Stylish Living with Emma Hoareau

London-based photographer, mentor and self-professed skincare geek, Emma Hoareau knows a thing or two about skincare products, how they work and what to use to keep a healthy and glowing complexion - one of the reasons why I was excited to include her in the Skincare & Beauty section of my book. Another one of those reasons is that she’s half French and although she moved from Paris to the UK as a child, she perfectly embodies that ‘effortless’ French attitude towards beauty and skincare that’s so sought after today. Her skincare and beauty routines are natural, pared back and focused on making her attributes shine. She also has an incredibly healthy (and enviable) mindset towards her body and isn’t afraid to show her skin (which I also believe can partly be attributed to her Parisian upbringing). She has a natural confidence and champions the female body with her refreshing, creative and positive content. This natural confidence also seeps into her style and the way that she’s decorated her home, which both feel very her.

Her home - a two story apartment in a period building that’s located in East London, is thoughtfully decorated in shades of pinks, neutrals and whites - hues that perfectly aline with her work and interests. Unsurprisingly her bathrooms are the showstoppers of the space, each one unique - the shower room is covered in beautiful pink tone zellige tiles, while the other (larger, with a bath) is clean, bright and white, with floor to ceiling square white tiles, traditional fixtures and a gorgeous black and white mosaic-tiled floor that makes it look incredibly luxurious and five star hotel-worthy. She’s created a home and sanctuary that beautifully reflects who she is as a person, without adhering to any trends. You can see more of it, along with the renovations she completed on her interiors focused account, The Flat Upstairs and scroll down for the interview.

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How would you describe your home’s style?

That’s tricky, as I would just describe it as ‘me’, but that’s a bit vague to most! I think I’ve always wanted to create the sense of calm and relaxation in my home. I’m drawn to warm colors, dark wood - so I suppose mainly mid century - but plus a few more modern pieces, and lots of memories in photo and trinket form.

Last item you bought for your home?

It was a throw for my bed back in winter when it had gotten so cold! For me my bed is my total oasis and I’ve spent years making it perfect. Sleep and rest are so important for me.

What’s on your nightstand?

Books, a notebook, a lamp and far too many beauty products! I love massaging my feet with oil before bed, and using CBD and magnesium to calm the mind and body. Plus a lovely hand cream and lip balm - and a rose quartz eye mask (great for headaches!)

Signature home scent?

Byredo Safran or the Costa Brazil candle is so unique and I like to burn it in the hallway so you get a waft when you walk in! I always get compliments on the scent of my home which makes me happy.

Favorite tabletop items for entertaining?

I have these placemats from Polkra, which are each unique and have a drawing of a mythical animal on. They’re cute, colorful and make for great conversation pieces – I always get my guests to pick their animal when sitting down.

Favorite piece(s) of furniture/treasure in your home?

My mantlepiece! I waited nearly 2 years to find the perfect antique one that fit the space and the tones I was after. I found it on Vinterior; it was actually listed as a ‘wall console’. It totally changed the feel of the living room, lifted it up and gave it a much more grown up and elegant vibe.

Handbag essentials you don’t leave home without?

Lip balm, sunglasses – and in this current heat – a hand fan!

Beauty product you can’t live without?

I should probably say SPF, but there is nothing more satisfying to me than doing a proper double cleanse in the evenings. It’s truly a ritual for me and I just love the feeling of freshly washed and hydrated skin after a long day.

Favorite cut flowers for displaying in a vase?

Hydrangeas are my total favorite. We had a bush of them when I was younger and they always remind me of it – plus I also love the very subtle scent (even though so many people say they are scent-less!)

What’s on your wishlist for your wardrobe?

The perfect pair of summer shorts that work for meetings and walks. Let me know if you’ve got ideas! (I do: here, here and here.)

Paris Favorites:

For coffee/tea – Café Kitsune. A cliché, but a classic.

For a glass of wine or cocktail – Vivant 2. I love sitting at the bar.

For shopping for interiors – Merci, bien sur!

For dining – Chez Janou. I only went recently but it was worth the hype! I need to go back for the chocolate mousse.

For art/ exhibitions – Musée de Luxembourg – for nostalgia’s sake as I used to play in the park a lot when I was little.