core goal was to make both spaces feel genuinely inspiring and transferable into people’s homes. I want customers to look at these spaces and feel inspired to recreate that same feel in their own homes. By thoughtfully curating everyday home accessories – like cushions, rugs, and vases – it demonstrates just how effortless it is to breathe new life into a pre-existing space. It highlights how the simple introduction of the right accessories can instantly elevate a space without needing a full room renovation.

What are some of the key interior trends you’re seeing at the moment, and how are these reflected in the styling at Peter Jones?

A key trend we are seeing is really veering away from cooler, grey tones and adding rich, warm, earthy tones into your home to create much warmer and calmer feeling spaces. Currently at Peter Jones we have curated different room sets to represent this season’s trends: modern luxe, rustic, Scandi, and traditional. This allows you to see how you can easily incorporate these trends into your home. Combining different textures – glass, brass, reclaimed wood and layered accessories – within room sets at Peter Jones highlights how to create a cohesive space with dimension and depth within your home.

For someone looking to refresh their home, what are some simple ways they can introduce more personality or elevate their space without completely starting again?

You can instantly elevate your home and inject personality by focusing on layered lighting, intentional styling, and high-impact textiles rather than embarking on a full renovation. For example, in a very neutral room adding pops of colour in cushions, rugs and wall art will instantly lift the space. Minor, deliberate adjustments to your existing layout and decor can completely transform the mood of a room.

Beyond the seasonal displays and stage sets, what can customers discover at Peter Jones when it comes to interiors and home styling, and how can the team help them bring their ideas to life?

When it comes to interiors and home styling, our Home Design Service located within the Furniture department is here to advise and bring your project to life no matter how big or small. We offer free personalised advice and inspiration for your budget and needs, from basic accessories to full room redesigns. Once you have an initial appointment in store we will create a design totally bespoke to you. We’ll provide you with your design using moodboards, 3D Imagery and a personalised shopping list, working with you every step of the way to bring your project to life.

Find out more at Home Design Talk: The Inspiration Behind Our Chelsea Arts Festival Stage at 2pm Friday 18 September at Peter Jones. Tickets avilable at eventbrite.co.uk