26th September 2025 | IN DESIGN ADVICE | BY SBID Share Tweet Pinterest LinkedIn Emily Dreelan, Director of Emily Day Interiors, has given her insights into the industry. I’ve spent the past twenty years working in the interior design industry, but my love for design began much earlier. My dad was a furniture designer, and I grew up surrounded by upholsterers and makers, which sparked a lifelong passion for interiors. I started out styling show homes while studying for my A-levels, then moved into kitchen and bathroom design. After completing a degree in Sociology, where I explored the impact of urban regeneration on communities, I went on to achieve an HND in Interior Design, blending my understanding of people and places with technical skills. Over the years I’ve worked in project management and as an interior designer for other companies, before opening Emily Day Interiors, my own studio born from a successful and fulfilling career. As a certified colour expert, I specialise in maximalist, modern design; creating spaces rich with colour, pattern, and emotion, always finding the right balance between vibrancy and harmony. Why did you want to work in the interior design profession? From a young age I was immersed in the world of design, my dad was a furniture designer, and I spent much of my childhood surrounded by upholsterers and makers. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and how our surroundings shape the way we live. As I grew, I realised I wanted to create spaces that don’t just look beautiful but truly connect with people and enhance their everyday lives. Studying sociology further reinforced my belief that environments influence how we feel and interact. Interior design became the perfect career path: a way to blend creativity, colour, and pattern with empathy and purpose, transforming houses into homes and spaces into experiences filled with personality and emotion. Emily Day Interiors Emily Day Interiors Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most? I love the challenge of balancing colour, pattern, and texture to craft interiors that feel both vibrant and harmonious. Seeing a space transform from concept to reality never gets old; the moment a room comes together perfectly is incredibly rewarding. I also enjoy the human side of design: understanding how people live, how spaces influence their moods, and tailoring environments that reflect their individuality. For me, interior design is about storytelling through space, colour, and creativity. What has been your most memorable career highlight from the past year? A real highlight of my career over the past year was taking the plunge and opening my own studio. It was a brave step, turning years of experience into a space where I could fully express my creative vision. Even more exciting, my very first solo commercial project earned recognition as a finalist in the SBID Awards. It was incredibly rewarding to see my work celebrated on such a prestigious platform and a real validation of following my passion. Emily Day Interiors What are your favourite types of projects to work on and why? My favourite projects are always those where the client has a clear vision, and I get to bring it to life in my own colourful, emotive way. I love the challenge of working within a budget, finding creative solutions that make every pound count, and incorporating existing pieces of furniture to give them a fresh lease of life. There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating spaces that feel new and vibrant yet still hold echoes of memory and personal history. For me, the best designs balance innovation, colour, and pattern with a sense of continuity and meaning. What are the most challenging aspects of working in interior design? One of the most challenging aspects of working in interior design is balancing the creative demands and tight deadlines of projects with family life. Every project requires focus, attention to detail, and often long hours to bring a client’s vision to life, which can make finding time for loved ones tricky. Learning to manage schedules, set boundaries, and stay organised has been essential. Despite the challenges, the rewards (seeing a space transform and knowing it will be enjoyed for years) make the effort worthwhile and keep the passion for design alive. Emily Day Interiors Emily Day Interiors What do you wish you knew before working in the field? I feel very fortunate to have had an insight into the design industry from a young age, that early exposure gave me a strong foundation, but if I’m honest, I wish I’d known just how fast-moving the industry would become, especially with technology. Tools, software, and design trends evolve constantly, and staying ahead requires continuous learning. While the creative principles remain the same, adapting to new processes, virtual presentations, and digital workflows is a challenge I didn’t fully anticipate when I first started twenty years ago. If you could give one tip to aspiring designers, what would it be? Technology and a strong foundation are both essential in interior design. Social media exposes us to trends and influencers whose styles change quickly, but the key isn’t chasing fast fashion, it’s creating spaces that last. Listen to your clients, understand the fundamentals of design, and combine creativity with practicality. A well-designed space balances personality, function, and longevity, so you can create interiors that remain beautiful and meaningful for years, not just for a season. Emily Day Interiors How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead? I believe that over the next year, interior design will evolve to focus on well-being, connection with nature, and thoughtful technology integration. Wellness-centric spaces that promote relaxation and mental health, alongside natural materials, plants, and light-filled interiors, are becoming central to modern homes. At the same time, technology is playing a dual role—enhancing the design process with advanced tools and smart home features that improve functionality in the finished space. What does being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer mean to you? Being an SBID member is incredibly rewarding. It provides a supportive platform, valuable opportunities for continued learning, and a community that encourages growth and collaboration. Membership represents reaching a level in my career where my experience and achievements are recognised as meeting an industry-leading standard. It’s inspiring to be part of an organisation that not only celebrates excellence in interior design but also offers ongoing support, guidance, and connection with fellow professionals who share the same passion for creating outstanding spaces. Emily Dreelan, Director of Emily Day Interiors About Emily Day Interiors Emily Day Interiors specialises in creating bespoke, inspiring and personalised spaces based on the individual requirements of every client. We offer a range of services to include home styling, interior staging, procurement and full Interior Design Serives. With almost two decades working in the Interior Design industry and specialising in bespoke window treatments, as well as kitchen, bathroom and joinery design, Emily Day Interiors can bring a unique insight into every project. We work closely with our clients as well as our trusted suppliers and partners to create tailor made spaces that fulfill our client’s requirements. Visit Profile If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.