Helen Bygraves and Jenny Weiss, Founder Directors at Hill House Interiors, have given their insights into the industry.
Hill House Interiors was founded by Helen Bygraves and Jenny Weiss in 1997, growing from a boutique studio into one of Britain’s most established interior design practices. Today, the studio is known for couture residential interiors for private clients in the UK and internationally, with projects spanning London townhouses, country estates, private residences, villas, penthouses and yachts.
Helen and Jenny came to interiors through different but complementary creative paths. Helen’s background as a professionally trained dancer informed an instinctive understanding of proportion, movement, theatre and composition, while Jenny’s lifelong love of art, textiles and film, alongside a background in property development, evolved into a passion for creating layered, welcoming homes. Together, their shared belief that thoughtfully designed surroundings can meaningfully enhance the way people live has shaped Hill House Interiors’ client-led, refined and deeply personal approach to design.
For both of us, interiors began with a very instinctive understanding of how powerfully a space can influence the way people feel and function within it. A home is never simply a collection of rooms; it is the setting for daily life, and when it is carefully considered, it can bring comfort, ease and a strong sense of identity.
Our individual journeys into design were different, but equally grounded in creativity. Helen’s early career in dance nurtured an appreciation for rhythm, spatial awareness and storytelling, while Jenny’s route evolved through creative exploration and hands-on experience within refurbishment and design of personal properties. What ultimately drew us both to interior design was the opportunity to bring together creative thinking with a more intuitive understanding of people, shaping environments that feel authentic, considered and genuinely supportive of the way our clients live.
Building relationships with clients is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. Interior design is inherently personal; clients are inviting you into their homes and, in many ways, their lives. We value the process of getting to know a client on a more intuitive level, taking time to understand not only their aesthetic preferences, but what truly makes them tick, how they live, entertain, unwind and spend time with those closest to them.
We also thrive on the creative challenge of ensuring every project feels completely unique. Hill House Interiors has never been about imposing a recognisable style. Each scheme is shaped by a combination of the client, the architecture, the setting and how the space needs to perform. The satisfaction lies in carefully orchestrating proportion, light, texture, materials and detail to create interiors that feel cohesive, characterful and quietly assured, however considered the process behind them may be.
This past year has been particularly meaningful for us. Being awarded the SBID Icon Award was an extraordinary honour, not least because it is recognition from our peers within the industry. That level of acknowledgement carries a particular significance, as it reflects both longevity and contribution to the profession over time.
Alongside this, receiving two major international accolades has further positioned Hill House Interiors on a global stage. These achievements have expanded our presence beyond the UK and reinforced the relevance of our work within a broader, international context, which is both humbling and incredibly rewarding.
Our favourite projects are those which allow us to shape the foundations of a home from the outset, considering spatial planning, flow, lighting and atmosphere before layering in the decorative elements. That holistic approach allows for a more cohesive and resolved end result.
We are particularly drawn to private residential projects that are deeply personal to the client, whether that is a London townhouse, a country estate, an overseas villa or a yacht. The most rewarding briefs are those centred around lifestyle rather than aesthetics alone, where the aim is to create a home that truly reflects how someone lives and what matters to them.
One of the greatest challenges lies in balancing creativity with the level of precision required to deliver a project successfully. A refined interior is never solely about the final aesthetic; it relies on structure, technical understanding, project management, coordination and an exceptional level of detail. Behind every composed and considered space is an extensive and highly organised process.
There is also a significant level of trust involved. Clients are allowing you into a very personal aspect of their lives, and that requires discretion, consistency and sensitivity. The designer’s role is to anticipate, resolve and guide, often quietly behind the scenes. Ultimately, one of the most rewarding moments is seeing a client’s reaction at the completion of a project, particularly when the result surpasses their expectations. That emotional response is what makes the entire process worthwhile.
If we were speaking to our younger selves, we would say to stay curious and trust your instincts. Research is invaluable, and a willingness to keep learning will always strengthen your work.
We also came into building a business without formal business training, and in hindsight, we would strongly recommend seeking guidance early on, whether through a business coach or industry body. There will inevitably be challenging periods, so resilience, careful planning and a clear long-term vision are essential.
The SBID, in particular, has been a constant source of support, providing guidance, structure and reassurance as we have grown. Having that level of professional backing has been invaluable throughout our journey.
Understand your market and remain confidently within your lane, as that clarity will shape not only your design direction but also the clients you attract. For us, focusing on the luxury residential sector has defined both our creative approach and the way we position the business. Alongside this, presenting your work well is essential, so investing in professional photography from the outset will ensure it is perceived in the right way. Equally important is building a strong foundation around you by joining professional bodies such as SBID and engaging with networking groups and industry organisations. These connections provide invaluable support, visibility and opportunity, reinforcing both your credibility and your longterm growth within the industry.
Clients today expect more from their homes than ever before. A home is no longer purely a place to live; it needs to function as a sanctuary, a wellness space, and often a working environment. That shift has changed the way spaces are designed, with a greater emphasis on adaptability, comfort and emotional wellbeing.
Having experienced multiple shifts within the industry over the years, we have learned the importance of remaining agile and open to change. The ability to adapt, respond to new ways of living and interpret evolving styles is key to staying relevant.
The rise of AI is also influencing expectations, with clients arriving with highly visualised ideas of their ‘ideal’ home. A crucial part of our role is to interpret those ideas, assess what is both practical and achievable, and translate them into a design that works in reality, both functionally and aesthetically.
SBID accreditation means a great deal to us. It represents credibility, professionalism and a recognised standard within the industry. It provides reassurance to clients, while also reinforcing the integrity of the work we deliver.
Beyond that, it offers a sense of support and community. Having that professional backing, guidance and recognition has been invaluable throughout our career, and it continues to play an important role in how we position ourselves and our projects within the industry.
About Hill House Interiors
Hill House Interiors is the fruit of a 25-year friendship between its founding partners, Jenny Weiss and Helen Bygraves. Their creative collaboration is built on a shared belief that beautiful surroundings can transform people’s lives. Their client-centred approach has garnered a multitude of awards while their business has grown over the years into one of Britain’s leading interior design practices, with a 30-strong team of designers and architects. Hill House Interiors operates out of a creative studio and lifestyle showroom in the UK, and a luxurious newly opened office near the DIFC in Dubai. With a global reach, Hill House Interiors works on high-end residential projects in locations as diverse as London, Dubai, New York, Lake Como, Antibes, the Bahamas, Ibiza and L.A. Projects can range from exclusive penthouse apartments to palatial homes, lakeside villa retreats or beautifully engineered yachts.
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At Hill House Interiors, a garden is never treated as an afterthought. It is considered part of the home’s story: a space with its own rhythm, atmosphere and purpose, yet one that should feel naturally connected to the interiors around it.
For Jenny Weiss, Co-Founder and Director of Hill House Interiors, the story of her Surrey garden began with a blank canvas and a clear intention: to create an outdoor room that felt calm, escapist and deeply personal. Having moved from a larger property, Jenny knew that every inch of the garden would need to work beautifully. Rather than seeing its more compact proportions as a limitation, she saw an opportunity to design with precision, creating a space that felt as layered and liveable as any interior.
The garden was imagined as a sanctuary, blending Mediterranean charm with touches of English heritage. It was not designed simply to be looked at, but to be lived in: somewhere to dine, unwind, listen, gather and retreat throughout the seasons. As with any Hill House Interiors project, the starting point was not only how the space should look, but how it should make people feel.
Because the house was a new build, Jenny was able to shape the garden from the ground up. The developer agreed to leave the outdoor area untouched, giving her the freedom to create something entirely personal. The layout had a natural sense of potential, but it required careful planning to ensure each element felt purposeful, balanced and inviting.
The relationship between inside and out became central to the design. The garden is the first thing visible on entering the house, drawing the eye through the interior and immediately creating a sense of calm. Bifold doors open completely from the main living area, allowing the outdoors to become part of the daily rhythm of the home rather than a separate space beyond it.
This sense of flow informed every decision. The dining area was positioned closest to the house for easy access to the kitchen, reinforcing the feeling of the garden as a true extension of the living space. Practicality was also carefully considered but never allowed to interrupt the atmosphere. Heaters and an awning were incorporated so that the garden could be enjoyed beyond the height of summer, despite the unpredictability of the English weather.
Planting was used to bring structure, softness and a sense of escape. Evergreen planting forms the foundation of the scheme, ensuring the garden retains depth and character throughout the year. Italian cypress trees and mature olive trees introduce a Mediterranean quality, while bay trees, pleached Photinias and Annabelle hydrangeas bring texture, rhythm and romance. The hydrangeas, which bloom from July through to October, add a generous seasonal note during the summer months.
Materials were selected with the same care as an interior palette. Paved Indian sandstone and Millboard decking define the different areas while allowing the space to feel cohesive. Gloucester sofa seating brings the comfort of an interior sitting room outdoors, while a Stark outdoor rug anchors the seating area and adds softness underfoot. Each element contributes to the sense of the garden as a room in its own right.
For Jenny, nature is both restorative and inspiring, and the garden was designed to engage more than the eye. Texture, sound, light and atmosphere all play a role in how the space is experienced. Concealed speakers were integrated throughout, allowing music to become part of the mood without disrupting the visual calm. Architectural lighting adds depth and warmth after dark, while the surrounding forest was also lit, turning it into a feature in its own right and extending the feeling of space beyond the garden’s physical boundaries.
As evening falls, the garden takes on a different character. Geometric lanterns by Contardi add a decorative layer, bringing intimacy and a gentle sense of theatre. The result is a space that feels quietly transportive: personal, purposeful and deeply connected to the home.
Jenny’s garden reflects a wider belief at Hill House Interiors: that outdoor spaces should be designed with the same imagination, sensitivity and attention to detail as interiors. Whether working with a generous landscape, a city terrace or a more compact garden, the most successful outdoor spaces are those that feel effortless, atmospheric and genuinely lived in.
Here, every detail has a role to play. The sightline from the entrance, the position of the dining area, the layered planting, the lighting, the sound and the surrounding landscape all work together to create a sense of ease and belonging. The garden does not sit apart from the home; it completes it.
Design from the inside out: Jenny planned the garden around how it would be seen and used from within the home: the first view from the front door, the bifold doors from the main living space, and the dining area placed closest to the kitchen. This helps the garden feel connected to daily life rather than simply decorative.
Design for the senses: A successful garden is sensory, not just visual. Planting, sound, lighting, texture and scent all contribute to the experience. Jenny integrated concealed speakers throughout the space so music could become part of the atmosphere without disturbing the visual calm.
Use lighting to extend the space: Rather than lighting only the garden itself, Jenny also lit the surrounding forest, turning it into part of the composition. This gives the garden depth after dark and creates a greater sense of escape.
Give the garden year-round architecture: Evergreen planting, Italian cypress, mature olive trees, bay trees and pleached Photinias give the garden structure and permanence, while Annabelle hydrangeas bring softness and seasonal romance.
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 Hill House Interiors. Their creative collaboration is built on a shared belief that beautiful surroundings can transform people’s lives.
We maintain an open-plan office layout, which we find enables seamless and efficient communication between ourselves and our interior architecture team, FF&E designers, and support team. This constant collaboration helps us stay on top of every detail, keeping every project on track, highlight each individual’s strengths, and build trust. The result is a cohesive process from concept to completion.
We’re always exploring what’s next, whether it’s innovative finishes, forward-thinking concepts, or emerging technologies like AI. We don’t chase trends for the sake of it; instead, we stay curious and selective. Attending international design fairs, such as Salone in Milan, is a major source of inspiration for us. We love spotting prototypes and conceptual pieces that might not be released for several years, as they help us anticipate what’s on the horizon. Our process is equally informed by the synergy between fashion and interiors—tracking colour palettes, materials, and silhouettes to keep our work current yet enduring.
Wellness is an absolute standout right now—think home spas, ice baths, salt rooms, and hot yoga studios, all designed to recreate a five-star hotel experience right at home. We’re also finding new ways to work with innovative finishes and clever ways of incorporating classic materials, giving them a fresh twist that feels interesting and ahead of the curve.
Another shift is the rise of “couture interiors,” where carefully curated, one-off pieces take centre stage, rather than relying solely on big-name brands. This approach really elevates the ultra-high-net-worth design portfolio, ensuring every project feels entirely unique.
We’re also delighted to see more sustainable innovations, like a new outdoor rug collection made from recycled ocean waste. These rugs emulate the look and feel of indoor styles, helping us create sophisticated, eco-friendly spaces that are as kind to the planet as they are pleasing to the eye.
Technology is a delightful layer in our designs—subtle but undeniably impactful. Whether it’s discreetly integrated climate control or customisable lighting scenes that set just the right ambience, we love how modern innovations can elevate everyday living without ever compromising aesthetics. It’s remarkable how far tech has come; we can now design seamless, invisible solutions that blend beautifully with our interior schemes.
For us, the best technology is the kind you barely notice—it simply works in the background, ensuring complete comfort and convenience. It’s this effortless sophistication that resonates with our ethos of understated luxury. When done right, innovation becomes a natural extension of the design rather than a distraction, allowing our clients to enjoy a space that’s as practical as it is elegant.
Helen: Never be afraid to ask questions. Hands-on experience is invaluable, even if it means starting out in a junior position or offering your time for free. It’s all part of the process. Keep yourself organised, stay curious, and don’t be put off by the long hours—when you see how far you’ve come, it’ll be well worth it. One of the best feelings in this industry is looking back and realising how much you’ve grown by embracing every opportunity to learn.
Jenny: Seek inspiration wherever you go—from major design exhibitions, to a stroll around your local market or your favourite holiday destination. You never know which unexpected detail might spark a brilliant idea. The more experiences you gather, the richer your creative palette becomes. Above all, keep an open mind and a sense of wonder—design is a continuous journey of learning, exploration, and collaboration.
Mentorship has always been close to our hearts. We’ve been in the industry for almost three decades, and we feel strongly about supporting the next generation of designers who share our passion for creativity and craftsmanship. Each year, we attend the Inchbald Graduate Exhibition and we offer internships, many of which have blossomed into full-time roles for talented individuals who truly shine.
We also love taking part in panel discussions—there’s something wonderfully fulfilling about passing on knowledge we’ve gained over the years, hearing fresh perspectives from newcomers, and sparking that sense of excitement in the field. Judging on the SBID panel is another enriching way for us to give back, as it connects us with peers and provides a platform for constructive feedback that helps raise the bar for everyone.
Collaboration is part of our everyday fabric. We believe there’s a specialist for every aspect of a project—from architects and engineers to artisans who craft bespoke finishes. Over the years, we’ve joined forces with iconic names like Lalique, Ralph Lauren, and Benjamin Raymond to create inspiring, one-of-a-kind environments. We also love teaming up for events and showroom exhibitions with brands such as Gladee and Bella Figura, where we can collectively showcase design at its finest.
A recent highlight was our collaboration with Glancy Fawcett, Sylka Carpets, and Parkway England at the Dubai International Boat Show, presenting a “Best of Luxury British Brands” experience. Bringing together a diverse group of experts in one space allowed us to truly celebrate the richness and depth of British design on a global stage.
We’re also working on lots of new ideas in the background so watch this space!
Hill House Interiors is the fruit of a 25-year friendship between its founding partners, Jenny Weiss and Helen Bygraves. Their creative collaboration is built on a shared belief that beautiful surroundings can transform people’s lives. Their client-centred approach has garnered a multitude of awards while their business has grown over the years into one of Britain’s leading interior design practices, with a 30-strong team of designers and architects. Hill House Interiors operates out of a creative studio and lifestyle showroom in the UK, and a luxurious newly opened office near the DIFC in Dubai. With a global reach, Hill House Interiors works on high-end projects in the residential, yacht and hospitality sectors, in locations as diverse as London, New York, Lake Como, Antibes, the Bahamas, Ibiza and L.A. Projects can range from exclusive penthouse apartments to palatial homes, lakeside villa retreats, luxury boutique hotels or beautifully engineered yachts.
The wellness-at-home movement has reshaped how interior designers create the spaces we live in, particularly with the rise of the home gym — not just a space for fitness, but a carefully considered environment that nurtures both body and mind.
Come to Louise Bradley Showroom for a panel discussion in collaboration with Technogym, where they’ll explore how to design home gyms that go beyond fitness — creating spaces that inspire, calm, and promote balance and wellbeing.
Their expert panel will delve into the evolving language of wellness-led design — exploring how spatial planning, flow, lighting, acoustics, materials, technology, and sensory elements can be thoughtfully integrated to create environments that support both physical health and mental wellbeing, fostering a sense of balance, motivation, and tranquility within the home.
Panelists: - Louise Bradley - Louise Bradley - Helen Bygraves - Hill House Interiors - Rebecca Lazar - Technogym - Moderated by Travel & Interiors consultant and writer Noni Ware
SBID Members earn 2 x CPD points for attending!
Featuring Helen Bygraves and Jenny Weiss, visionary co-founders of Hill House Interiors, Rebecca Lazar, Wellness Design Expert at Technogym, and special guest Dr Federica Amati —best-selling author of Every Body Should Know This and Head Nutritionist at Zoe. Moderated by esteemed designer and lecturer Simon Hamilton.
From integrating thoughtful design to the science behind well-being, our industry leaders will share candid insights, expert knowledge, and inspiring personal stories. This exclusive event is free to attend, but registration is essential.
SBID Members earn 1 x CPD point for attending!
The Fundamentals of Space Planning in the Design Process with Matthews Rea Interiors
This episode of the SBID podcast welcomes the interior design masters behind the award-winning practice, Matthews Rea Interiors. Founders, Lauren Matthews and Louise Rea address the fundamentals of spatial planning and tell us why it's so integral to the interior design process.
Matthews Rea have quickly gained a reputation for their timeless interiors. The founders share their individual backgrounds within the industry, and how the successful Surrey and Hampshire-based design practice was formed.
Highlighting integral differences in interior architecture, design and decoration, Lauren and Louise bring their years of design experience to offer professional insights on spatial planning. Addressing the fundamental role of space planning when it comes to the interior design process, Matthews Rea stress the importance of collaboration and timing when it comes to project development.
Covering effective approaches to space planning and discussing essential elements, they explore the core design considerations, from ascertaining the brief and understanding client's lifestyle, to developing the design narrative and ensuring the internal spaces are maximised, utilised and zoned in a way that is functional and fit for purpose.
Lauren and Louise offer their exclusive design tips for designing and planning spaces, from building narratives and storytelling, to working on balance, sightlines and symmetry. The team share some key visual tricks to zone and configure interior spaces to create intrigue and harmony.
Tune in to the whole conversation to discover more.
Louise Rea
Louise Rea has over 20 years of experience in the interior design industry, working in high-end residential and hotel design across the UK and abroad. With in-depth knowledge designing bespoke furniture and joinery, she works with artisans and craftspeople to bring individuality to a client’s scheme.
Lauren Matthews
Lauren Matthews’ First-Class Honours Degree in Interior Architecture and Design, combined with many years of hands-on experience in the field, means that she understands the importance of practicality when it comes to creating everyday living and functional working environments.
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a truly magnificent residential design for a home befitting of its prime location in Wentworth; one of the UK’s premier private estates. This 6 bedroom, 7 bathroom detached house offers inspiration and excitement at every turn. Having worked extensively with the client over the last twelve years on multiple overseas properties and a limited edition Oyster yacht, Hill House Interiors were the natural choice to transform the home, using inspiring fabrics, innovative textures and complementary tones to seamlessly integrate the 3,000 sqft extension into the rest of the home.
SBID Awards: Residential Design Over £1M finalist sponsored by THG Paris
Company: Hill House Interiors
Project: Private Estate, Wentworth
Location: Surrey, United Kingdom
What was the client's brief?
Hill House Interiors were commissioned to design the interior scheme for this prestigious property in 2006, since which, they have further worked with the owners on their stunning villa in Zagleta and limited edition Oyster yacht. It was, therefore, sheer delight to be contacted again to revisit the client’s Wentworth home to devise the scheme for a vast refurbishment and 3000 sqft extension of the already sizeable 9000 sqft home.
Initially born from the desire for a much larger, walk in closet and dressing area for the master suite, the clients swiftly realised their dream of considerably larger entertainment spaces to include on the wishlist; a stunning new dual aspect fireplace, feature bar, and sumptuous cinema room.
What inspired the interior design of the project?
Hill House drew inspiration for this remarkable space from the Art Déco era – that fascinating period in history when bold geometry, artistic mirrors and exquisitely rich materials started to be incorporated into private homes.
What was your team’s highlight of the project?
The hallway is the first thing guests see when they enter a home, so it is always a key feature and starting point of any scheme. This transitory spot was the perfect place to sweep guests off their feet and was utilised to add elegant décor details that helped to elevate the overall ambience of the home.
Upon entering, guests are met with a stunning Jerusalem crema grey marble staircase with glass balustrade and leather handrail. This installation is a beautiful contrast to the bespoke, hand sculpted artwork – a single bonsai tree – spanning the 20ft wall. Specially finished in a shimmering hand-applied pearlescent coat, subtle, soft recessed lighting enhances the incredibly intricate detail of this favoured far eastern tree. The sublimely elegant hand-blown floating crystal leaf chandelier that presides over the space - apart from making a stunning sculptural visual centrepiece - creates a beautiful light and shadow play across its surrounding surfaces, enhancing the space further.
Why did you enter the SBID Awards?
The SBID Awards are highly respected within the design industry, and every year it’s incredibly inspiring to see such a wide variety of skills and styles represented across the various categories, showing the amount of diversity within the interior design industry.
The projects that take home an SBID accolade are truly the best in the business, and the awards evening is an event we look forward to every year. We continue to be delighted to take part in the SBID International Design Awards, and are keeping our fingers crossed for 2020!
Questions answered by Jenny Weiss, Co-founder of Hill House Interiors
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring luxurious, golden age glamour for the Hilton Imperial Hotel Dubrovnik, click here to see more.
We hope you feel inspired by this week's Residential design! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire
SBID Awards 2019 | Residential Design Over £1M finalist sponsored by THG Paris
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