The SBID UK Interior Design Icons were selected to recognise leading design practices throughout the UK who have consistently displayed exceptional standards within our esteemed industry network.
This week’s instalment of the SBID Icon Insights series features Helen Green Design. Renowned for creating timeless, luxurious, and tailored interiors, the studio seamlessly blends classic elegance with contemporary influences.
A standout project that embodies our design ethos is Harcourt House Apartments Grade II listed residences in the heart of Marylebone. This project beautifully reflects our ability to balance heritage architecture with contemporary living. We introduced layered lighting solutions to enhance the ornate period details while ensuring the space felt modern and inviting. The use of refined materials, bespoke furnishings, and carefully curated finishes created an interior that feels luxurious yet understated—something that is central to our approach.
The future of interior design is being shaped by a renewed focus on timeless craftsmanship, sustainability, and the fusion of tradition with modernity. Clients are increasingly seeking personalized, curated interiors that reflect their lifestyle while standing the test of time. The demand for bespoke, artisan-made pieces continues to grow, as does an appreciation for historic architectural details reinterpreted in a contemporary way. Additionally, there is a shift towards holistic well-being in design, incorporating biophilic elements, natural materials, and intelligent spatial planning to enhance quality of life.
Sustainability is integrated into our design philosophy through responsible sourcing, longevity, and craftsmanship. We prioritize high-quality, durable materials that age beautifully, reducing the need for frequent replacements. We work with artisans and suppliers who share our commitment to ethical production, favoring locally crafted furniture and finishes where possible. Additionally, we emphasize adaptive reuse, preserving and repurposing existing architectural elements rather than replacing them. Energy-efficient lighting, natural ventilation strategies, and sustainable fabrics are also key considerations in our projects.
Helen Green Design is known for its timeless British luxury with a contemporary edge. Our interiors are defined by layered textures, refined detailing, and an elegant yet understated aesthetic. While each project is tailored to the client’s personal vision, our hallmark approach emphasizes proportion, craftsmanship, and a balance between classic and modern influences. We create spaces that feel sophisticated yet inviting, always prioritizing comfort and function alongside beauty.
One of Helen Green Design’s greatest achievements has been maintaining the brand’s identity, reputation, and recognition following the absence of its founder, ensuring that the studio continues to thrive while staying true to its original vision of timeless British luxury. Through a commitment to excellence, craftsmanship, and innovation, we have successfully upheld the studio’s legacy while evolving to meet the needs of a modern, discerning clientele.
Additionally, we take pride in being pioneers in integrating sustainability within the luxury interior design sector. In an industry often driven by excess, we have actively worked to promote responsible sourcing, longevity, and ethical craftsmanship. By prioritizing high quality, enduring materials, collaborating with sustainable artisans, and advocating for adaptive reuse where possible, we are reshaping the perception of luxury to be not only beautiful but also conscious and future-focused.
Helen Green Design distinguishes itself through its ability to blend heritage with modernity while maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality, detail, and client experience. Our interiors are carefully curated to feel both elegant and deeply personal, ensuring that every project reflects the lifestyle and aspirations of our clients.
We also stand apart in our pioneering approach to sustainability in high-end design, proving that luxury and environmental responsibility can coexist. By championing artisanal craftsmanship, responsible material sourcing, and timeless rather than trend-driven design, we create spaces that are not only exquisite but also built to last.
Furthermore, our collaborative, client-first approach ensures that every project benefits from the expertise of a multidisciplinary team, delivering a seamless experience from concept to completion. This, combined with our reputation for discretion, excellence, and innovation, continues to set Helen Green Design apart as a leader in the luxury interior design industry.
Yes, mentorship and education are integral to Helen Green Design’s ethos. We believe in nurturing the next generation of designers, sharing knowledge, and fostering creativity within the industry. Through in-house training programs, internships, and mentorship opportunities, we guide emerging talent in understanding the intricacies of luxury interior design, craftsmanship, and project execution.
Additionally, members of our team participate in industry panels, guest lectures, and design forums, offering insights into evolving trends, sustainability in luxury design, and the business of interior design. We take pride in supporting young designers and fostering a collaborative learning environment within the studio.
About Helen Green Design
Helen Green Design is a distinguished British interior design studio, founded in 2002 by the late Helen Green. Renowned for creating timeless, luxurious, and tailored interiors, the studio seamlessly blends classic elegance with contemporary influences. With an unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability, Helen Green Design crafts refined, liveable spaces that transcend passing trends. At the heart of the studio’s philosophy lies a dedication to exceptional craftsmanship and highly personalised service, ensuring each project reflects the unique lifestyle and aspirations of its clients.
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Allect Design Group, and its studios, Rigby and Rigby, Helen Green Design and Lawson Robb, is very proud to be the first interior design and architect studio in the world to receive the Butterfly Mark with Positive Luxury for global recognition of our high standards of environmental, social and governance criteria.
The Butterfly Mark represents a harmonious convergence of luxury and sustainability, two pillars that define our Studios ethos.
Over the past year we have embarked on an incredible and intense journey to scrutinise, appraise, develop, and change the minutiae of our practises so that we may make a positive impact on people and nature. How are we doing this?
Environment: We are building a complex dataset which identifies resources, materials, supplier certifications and accreditations that enable our designers and clients full transparency to facilitate informed decisions and responsible specifications.
Careful selection of materials is crucial and one of the biggest influences we can have over responsible design. With every specification we have the potential to choose better and our sustainable sourcing policies will play a pivotal role in delivering products and projects which will not only push the boundaries of innovation and excellence but are making a positive impact on the world. Considering fit for purpose, quality, longevity, and circularity in our design solutions.
We are also monitoring our carbon footprint and look to reduce this year on year, with the target of being net zero by 2040.
On an immediate and more local level, all our company events, internal and external are climate positive. Offsetting all carbon emissions in conjunction with Earthly. We have improved our office garden, harvesting and re-using rainwater and providing sanctuary for the insects and bees. It’s also somewhere the team can utilise for breaks, meetings and is essential for wellbeing.
Social: At Allect International Design Group, we believe in giving back to society and fostering a culture of empathy and compassion.
Our studio is proud to support multiple charities and non-profit organizations and our charitable giving programme is designed to support a wide range of causes including education, health and wellness, poverty alleviation and environmental protection.
We value community engagement and actively encourage all employees to participate in volunteer days with the support of a paid annual leave day. Creating opportunities for individuals to suggest charities that hold personal significance, Allect organises fundraising events so we may contribute on a more meaningful and personal level. Sharing stories between the teams and creating deeper connections building empathy, support and understanding.
We also have a Wellness scheme available to all employees and an online academy with many resources available to support our teams physical and mental wellbeing.
Governance: It’s fundamental as part of the above practises that we offer full transparency on our journey and goals. Positive Luxury's assessment is rigorous, independent, and in line with international standards and best practice.
The interactive butterfly logo from Positive Luxury is an easily accessible digital brand passport that allows us to share our progress to date. You can explore how we perform in areas such as climate, nature and water, how we treat workers and interact with communities, as well as how responsibly and ethically we run the business. It shows exactly what we scored in the assessment.
Our sustainable journey is an ongoing transition for Allect, embedding the changemaker mindset, adaptation planning and skills into our organisation. We are continuing to progress post- certification to demonstrate to our clients, suppliers, shareholders, and community that sustainability is a key driver of our business and our lives- which we promote and advocate in all our services.
About Allect Design Group
The Allect Design Group comprises brands that represent a crucial attribute - excellence in their respective fields. The family-run collective includes architecture, interior design and product design. They oversee the creative development of all their brands, whilst maintaining their individual identity, heritage and expertise.
Custom made furniture plays a crucial role in high-end interior design projects, offering a range of benefits that mass-produced pieces simply cannot match. From unique designs to superior quality, custom furniture pieces offer an elevated level of sophistication and elegance that is unrivaled.
At Helen Green Design we have the honour to work with the very best artisans, joiners and suppliers in the industry.
One of the most significant benefits of custom furniture is the ability to create a one-of-a-kind design that is tailored to a specific space. Rather than trying to fit a pre-made piece into an existing layout, custom furniture allows designers to create pieces that perfectly complement the room's size, shape, and style. This allows for a seamless integration of furniture into the overall design scheme, resulting in a cohesive and polished look.
Another advantage of custom furniture is the ability to use high-quality materials that may not be available with mass-produced pieces. Designers can work with skilled craftsmen to select premium materials, such as rare woods, unique finishes, and luxurious fabrics, that will elevate the overall design of the space. This not only enhances the visual appeal of the furniture but also ensures that it is durable and built to last.
In addition, custom furniture allows for greater attention to detail, resulting in pieces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional. Designers can work closely with craftsmen to ensure that each piece is precisely tailored to meet the specific needs of the client, whether it be maximizing storage space, providing comfortable seating, or incorporating unique features such as built-in lighting.
The value of custom furniture extends beyond aesthetics and functionality, as it can also add significant value to a home or commercial space. In many cases, custom pieces are considered investment pieces that hold their value over time, making them a wise investment for those looking to enhance the overall value of their property.
When it comes to high-end interior design projects, custom furniture is an essential element that cannot be overlooked. From unique designs to superior quality, custom furniture offers a range of benefits that mass-produced pieces simply cannot match. By working with skilled craftsmen to create custom pieces, designers can ensure that each element of the space is thoughtfully designed and executed, resulting in a space that is both functional and visually stunning.
Helen Green Design is proud to be one of Britain’s most respected luxury interior design practices. Over the past 19 years, the team has developed an invaluable reputation for creating elegant, sophisticated, and timeless interiors for our international private clients. The portfolio includes prestigious developments, luxury penthouses, townhouses, boutique hotels and country estates, with recognition for our work in Super – Prime London. Founded by the late Helen Green in 2002, the studio creates luxurious, yet liveable, residences and strives to deliver exceptionally high, personalised levels of service – values which lie at the very heart of our business.
Whilst the majority of Britain is working from home, it is more important than ever to create a bedroom that is serene and harmonious. Your bedroom is not only where you sleep but where you begin and end the day by reading, meditating or simply unwinding. We have put together this guide on how to create a relaxing and restful bedroom.
When trying to establish the key elements to change or improve in your bedroom take some time to clear the room by removing items that you no longer want and ensure that everything is put away. This will help you see the room as a blank canvas and make gaps or missing items clear.
Select a colour that is the most calming for you. A neutral base palette, such as ivory or sand, will open up the space making it feel clean, light and bright. It will also give you maximum flexibility with your space. If you do not like neutral colours then consider muted colours such as sage green or duck egg blue. To give your bedroom a refined and sophisticated finish choose a fabric wallpaper to bring texture and warmth to the space.
Position your bed against a wall, with space either side, and select an upholstered headboard with piping or studs to add an element of detail. To recreate a 5-star hotel feel at home use a mattress topper and double up your duvet inside the covers for a sumptuous sleeping experience. For maximum comfort, invest in the best bedding you can afford with a high tread count. Add to your bed by selecting some decorative cushions with small scale patterns or textures with a cashmere throw at the end of the bed.
It is important that you do not have too much furniture in your bedroom as this will make it feel cramped. Think carefully about what is important to you. If you have limited storage space then choose a beautiful chest of drawers or if you want a space to get ready at then choose a dressing table and chairs. Consider the furniture’s size and shape so that it fits within the proportions of the room. When accessorising your bedside table carefully select some key pieces, such as a jewellery dish and a candle, so that you do not clutter the space.
Your bedroom should aim to connect all your senses seamlessly to evoke the feelings and emotions you desire. By bringing scent into the bedroom you can set the tone and mood in your bedroom. You should consider picking a scent that is appropriate for the season: light and floral scents of the summer, deep autumnal and forest scents for autumn and spicy, festive scents for the winter.
Lighting is important to create a calming ambience in your room. Having a dimmer switch on the main light in your bedroom will help to create softer lighting. If this is not possible, you can create a restful environment by turning off the main light and utilising reading lights on your bedside table for warmth and comfort.
Tips provided by Alexandra Jurkiewicz, Creative Lead, Helen Green Design.
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At Helen Green Design we believe that beautiful lighting is an integral part of every well curated interior. Every room lends itself to a different lighting style, shape and design and therefore choosing the perfect fixture can be a daunting task.
To achieve a harmonious and considered scheme, it is important to keep lighting throughout the property consistent and connected to each other. This can be achieved by either by specifying similar finishes (aged brass, blown glass, crystal) or a particular style (modern, art deco, traditional). It is possible to mix and match for a more eclectic look, however it is challenging to ensure there is no disconnect between the spaces.
We like to source lighting from a range of suppliers who offer a variety of fixtures suitable for different areas. Here are our simple tips on how to select the perfect light for every room.
The entrance hall is an opportunity to make an impact in your home. The lighting in an entrance hall is likely to be one of the first things seen when entering the house so it is important to ensure it encapsulates the identity of the property.
It is an opportunity to make the most of the architectural features and utilise high ceilings or stairwells. An oversized, statement light can span across several floors or a centrepiece light can create an elegant, welcoming lobby area above the entrance table.
As the centre of every home, it is crucial that the light fitting chosen for this space does not compete with the rest of the furniture in the room and complements and relates to the design scheme. It doesn’t mean it cannot be striking. The key is to consider the proportions and materials as well as balance textures, colours and patterns used in the room.
It is important to carefully consider the position of the light. Most commonly it is placed in the centre of the room, above the main seating area or by the fireplace. It should not obstruct the view if located near a large window and not to hang too low to allow people to walk underneath it.
The main function purpose is to provide light above the dining table or island. It is good practice to follow the shape of the furniture item directly below the light fixture. For example, a round light for square or round tables and oval or oblong for rectangular or elliptical tables.
An interesting choice of lighting is using clusters of smaller pendants either in regular rows or staggered for dramatic effect.
When the dining area is connected to the kitchen, it is effective to use lights from the same family for a cohesive design.
Being sanctuaries of peace and rest, bedrooms are one of the most important rooms. As strong lighting is not necessarily required, light fittings perform a decorative role and can determine the feeling of ambience in the space.
Simple pendant lights above bedside tables are not only very functional as they leave the surface of the table clean but also are an excellent way to accentuate the main elevation of the room.
Alternatively, a small chandelier can bring elegance and interest to the bedroom scheme making it feel more like a hotel suite.
The clean lines and usually very light tones of natural stone finishes, sanitaryware and mirrors in a bathroom create a fantastic background and opportunity to showcase more sculptural lighting pieces.
From large, elaborate chandeliers above the bath to clusters of interesting pendants, they can transform a simple bathroom into a luxury spa.
It is also important to ensure all lights chose for bathrooms have suitable IP rating.
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