Róisín Lafferty Merges Two Houses into One Seamless, Forever Family Home

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a seamless and cohesive residential design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Róisín Lafferty.

Róisín Lafferty was commissioned to reimagine two neighbouring semi-detached properties as one highly functional, long-term family home. The brief required a complete spatial rethink while retaining two entrances, staircases, and mechanical systems. The goal was to create a seamless, cohesive interior that could eventually be divided into two independent homes for the client’s children. The point where the properties meet became the design’s central focus.

What was the client's brief?

The clients wanted to merge two neighbouring semi-detached houses into one forever family home - but with the ability to divide them again in the future for the next generation. The challenge was to create a seamless, unified interior while retaining two staircases, entrances, and independent systems. At the heart of the brief was flexibility: a home that could evolve over time without compromising function or flow. The brief also celebrated connection to the larger garden, ensuring key views and interactions with the landscape from multiple rooms, while eliminating wasted corridors so that every space had purpose.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design centred on the point where the two houses meet. Instead of disguising the joint, we made it the conceptual heart of the home, incorporating a sculptural sunken lounge at the original boundary line. This recessed lounge – finished with an inset marble floor and mirrored ceiling to reflect the garden indoors – became the hub that unites both houses. From here, a terrace extends the geometry into the garden, further strengthening the indoor / outdoor connection.

Throughout the house, the concept was about balance and discovery: twin music rooms linked by cobalt shelving that wraps around a central chimney breast, concealed oversized pivot doors that read as seamless wall panels, and a monumental steel-clad sliding screen that can transform the spatial flow. The playfulness of the layout encourages exploration, with endless routes and subtle surprises, while still maintaining proportion and calm.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

One of the biggest challenges was the technical complexity of merging two houses into one while keeping them fully independent behind the scenes. Every system, from underfloor heating to lighting, data wiring, and ventilation; had to be designed to work both together and separately. Structurally, new connections had to be created without introducing visual obstructions. Balancing that level of engineering with the desire for a seamless, calm aesthetic required meticulous planning, smart routing for services, and constant collaboration across trades. It meant rethinking how we normally approach design and construction, but it allowed the project to function beautifully now while remaining future proof for generations to come.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight was seeing the two houses truly come together as one; not just structurally, but emotionally. Spaces like the twin music rooms, unified by cobalt shelving and a shared chimney breast, embody that balance between individuality and cohesion. And the sunken lounge at the centre, with its sculptural form and connection to the garden, felt like the moment the vision became reality. For the team, it was incredibly rewarding to watch the design evolve from concept into a home that feels both elegant and deeply liveable.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Because this project embodies what great design can do: solve highly technical challenges while creating a home that feels calm, generous, and deeply personal. It’s deceptively complex, and we wanted to celebrate that on an international stage.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

It’s hugely affirming for our team and our clients. It shows that innovation, adaptability, and forward-thinking design resonate far beyond Ireland. For us, it reinforces the importance of pushing boundaries while always keeping the needs of the family at the centre.

Questions answered by Róisín Lafferty, Founder & Creative Director at Róisín Lafferty.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a refined penthouse design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, La Bottega Interiors.

La Bottega Interiors was commissioned to design the Delano Penthouse, set at the pinnacle of the newly opened Delano Dubai. Conceived as a private sanctuary rather than traditional hotel accommodation, the 850-square-metre residence blends the warmth of a refined home with the elevated service of a five-star resort. The design balances bold identity with operational functionality, using intuitive spatial planning to separate guest and service zones. Rich materiality—including Calacatta Borghini marble, custom timber marquetry, and sculpted oak joinery—creates a tactile, immersive experience. Expansive terraces, an infinity pool, and bespoke amenities complete this elevated expression of experiential luxury living.

What was the client's brief?

The client’s brief was to create an ultra-luxury penthouse that feels at once like a private residence and an effortless resort retreat. It needed to reflect the Delano brand’s spirit of convivial sophistication and discretion, while providing generous spaces for entertaining, seamless indoor-outdoor living with panoramic terraces and a rooftop pool, five calm ensuite bedrooms, and high-performance service areas. The design was to balance understated glamour with timeless materials, bespoke detailing, and curated FF&E from leading international brands.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design embraces a neutral, light-toned palette of whites, creams, and soft natural shades that defines the Delano identity. Originating in Miami, the brand established a distinctive language of serenity and effortless sophistication, where texture and light are complemented by carefully chosen accent marbles and colors. In the Dubai Sky Villa, this palette is reinterpreted with feature marbles, tactile woods, and subtle metallics, enriching the brand’s signature clarity with a contextual warmth suited to its Gulf setting. The intricacy of Dubai’s cultural tapestry also inspired the flooring, expressed through a bespoke timber design that adds depth, artistry, and a sense of place.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The toughest hurdle was adapting the space, which was originally conceived as a restaurant, into a residential penthouse. The ceiling heights were unusually high for a residence, and the arrival sequence was through a long corridor, both of which could have felt awkward. We turned these challenges into opportunities: the tall ceilings became a dramatic backdrop for layered interiors, and the long arrival corridor was transformed into a feature experience with an enfilade of columns and integrated lighting, creating a striking, ceremonial entry that sets the tone for the penthouse.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The team’s highlight was transforming the Penthouse into a seamless blend of residential comfort and an entertainment suite. Key moments included creating the feature arrival corridor with its enfilade of columns and integrated lighting, designing bespoke timber flooring inspired by Dubai’s intricate cultural tapestry, and layering the interiors with feature marbles, tactile woods, and subtle metallics to reinterpret the Delano palette for a Gulf context. Seeing the space come together as a cohesive, luxurious, and livable home that still embodies the brand’s signature sophistication was truly the most rewarding achievement.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We entered the SBID Awards because they are one of the most prestigious design awards globally, recognized for celebrating excellence in creativity, innovation, and functionality. Being based in London, the heart of international design, the SBID Awards provide a platform that goes far beyond regional recognition — it allows our work to be seen on a global stage. For us, this project embodies a unique design rooted in cultural authenticity yet expressed with modern refinement. Entering SBID not only highlights the project’s values of craftsmanship, detail, and hospitality, but also gives us the opportunity to position our practice within an international community of leading designers.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being an SBID Award Finalist has been an incredible honor and a milestone for our practice. It validates the hard work, creativity, and collaboration that went into this project, while giving us international recognition on one of the most prestigious design platforms. For our business, it has strengthened our visibility globally, positioned us among leading design firms, and reinforced the trust our clients place in us. Most importantly, it motivates us to continue pushing boundaries and delivering designs that are both meaningful and timeless.

Questions answered by Sahar Al Yaseer & Cristina Gallenca, Partners at La Bottega Interiors.

The house unfolds gradually, offering balance between openness and comfort. It is conceived as a highly tailored sanctuary, deeply connected to its rural context yet elevated by its thoughtful design.

Generous proportions and tall ceilings lend a feeling of freedom, while also requiring careful consideration to ensure each area feels grounded. Circulation spaces were refined to improve sightlines and rhythm, introducing moments of visual interest that guide the eye naturally through the home.

Collaborating closely with the architectural framework, we developed a complete interior identity that transitions seamlessly from one area to the next.

At the centre, a sweeping staircase draws attention upward with subtle drama. Sculptural in form yet gentle in expression, it combines a natural oak handrail with textured plaster walls that catch and soften the light throughout the day.

To complete the interior, we will provide a full styling scheme, curating art, accessories and textiles that enhance warmth and personality across the home. Further updates will follow as the project continues to unfold.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a vibrant apartment design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Pia Design.

Pia Design was commissioned to add personality and fun to a blank canvas apartment, a recently converted former post-office sorting building. The client was keen to think sustainably and not rip out any fixtures or fittings unnecessarily, and to mix and match new and vintage pieces. Through thoughtful design choices and a commitment to the client's vision, the Garden House project radiates colour and personality, turning a white box apartment into a vibrant and welcoming home.

What was the client's brief?

Our client wanted to transform a blank-slate, newly converted apartment in Islington into a vibrant home that truly reflects their personality. The brief called for warm, joyful colours - particularly pink and yellow - and challenged us to weave those playful tones throughout the space to create a cohesive, spirited sanctuary in the heart of London.

What inspired the design of the project?

The project was inspired by the client’s passion for colour - especially bold, cheerful hues - and our desire to craft a lively, creative atmosphere. We embraced floral wallpapers and expressive prints to wrap each room in joyful energy. Custom details - like a scallop-edged wall to wall headboard in boucle with pink velvet piping, vibrant bespoke vanity units and a playful trolley island with a scallop edge trim and brass castor wheels - brought personality and flair to the home. These pieces, combined with vintage finds and thoughtful layering, transformed the newly built ‘white box’ into a warm, lived-in haven.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

I am pleased to say this was quite a smooth-sailing project! However, one of the challenges was around the architecture of the space - with the many tall / narrow windows, there was not a lot of wall space, so the layout was tricky to resolve - particularly where to place the TV so that it didn’t produce glare. We resolved this with custom pink velvet curtains that could be drawn behind the TV when the light was too bright.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Our favourite moments were around the bespoke elements - the scallop-edged, upholstered headboard against the vibrant pink Woodchip and Magnolia wallpaper, and the impact of the bespoke kitchen island trolley on castors, the pink scallop trim contrasting against the monochrome of the existing kitchen. It was a joy to see so much colour injected into what was such a blank canvas apartment to begin with.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We decided to enter the SBID Awards to showcase the transformative power of bold, joyful residential design - and to celebrate how contemporary, sustainable interiors can be both fresh and expressive. Garden House exemplifies our believe in spaces that are authentic, personal and enduring, that come together through respect for the existing architecture and fittings, and how creative ingenuity can breathe new life into the old - and save landfill waste in the process.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

This is our third-year running being named a finalist so we are very proud to be shortlisted again! Being named a finalist affirms our commitment to creating interiors with personality and purpose. It’s a wonderful validation of our design philosophy and for our team, it’s both an honour and a boost of confidence, reinforcing our direction and inspiring us to continue to create sustainable design projects.

Questions answered by Pia Pelkonen, Creative Director at Pia Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a sophisticated penthouse design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, United Architects Kyiv.

This is a multi-level masterpiece completed by United Architects, blends minimalist design with contemporary classicism. State-of-the-art automation and ambient-responsive lighting coalesce into a flawless living experience where innovation transcends functionality to become art. This four-level sanctuary harmonizes minimalist elegance with contemporary classicism, enhanced by bespoke furnishings and exquisite materials like luxurious hardwood walnut, marble, and illuminated onyx. This sophisticated space achieves seamless transitions and a cohesive architectural language, embodying cutting-edge technology and refined aesthetics for an unparalleled living experience.

What was the client's brief?

The client sought an exceptionally high-end, technologically advanced, and fully custom-designed multi-level penthouse that combined refined aesthetics, natural ecological materials, and rich textures with cutting-edge functionality. Every element — from integrated furniture to fit-out materials — had to represent the latest innovations available at the time. Their standards were extremely demanding, and they brought a professional design vision and a pursuit of perfection to the collaboration.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design was inspired by a minimalist aesthetic infused with contemporary classicism and functionalism. The concept emphasises natural materials, textures, and integrated furniture solutions to create a cohesive architectural language that flows seamlessly across four levels and connects indoor spaces with an open rooftop terrace.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

One of the toughest challenges was the integration and installation of large-format materials such as glass, tile, stone, and mirrors as seamless cladding across expansive surfaces. A particularly complex feature was the installation of a 4.5 x 6 m tempered-glass mirror on the ceiling, requiring precise engineering and execution. Another major challenge was eliminating visible seams at material junctions while ensuring flawless organic transitions.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight was the successful realisation of a fully custom-designed penthouse that harmoniously fuses natural materials, cutting-edge smart technologies, and refined aesthetics. Achieving this level of seamless integration — from bio-adaptive lighting and full absolute automation to bespoke furniture and panoramic terraces — was a significant accomplishment for the United Architects team.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

This is not our first entry to the SBID Awards, as we regularly submit our most outstanding projects to this competition. We regard the SBID Awards as one of the most credible and prestigious platforms in the field of interior design. Being recognised here is an honour and a confirmation of our commitment to achieving the highest standards of design excellence.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being selected as an SBID Award Finalist for our Penthouse Project is an exceptional honour for our team at United Architects. Recognition on such a prestigious international platform validates our years of professional dedication and passion for excellence. For our studio, it not only reinforces our reputation as a high-end design practice but also inspires us to continue pushing creative and technological boundaries in our future projects.

Questions answered by Iryna Hrynyk and Oleksii Shadyria, Lead Designers at United Architects.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a luxury residential design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Daniel Joseph Chenin.

Designed by Daniel Joseph Chenin, FAIA, Tombolo is a private residence that unites architecture and interiors into a singular, immersive composition. Commissioned to lead both disciplines, the studio drew inspiration from the tombolo landform, a natural bridge, as a metaphor for the seamless integration of form, material, and light. Deep colonnades and sculptural ribbing lend rhythm and depth to the exterior, while the interior features tactile finishes and bespoke furnishings, evoking a layered sense of warmth and restraint. Each space balances monumentality with intimacy, offering a living narrative that redefines luxury as something experiential, emotional, and continuously unfolding.

What was the client's brief?

The brief was for a desert residence that would transcend function, a place at once private sanctuary and social stage. The clients asked for a design that balanced intimacy with grandeur, where architecture and interiors dissolved into a single composition. Every element, from materiality to movement through the home, needed to feel considered and timeless.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design drew from the tombolo landform, a natural bridge uniting separate bodies of land. We interpreted this as a metaphor for connection: between the house and its desert site, between shelter and openness, between daily ritual and elevated experience. The result is a residence where bold exterior geometries give way to layered, tactile interiors that soften and humanize the whole.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The challenge lay in reconciling the extremes of the desert environment with the delicacy of experiential design. Deep colonnades, apertures, and thermal mass were introduced for climate control, but these solutions had to feel like part of a larger narrative rather than technical responses. The greatest accomplishment was making complexity appear effortless.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The most rewarding moment was walking the completed home as a sequence of curated experiences. From the oculus framed arrival court to the stair wrapped in hand painted wall covering, every threshold feels cinematic. The highlight was not a single gesture, but the realization that the house itself reads like a story, with chapters of intimacy, spectacle, and discovery.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards celebrate design as both craft and cultural dialogue. Entering allowed us to share Tombolo with an international audience that values projects pushing beyond aesthetics to something immersive and emotionally resonant. It’s about contributing to a global conversation on design excellence.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Becoming a finalist has been affirming for our studio and our collaborators. It signals that a design rooted in site, story, and sensory experience resonates far beyond its desert setting. For us, the recognition reinforces that design, when conceived as an unfolding narrative, has the power to connect universally.

Questions answered by Daniel Joseph Chenin, FAIA, Founder of Daniel Joseph Chenin.

Who leads design and creative direction at your company?

Our studio of specialist interior designers, architects and FF&E specialists, drawn from all backgrounds and from across the world, is led by James Dilley, Jennifer de Vere Hopkins and Joanna Grotowska-Hall, who have been working closely together for a long time. We are inspired by each other’s differing approach to design – and life in general – and united in a passion for design that ‘goes beyond’.

Every member of our team contributes to the creative direction of our work, and we encourage contributions at every level, informed by the open spirit of the studio and its staff.

Can you share a project that best represents your design style?

We don’t have a recognisable design style, because our approach is always in response to the specific context of each project. While the outcomes may be disparate and diverse, our common process means there are recognisable red threads running through them all. This has helped us to attract a wide range of projects and clients, and to respond to each with freshness and authenticity.

How does your team collaborate on major projects?

Collaboration is not only enjoyable, but it produces the best results and challenges us to learn in real time. We are open and encouraging to every member of the team, both internal and external, to make meaningful contributions based on their experiences and background. Internally, we have practice-wide design reviews to unlock the widest range of perspectives.

What steps do you take to stay at the forefront of the design industry?

We understand that in this fast-moving environment we must never stop learning, and we enjoy that process. While the main influence on our work is our own work, we are constantly visiting buildings of all types, across the world. While our background is in hospitality, we are increasingly seeing our expertise and approach being sought for work on buildings of all types, including mixed-use projects – an exciting evolution.

What trends do you see shaping the future of interior design?

We think it’s essential to balance the analogue and digital worlds. Sophisticated digitally produced imagery is now an expected part of the presentation process. However, a watercolour, a pencil sketch or a handmade model remain intimate and personal ways of communicating our ideas.

We are excited by the opportunities of AI, which has a place both in sparking inspiration and expressing ideas. However, we know it will never replace human input in design which is grounded in empathy.

How do technology and innovation influence your work?

As early pioneers of environmentally conscious design, sustainability is intrinsic to everything we do – creating great design while caring for each other and the world around us is a core value of ours. We operate an ISO14001 environmental management system to monitor our environmental impact, and have published a Carbon Reduction Plan since 2022, reviewed annually to reduce our carbon emissions. Our B Corp certification, achieved in 2024, underlines our continued commitment to high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

Our in-house sustainability team, plusZero, comprises architects and interior designers from various sectors within the practice, including three Passivhaus Designers. Our projects include those with LEED, BREEAM, NABERS, WELL and other recognised sustainability certifications.

We are driven by a commitment to beautiful design that emphasises wellbeing, sense of place and emotional and physical connection. We endeavour to prioritise material selection with high recycled content, low VOCs, and FSC-certified timber, working with the highest quality furniture suppliers and manufacturers to specify locally sourced and quality crafted products.

What advice would you give to emerging designers?

The world of design is too vast to comprehend, and it is rare that anyone might see their future path with any clarity. Embrace your own journey of uncertainty and accept that there is not, most likely, a firm destination – and this is only positive. Use your early years to immerse yourself in a range of opportunities. That means, above all, to get as much exposure as possible to inspiring people as possible; seek out your mentors and keep in touch with them, as frequent sense checks are invaluable. It will be the unexpected, disruptive, challenging or curio project, or person, that may be uncomfortable but will push you into a new orbit. Don’t dismiss a prospect without careful consideration.

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.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a serene hotel design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, La Bottega Interiors.

La Bottega Interiors was commissioned to refurbish the iconic Beit Al Bahar villas at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, preserving their original architecture while reimagining the interiors for today’s luxury traveller. The design blends understated Arabian elegance with a tactile, contemporary language rooted in nature. A muted palette, natural materials, and artisanal details evoke timeless serenity, while custom furnishings and thoughtful spatial planning enhance comfort and flow. Emphasising longevity and sustainability, the project uses FSC-certified wood, low-impact fabrics, and terrazzo with recycled content. The result is a sanctuary that feels both deeply grounded in place and effortlessly modern.

What was the client's brief?

The design brief was to create an elevated concept that celebrates the unique location — a hidden gem surrounded by lush greenery, with a breathtaking view of the Burj Al Arab. The client requested a renovation that delivers a luxury experience while remaining rooted in the villa’s architectural language and aligned with Jumeirah’s ever-rising brand standards. The vision was to craft a design that feels both luxurious and residential in character, offering guests a relaxed environment with the comfort of home and the refinement of a high-end retreat.

What inspired the design of the project?

As architects, we always begin by understanding the architectural vocabulary of a space. At Beit Al Bahar, we were fascinated by the eclectic dialogue between Arabic and Balinese influences. This inspired us to create a design that carries a subtle twist — artistic enough to leave a lasting memory, but never overly themed. Our focus was on relaxing the interiors, softening transitions, and opening the villas to the outdoors, so that the beautiful views become an integral part of the experience.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The biggest challenge was to create a space that feels both elevated and deeply personal. For us, personalization comes through details — every crafted element reflects a specific cultural background that supports the overall concept. However, such richness in detail naturally carried cost implications. Striking the right balance between maintaining this level of refinement and aligning with the project’s budget was one of the most demanding aspects of the design process, but ultimately it’s what gave the space its unique character.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight for our team was witnessing how the different design layers seamlessly connected into one story. From the mosaic craftsmanship at the minibar to the subtle zellige tiles, the built-in dining nook, and the flowing crazy paving, each element embodied our efforts as a team and the client’s desire for relaxed luxury. What we cherished most was seeing the villa transform into a space that feels elevated yet intimate — a true home away from home with its own cultural soul.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We entered the SBID Awards because they are one of the most prestigious design awards globally, recognized for celebrating excellence in creativity, innovation, and functionality. Being based in London, the heart of international design, the SBID Awards provide a platform that goes far beyond regional recognition — it allows our work to be seen on a global stage. For us, this project embodies a unique design rooted in cultural authenticity yet expressed with modern refinement. Entering SBID not only highlights the project’s values of craftsmanship, detail, and hospitality, but also gives us the opportunity to position our practice within an international community of leading designers.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being an SBID Award Finalist has been an incredible honor and a milestone for our practice. It validates the hard work, creativity, and collaboration that went into this project, while giving us international recognition on one of the most prestigious design platforms. For our business, it has strengthened our visibility globally, positioned us among leading design firms, and reinforced the trust our clients place in us. Most importantly, it motivates us to continue pushing boundaries and delivering designs that are both meaningful and timeless.

Questions answered by Sahar Al Yaseer & Cristina Gallenca, Founders of La Bottega Interiors.

Custom joinery was introduced in every area of the home, creating a consistent visual thread while addressing the specific requirements of each room. Lighting and electrical layouts were drawn around detailed furniture plans to achieve seamless integration. Bespoke flooring, handcrafted fireplaces and a discreet, panelled doorway leading to a private cinema contribute to the home’s layered character.

As family life evolved, so too did the design. Guest bedrooms were planned to convert easily into nurseries, providing flexibility for the years ahead. At the centre of the home, a large open-plan kitchen links to a games room and central bar, forming a natural space for entertaining. Smaller areas were given equal attention: a feminine home office, a dedicated playroom adjoining the kitchen, and a well-organised utility and boot room that can be tucked away when not in use.

Every detail has been designed to serve both comfort and purpose. The games room encourages connection, with a tailored bar that draws people together and deep midnight blue walls that lend a touch of theatre. In quieter moments, the cinema room offers a hidden retreat behind panelled joinery, while the master bedroom brings calm through soft textures and minimal detailing.

The bathrooms follow a similarly tactile approach, combining natural stone, bronze accents and layered lighting to create spaces that feel indulgent yet understated. A soft neutral palette runs throughout the home, enriched by warm timber tones that add depth and balance.

Rectory House is grounded in practicality yet imbued with warmth. Every space invites connection, yet offers a sense of calm and retreat. It is a home designed for the present, and ready to grow with the family into the future.

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.

How does your team collaborate on major projects?

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.

What steps do you take to stay at the forefront of the design industry?

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.

What trends do you see shaping the future of interior design?

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.

How do technology and innovation influence your work?

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.

What advice would you give to emerging designers?

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.

Are you involved in mentoring or education within the interior design industry?

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.

How do you collaborate with other professionals, such as architects and engineers?

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!

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.