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 Katharine Pooley. Established over 20 years ago, Katharine’s London-based design studio creates exquisite designs around the world.
Our recent interior design and interior architecture project, Château de la Croix des Gardes, has been called ‘a contemporary reimagining of an historical masterpiece’. The largest remaining estate on the Cote D’Azur, this legendary Belle Époque Château is unparalleled in the beauty of its architecture, its sublime Mediterranean views, the scale of its surrounding gardens and its magical history. It has been an honour and a pleasure for Katharine to lead a formidable team of creatives in the complete redesign of this majestic home (as featured in Architectural Digest France). Inspired by classic French design delicately blended with a touch of English eclecticism it is a good example of Katharine’s design aesthetic, married with her passion for craftsmanship, as it included: - Over 150 hand-crafted bespoke furniture pieces and custom joinery pieces with intricate marquetry, inlays and specialist timber finishes which have been made by England’s traditional, small-scale, fine cabinetry workshops. - Over 40 diqerent hand embroidered textiles from 5 British ateliers. - 30 diqerent pieces of art from British painters and ceramicists. - 13 hand-painted frescos, silk wallpapers and panels painted by 8 diqerent studios and artists – the work of a London based artist features throughout and 2 British handpainted wallpaper companies
We collaborate exceptionally well both internally and externally and that is a cornerstone of the design studio: It takes a village! Internally we have built a studio of experienced and award-winning designers and architects who seamlessly work together to create flawless, fully immersive designs for our clients where every detail is considered, designed, installed and styled. We also work alongside – and often lead – an established network of the highest quality contractors, agents, specialists and suppliers to ensure a luxurious level of workmanship is achieved across every facet of a client’s project.
We like to design unhemmed by trends or fleeting fashions as Katharine strongly believes that true elegance and comfort is timeless. Wellness, fitness, comfort and personalisation are increasingly important to our clients. There is also a move towards more informal entertaining, a generational move away from traditional formal living room spaces to more fun and immersive games rooms, home cinemas, wine tasting rooms, music rooms. Spaces that reflect the unique individual passions of the client and showcase their niche interests are definitely growing in demand.
We make a conscious eqort to design with an eco-friendly approach and have a dedicated librarian who manages all of our supplier relationships and the library of architectural samples and decorative finishes and fabrics to ensure that specifications are made with sustainability in mind. We actively work to minimise waste across our projects and prioritise reuse, refurbishment, reclamation and antiques.
Katharine champions hundreds of the finest small to medium workshops, ateliers and makers in Britain. This ‘British-made’ approach minimises transportation for our domestic projects.
Wherever possible we aim to use natural fibres in our fabric specifications and Katharine’s role as an advocate for the Campaign for Wool reflects this passion for sustainable, natural fabrics. Wool, cotton, linen, jute, Cashmere, sisal, mohair and bamboo are all far more sustainable and better for our health than man-made fibres. Timber in our joinery and bespoke furniture is also sourced from FSC.
Our team of talented architects place sustainable MEP design solutions at the heart of our projects. For example we have completed a number of projects which have ‘air source’ heat pumps and solar photovoltaic solutions. Focusing on achieving the best U values so that the fabric of the building gives the system a head start.
Travel as much as you can, visit galleries, museums, beautiful cities, and individual artists and creators. Live life with your eyes and heart open, everything and anything can inspire you to create new and beautiful designs, but you have to get out in the world, don’t wait for it to come to you.
The Château de la Croix des Gardes has is probably our most iconic recent project, due to the final design and its captivating history. Situated high above Cannes on the lush Crois des Gardes hill, the property became infamous in 1955 as the set of Hitchcock’s film ‘To Catch a Thief’, starring Grace Kelly and Cary Grant. The scale of this project was quite spectacular, the Chateau’s square footage is 25,000 sq. ft set across four floors (extended from an original sq ft. of 13,000). Katharine Pooley also designed 42,000 sq. ft of living spaces spread across five additional beautiful secondary buildings and in total there are fifteen guest bedrooms and seven staq bedrooms across the estate. A majestic property set amongst 25 acres of sympathetically restored Italianate gardens, the design and renovation of this “heartstoppingly” beautiful French Riviera chateau embodies the luxury and glamour of its movie-star history.
In spring 2025 we complete a beautiful 50,000 sq ft coastal residence in Sardinia for a returning client. I feel this will be an iconic design for us. Set within two acres of gardens with classic Mediterranean style architecture housing a refined contemporary /rustic interior. We have taken inspiration from the curved architectural detailing that is the hallmark of Mediterranean design and designed joinery and furniture with rounded edges and circular elements to complement the flowing, intimate, nature of the space. The outdoor landscape overlooks a simply sublime Sardinian seascape which has inspired the interior design and infused it with vibrant Mediterranean hues like terracotta, deep blue, or olive green adds warmth.
This year we complete ten more projects that really are unlike anything we have created before. They will be in Paris, Aspen, Kuwait, Hong Kong, London, Bermuda, Mallorca and we currently are working on large scale iconic projects in Dallas, Doha, Dubai and Gibraltar.
Yes, we have a strong internship program which accepts candidates and graduates every year from all the main design schools and from further afield. Katharine gives regular talks and takes part in panel discussions and has a strong relationship with the KLC School of Design.
About Katharine Pooley
Established over 20 years ago, Katharine’s London-based design studio creates exquisite designs around the world. Named as 'British Interior Designer of the Decade', Katharine leads an international team of 49 interior designers, architects and interior architects. Current projects range in scale and style, from traditional country estates to palaces, hotels, luxury spas, beach villas, traditional castles, ski chalets, private jets and super yachts. Katharine is currently working on several international projects for private clients in Bermuda, Majorca, Aspen, Dallas, Sardinia, Paris, New York, Hong Kong, London, Dubai, Kuwait, Doha and Great Britain. Born in Hertfordshire, schooled in Oxfordshire and France, Katharine hails from a family of adventurers and aeronautical enthusiasts and her passion for exploration has been a lifelong inspiration. An intrepid traveller, she has visited more than 150 countries and, along the way, has summited many of the world’s highest mountains; driven a team of dogs on a sled to the North Pole; and crossed the Sahara Desert on horseback, amongst other exciting adventures. Katharine's approach to interior and architectural design is equally fearless and her aesthetic is synonymous with unforgettable, beautifully crafted, art-like living spaces that exude timeless elegance and luxurious comfort. Her positivity and enthusiasm for the minuti of design are legendary. Driven and fearless she creates exuberant and memorably beautiful interiors across the world and is a truly global design icon.
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Autumn is here again and the daylight is softening across London as the city dons its beautifully crisp hues. In Katharine Pooley's Studio the arrival of this season sparks a renewed focus on cosy textures and warmth in all its forms. This time of year also evokes reflection: on journeys taken, on the spaces we inhabit and on the small, considered gestures that transform a house into a home.
The Walton Street Boutique is welcoming the season with a subtle in-store transformation and the launch of our Autumnal Edit. My window display captures the deep russets of fallen leaves and the muted glow of early dusk, spotlighting a selection of exquisite new treasures that have just landed.
In celebration of 'Wool Month' and British craft, we have highlighted some beautiful soft furnishings (and sheep!) to honour this wonderfully sustainable material and the artisans who bring a sense of heritage to every piece.
While the season may be slowing down, our pace certainly isn’t. This autumn, my team is travelling across the US, Middle East, and Caribbean, with highlights including unveiling The Study at the Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Dallas. A sophisticated palette of deep blues and warm ochres defines this elegant space, where classical references meet modern craftsmanship. I can't wait to share more next month.
Be sure to pop into our Walton Street store and discover a carefully curated collection of delights from bespoke, one-of-a-kind cushions to luxurious living room accessories - each has been handpicked for our discerning clientele both locally and online. As always, my hope is that this season offers you moments of inspiration, comfort and delight. May you find pleasure in slowing down and observing the beauty in your surroundings.
About Katharine Pooley London
Recently named ‘British Interior Designer of the Decade’, ‘International Designer of the Year in Asia’ and ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ Katharine Pooley has in a short space of time become one of Europe's leading designers. Her portfolio encompasses a multitude of interior styles and architectural genres and her design ethos is one of luxurious eclecticism. No two projects are ever alike, but they are universally beautiful and timeless.
Design isn't built on materials alone, it is carried by structure, rhythm and refinement. When we discuss architecture it’s not usually the scale of a space that grabs our attention, but more the details. A shadow line, a repeated curve, a restored edge - these decisions we make when we are scheming is what gives a building impact. The following is a breakdown of four architectural elements that Katharine Pooley focuses on when designing: choices that shape how a space performs, ages and ultimately how it resonates.
The line where the wall meets the ceiling is often overlooked, yet a well-chosen cornice can do wonders for a room. Sitting quietly at the top of the room, it can soften the transition, draw the eye upward and add to the room's presence. A clean, linear shadow gap in a modern home or an ornate plaster profile in a period property, giving thought to this detail can anchor a room in its time or gently blur the boundaries between eras. Let it frame your space like a punctuation mark: subtle, precise and with intention.
A staircase has a certain presence within a home: the rhythm of the treads, the grip of the handrail, and the light that can slip between the steps are all small things that shape how we live and how we move through our home. In older homes, staircases are often the spine of the house and beautifully worn by generations. In contemporary spaces, they can float, twist, or fold like paper. But in every case, they should invite touch, lead the eye and guide you from one moment to the next.
To preserve is not to freeze. Inherited or newly introduced, heritage details give a building texture and continuity. Heritage is realised in countless ways, it can be a ceiling rose retained during renovation, a tiled hearth carefully repointed or a set of internal doors restored rather than replaced. Retaining the heritage of a building is less about preservation for tradition’s sake, and more about honouring what came before. These elements bring soul to a home and remind us beauty is often something you live with, not just something to add. Preserving heritage grounds a space in its past while allowing it the flexibility to evolve with its residents.
Wall panelling speaks softly but has a strong impact. The repetition and depth that panelling introduces can completely shift a room’s proportions. From traditional wainscoting to oversized grid layouts, it invites tactility and texture and offers structure to otherwise blank surfaces. In contemporary work, we often pare it back, think wide panels with minimal joints to allow the shadow play and tone to do the talking.
A fireplace is usually the focal point of a room and a place where design slows down and gathers. In any type of home the treatment of the fireplace tells you how the space wants to be read. Think a reclaimed surround with layers of paint removed by hand, or a monolithic stone slab cut with precision - the fireplace makes a statement and draws attention without needing to shout. It can centre a room or divide one, invite conversation or contemplation. Even when unused, a well-resolved fireplace carries weight and should never be overlooked.
At its core, design is not just about visual beauty it’s about creativity and the quiet stories behind the details. Cornicing, panelling, staircases, fireplaces, heritage elements - each of these elements plays a role in shaping how a home feels and functions. These are not decorative flourishes, but decisions that define how a space holds time and how it endures. It’s this same philosophy that underpins our recent partnership with Bold & Reeves. A shared commitment to homes that are not only masterfully designed, but continually cared for as our belief is true luxury isn’t just one moment.
It is often the smallest spaces that speak the loudest. A bedside table may seem purely practical but styled thoughtfully it becomes complimentary to our daily rituals. Katharine Pooley explores how to elevate this intimate corner of the bedroom. From lighting that softens the room to the tactile details that ground your evening routine, consider this your guide to styling with purpose - refined, functional and beautifully lived-in.
Lighting sets the foundation for a well-styled bedside table. A lamp should do more than provide illumination, it acts as an anchor that helps to frame the space. Consider both scale and material when making your selection: a lamp that is too large will overwhelm a small table and look too busy, but too small and it loses presence.
A bedside table is a practical surface so it must be able to accommodate everyday essentials while still remaining calm. A small, elegant tray or box can hold loose items like reading glasses, medicine, lip balm or jewellery, reducing clutter and creating a sense of calm. This is particularly useful in guest rooms where an uncluttered surface feels welcoming and considered.
The qualities of a bedside should speak to the room’s palette. Think aged brass next to raw ceramic, linen-bound books against a marble tabletop. Materials should contrast gently - creating tension without chaos. A balance of matte and reflective finishes adds depth and draws the eye without overwhelming the view.
A framed photograph, a handwritten note, a scent that reminds you of somewhere beautiful, these small markers turn the ordinary into something quietly sacred. Whether it’s a sea-polished stone from a long-forgotten holiday or the lingering trace of a favourite candle, personal touches build an atmosphere of comfort. The bedside isn’t entirely designed for display like other spaces, it’s a private landscape and a still life composed for one. It should hold the things that calm you and move you, gently guiding you into rest.
Careful proportions or balanced or deliberately off-centre, a bedside table can be either depending on the mood you want to create. A symmetrical setup either side, perhaps a matching pair of lamps and other aligned objects, feels formal and grounding. Asymmetry, on the other hand, invites a more relaxed, lived-in character: a candle offset by a low stack of books, a solitary object with presence. Trust your eye to create rhythm and flow.
There is a certain romance to collecting wine – the way the bottle evolves with time, the memory of the vintage year and waiting for the right moment. Designing wine storage and its respective rooms is in many ways a reflection of the same elegance. It requires a patient balance between functionality and style. As a studio, Katharine Pooley has designed wine rooms and cellars for countless properties: London townhouses, Mediterranean villas, Provençal estates and Swiss ski chalets. Each has been a practice in crafting something deeply personal and rigorously exact.
Wine, like interior design, is sensitive to its surroundings; Humidity, temperature and light become as critical as colour palette, texture and proportion to the final product. Creating these bespoke storage spaces across the world means a thoughtful exercise in crafting a space where details like materials, technology and spatial planning all work in tandem.
In a hot and humid environment, it’s about concealed cooling and natural materials that breathe with the environment. In an inner city penthouse, sculptural glass and precision-engineered humidity control is the way to go. I love designing these rooms, it’s a joy to craft spaces where craftsmanship and expertise meet and the rooms age as gracefully as the bottles they hold. Here are my top considerations for designing wine rooms.
Wine rooms are no longer relegated to shadowy corners of traditional basements, the modern cellar has emerged over the years to become a centrepiece of luxury residential design. This is a reflection of the ever-expanding cultural reverence of wine and the rituals we appreciate that surround them and so, the spaces need to reflect the inhabitants.
I am seeing an increase in the requests for additional seating, wet bar and audio facilities as people want to spend extended time, and entertain in these rooms. In one of my South of France projects, I integrated a ‘tasting room’ above the storage cellar itself at the clients request. I included lots of fun touches like a vine-draped bespoke chandelier and generous comfortable dining chairs at a round tasting table to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. I paired all of this with functional elements like climate control and multiple areas for glass and server storage.
Fine wines demand specific conditions to age gracefully. A consistent temperature sits ideally between 11-14°C, controlled humidity levels should be around 60-70%. There needs to be minimal light and a vibration-free environment. Translating these technical requirements into something aesthetic is the challenge designers now embrace with increasing ingenuity.
A contemporary wine room is now often integrated into the main living space and sometimes visible through glass enclosures or showcased like artwork. I love transparent glass walls framed in a classic metal like bronze or steel – it should feel like an extension rather than an afterthought and mirror the home’s broader material and design vocabulary.
Materiality plays a crucial role in the performance and atmosphere of a wine room. Wood, particularly mahogany and redwood, has long been a preferred choice for racking due to its resistance to mould and moisture. However today’s designs frequently incorporate materials like blackened steel, smoked glass, travertine, and even poured concrete to achieve a more contemporary effect.
Lighting is another element where design and functionality converge. LED strip lighting is favoured not just for its low heat emission, but for its ability to dramatise by casting long shadows through bottles and creating a sense of allure. Custom cabinetry often includes modular racks for standard Bordeaux bottles, larger format magnums, and the increasingly popular Burgundy and Champagne shapes.
In this age of wine appreciation the cellar is no longer just a place for bottles to age and collect dust. These spaces can be beautifully orchestrated, and a beautiful blend of history, atmosphere and design. Every detail, like a well aged Barolo, tells a story worth savouring.
The design landscape is rapidly evolving as Katharine Pooley moves beyond visual experiences to something more immersive and appreciative of the full spectrum of human perception. Sight is no longer the deciding force in shaping the aesthetic experience of a space, and so we are weaving considerations for sound, touch, smell and even taste into our projects to create spaces that not only look good but feel good by leaning into our intuition. As we discover more about the multisensory nature and intricacies of the brain we begin to realise how important our world around us is to our personal experience and sense of wellbeing.
Enter sensory design. Sensory design considers how each element of an environment influences our mood and behaviour whether consciously or not. Textures of natural materials, the ambient silence of a room with gentle acoustic and bespoke fragrances are some of the more known practices in crafting a space that speaks to the senses. Here are my considerations for each of the senses being thoughtfully integrated into today’s interiors.
Going far beyond that which we feel with our hands, touch encapsulates a number of elements that stem from the body's sense of balance and spatial orientation. Proprioception is regularly called the sixth sense and describes how your body senses where it is in ‘space’ or its position and movement. It’s how we walk without constantly looking at our feet, or how we’re able to touch our noses with our eyes closed. In interior design this translates to creating environments that gently engage the body through subtle movement. Rather than static, passive rooms, we can integrate things like varying floor levels or a mixture of textures to stimulate feedback. Small shifts in elevation or underfoot material are enough - not every living space needs a conversation pit.
Touch in architecture isn’t only about material, it’s also symbolic. As Finnish architect Juhani Pallasmaa famously said, “the door handle is the handshake of the building.” The first thing we often touch when entering a space is the entry point, it sets the tone for what follows. A good front door is one of the most important elements in a residential home and I love creating a moment through bespoke handles, shapes or weights to a doorway. Once inside, every surface we contact - floors, railings, upholstery, elevator buttons - contributes to a tactile experience both emotional and physical. Heavy doors with textured handles are a low-effort way to enhance tactility, while larger gestures like curved corridors, soft corners, or material changes (think the coolness of marble or the grain of wood) all influence how the space feels and how we feel within it. Texture and temperature are core elements of tactile design and can subtly support our limbic system and anchoring us through memory, comfort, and embodied presence.
Sound is often at the bottom of the list in considerations to factor in architectural design yet it has one of the most profound impacts on how we experience a space. Jarring or unpredictable noise is typically seen as something to eliminate but it's also important to recognise how the presence of certain sounds can shape atmosphere and emotional response. Acoustic design is becoming increasingly considered essential in homes, schools, healthcare environments, and as we continue to live in increasingly urbanised environments the effects of noise pollution on wellbeing are becoming harder to ignore.
Most architectural discourse on the topic has been historically centred on the reduction or isolation of sound and past research has focused almost entirely upon noise or the presence of ‘unwanted sound. Previously, sound in architecture was often addressed in terms of absorption and insulation. But we now know every space carries its own auditory identity. I like to adopt careful zoning, material selection, and sound-absorbing surfaces to sculpt the auditory impact of a space to ensure the soundscape is not only controlled but comforting and has a welcoming rhythm to it.
Taste holds surprising potential in creating immersive experiences and this is especially the case within hospitality design. It can evoke powerful emotional memories and effortlessly enrich a space’s narrative. In residential settings kitchens and shared living areas are where food and drink naturally bring people together and in these moments taste becomes a powerful connector that fosters a sense of belonging. I love encouraging casual interaction around food, and incorporating spaces that support hosting and social ‘rituals’ creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere. A well-designed kitchen with ample casual dining space invites debriefs at the end of a long day, while a thoughtfully planned bar or tasting nook offers residents a place to relax and unwind. Outdoor dining areas that blend food experiences with nature extend these sensory moments beyond the walls and are increasingly important to my clients. Good design invites guests to engage, share stories, and build relationships—making dining a multisensory experience that goes far beyond the plate.
Scent has a uniquely direct line to the brain’s limbic system which is the primitive centre of our emotion and memory, making it an incredibly potent sensory tool. Even subtle aromas that are delivered through essential oils, fresh botanicals, or the natural qualities of materials like cedar, leather, or natural stone can instantly influence mood and atmosphere. In sensory design olfactory, or scent, elements are used strategically to influence the mood and experience of the individual. Scientific studies confirm that ambient fragrances can reduce stress hormones and increase feelings of wellbeing, underscoring scent’s profound potential as an invisible yet impactful design element.
Many brands and businesses have appreciated this fact and adopted their own signature scents to deepen the connection to their branding - brands like Chanel or Hermes use bespoke scents in their boutiques, hotels like the Aman or Ritz-Carlton have been doing the same for years, and myself I like to have a distinctive diffuser oil at each of my homes.
Sight remains a primary sense in interior design, but the focus has shifted from pure aesthetics to creating visually soothing and supportive environments. Natural light is now understood as essential for mental and physical health, influencing circadian rhythms and emotional wellbeing. Designers employ dynamic lighting—adjustable in tone and intensity throughout the day—to mimic natural cycles, promoting alertness or calm as needed. Biophilic design principles bring nature indoors through views, organic forms, and natural materials, enhancing visual comfort and reducing cognitive fatigue. Colour palettes are selected not only for style but for psychological impact, with calming hues reducing stress and vibrant tones energising. Minimalist compositions and balanced spatial arrangements help to prevent sensory overload, allowing occupants to process their surroundings with ease and clarity. The visual environment is thus crafted to support both the function and emotional resonance of a space.
Designing for the senses is not a trend but a fundamental shift toward more inclusive, engaging, and wellbeing-focused environments. As our understanding of sensory processing and cognitive diversity deepens, so too must our design strategies. Thoughtfully crafted interiors offer a chance to reconnect—with ourselves, our surroundings, and our senses. In doing so, they elevate spaces from the merely functional to the experiential, deepening our connection to the world around us.
Upon being commissioned to restore and redesign a majestic property set amongst twenty-five acres of sprawling grounds and beautiful sea views, Katharine Pooley knew the new layout had to include a strong connection to outdoor living. The Château de la Croix des Gardes embodies and glamour of its movie-star history both inside and out, blending architecture, nature and design to create a beautiful yet functional residence lauded for its outdoor entertaining spaces. With seven separate buildings, the estate naturally includes multiple alfresco areas, and my favourite is the Italian Pavillion.
Nestled amongst an array of European botanical species arranged in symmetrical flower beds, we worked closely with landscape and garden design Studio Atelier François Navarro to reinstate the planting, stonework, follies, outhouses, pool and wisteria walkways to reflect the splendour in place over a century ago. The Italianate gardens are the jewel in the crown. Sculpture-filled vistas, rockeries, and fountains frame the picturesque structure at the heart of it all: a hand-painted indoor room.
The Renaissance and Baroque Gardens in Italy were particularly famous for their elegant and balanced designs. Pavilions were often placed at focal points within the garden to provide a moment of respite and a spot to enjoy the vista. Sitting at the intersection of Italian history, classic French design and English eclecticism, our Italian Pavillion is defined by its hand painted trompe-l'œil walls and large, open windows that allow for unobstructed views of the garden. This creates a sense of immersion in nature while still being sheltered. The design is simple and open.
Trompe l'oeil is the artistic device in which the eye is tricked into seeing painted walls and surfaces as three dimensional. It has long been used in garden rooms as a way of bringing the outside in, and to stamp a very personal mark on a space. Across all cultures and thanks to our natural instincts, a connection to outdoor living is found across most classical developments. Through history we continuously see nature adopted as the feature of both public and private settings. This stems from an inclination of enjoying nature as the definition of satisfaction.
The view through the gardens at our South of France project is equally captivating at day or night. In the evening, the Italian Pavilion glows beautifully with soft lighting, capturing the symmetry of the stone work and rose filled flower borders.
I was exceptionally proud when the project Château de la Croix des Gardes was called ‘a contemporary reimagining of an historical masterpiece’ in last summer’s issue of Architectural Digest France.
The largest remaining estate on the Cote D’Azur, this legendary Belle Époque Château is unparalleled in the beauty of its architecture, its sublime Mediterranean views, the scale of its surrounding gardens and its magical history. Dating back to the early 19th century, the chateau was built alongside a series of outstanding properties in the region (Villa Rothschild, Castle Vallombrosa, and Villa Romée, among others) that became known as Quartier des Anglais. In 1919, Swiss industrialist Paul Girod purchased the property and built a Florentine-style villa atop the hill, surrounded by twenty five acres of authentic hanging gardens designed by a famed landscape architect known throughout the region. These iconic gardens defined the estate.
We commissioned a wonderful artist and friend, Piero, to paint all four walls with views of the gardens. The process was a complete joy to oversee. He captured the grounds by hand, meticulously detailing the 60 acres of jasmine, lavender and rows of cypress trees reaching up to the sky. In total we have thirteen hand-painted murals across the property but this one is by far my favourite. It details the original rear facade of the property, as well as the vast array of flora and fauna that have remained the same over the years as owners have changed.
In our restoration of the Château de la Croix des Gardes we emphasised a seamless connection between architecture, nature, and design. The Italian Pavillion is the perfect example of this approach, with its symmetrical layouts, manicured flowerbeds, and artful placement of sculptures and water features reflecting the elegance of Italianate garden design.
The transformation of this historic property has proudly earned praise for its modern reimagining of classical luxury, maintaining the grandeur and beauty of its past while embracing a contemporary approach to living.
Taking inspiration from its water side setting, the Riverside project, designed by Katharine Pooley, is a luxurious pied-a-terre situated in the historical walls of the City of London. With a grand view of the Thames, the designs' textures and shades echo the movement and light that emanates from the changing tides of the river. Reflective materials, a muted and aerial inspired colour palette and bleached timbers mirror the waterside locale.
Across the design, I layered complementary dual tones throughout: gold and silver, semi-gloss weave and matte, deep blues and silvery hues - all evoking the shimmering interplay of light and texture found along the river’s edge. When designing the entrance hall, we were looking for finishes that would lighten and brighten the space as much as possible due to its internal positioning away from the vast windows in the main living areas. Textured silk wallpaper was selected for its subtle way of reflecting light. A grass cloth weave on a metallic background was specified for the panels within the coat cupboard doors, while very pale aerial, silver-toned blue was realised for the painted surfaces. A focal point is the ‘bird of paradise’ handles on the cupboard which further reflect life near the water.
When designing the living room I drew deeply from the apartment’s external setting with views that stretch toward the Thames and across to Shakespeare’s Globe. A glacial palette of soft blues and watery silvers was chosen to echo the light-play on the river, while every material and finish was selected to bounce and throw light back into the room.
An abalone-pearl-inset side table further captures the shifting colours of the sun as it dances across surfaces, echoed by the mix of metal accents and visible hardware throughout. The chandelier is detailed with baubles and reed-like forms and evokes the effervescence of rising tide bubbles. The curtains are trimmed with a pearl edging - a nod to the theatrical costumes worn on stage at the Globe visible just beyond the windows.
Furniture selections support both form and function - swivel chairs offer flexibility and I positioned them to easily face either inward or outward towards the terrace. Bespoke upholstery and a pebble inspired side table sits beautifully atop a raised-pile rug. Together, these elements create a serene interior where water, light, and location are continuously reflected and reinterpreted.
A quietly layered rhythm defines the bedroom below. Nature inspired-details and tones are used to create a calm retreat from the energy of the city beyond the windows. A verdant sectional headboard frames the bed and is flanked by panels of wallpaper. Hanging pendants are found above each bedside table, which themselves are bespoke pieces crafted with soft radial curves. They include discreet pull-out trays, perfect for resting small treasures or a morning cup of coffee. The curtains are finished with a bauble trim along the leading edges, adding a playful tactile note, while sheer layers help to diffuse the sharper lines of the metropolitan view outside.
Our team of interior designers and architects considers the surrounding environment an essential factor in crafting residential spaces. We have achieved a sense of balance by addressing the inerrant contrasts of central city life - its dynamic energy and fast pace - with the serenity of nearby nature. Through careful consideration of textures, tones, and natural materials, we bridged these opposing forces to craft a home that provides both a vibrant connection to urban living and a peaceful retreat.
Games rooms, wine cellars, music rooms, home cinemas or ten pin bowling alleys - this spring Katharine Pooley is seeing an increase in requests to create one-of-a-kind luxury spaces that are intimate, unique and individual to our clients personal passions. I think it is fair to say, enjoyment and relaxation at home has become a growing priority for many.
When my Studio was commissioned to redesign the interior of the Château de la Croix des Gardes, a 13,000 sq ft Château, overlooking the Bay of Cannes, we created an incredible, burgundy hued, subterranean games room for an English client with a passion for poker.
The generous space is located below the Château and is accessed through a vast antique bronze bank-vault door sourced specially from Canada. More than just an entrance, it is a talking point and creates an impressive welcome for guests. Passing through feels like stepping into a hidden world, leaving behind the formality of the historic Château, to discover a space entirely unexpected - intimate, inviting and infused with the owner's personal character and passions.
The Games Room is subtly divided into three areas. The first features a poker table and fully equipped bar, the central section is a formal conversation and lounging area, while the last boasts an emerald green snooker table with hand-painted wallpaper depicting a homage to the Alfred Hitchcock movie 'To Catch a Thief' which was filmed on the property.
The feature bar is positioned at one end of the space and was designed to accommodate both exclusive poker games and large lively gatherings. The masculine aesthetic strikes a balance between the warmth of a countryside club and the sophistication of a James Bond-style setting. The scheme plays with contrasts: bronze adds depth and richness while brass brings brightness. Classic and contemporary elements intertwine, giving the space an elusive quality that resists being tied to a single era or location.
At the heart of the bar, diamond-cut glass panels are set in custom joinery and accented with antique brass detailing. Flanking this centrepiece, tall cabinetry with antique mirrored panels create depth, while surrounding leather-inset panels add a tactile richness. Recessed antique brass handles with fluted metal detailing complement the fumed eucalyptus timber found across the room.
An oval-shaped chandelier hangs above and was crafted from solid glass to enhance its brilliance. Rather than more muted hollow glass, solid glass increases the surface area and allows light to refract and sparkle. Polished stainless steel rims frame the piece and add a sleek contrast. My choice of solid glass not only elevates the chandelier’s luminosity but also provides a richer, more luxurious presence. I commissioned each piece in the Czech Republic, using the best glassmakers in Europe and ensuring artisanal precision.
Luxurious umber-hued leather upholstery enriches the seating, while the deep navy pivot bar stools echo the undulating shapes and contrast piping of the poker table chairs. The rich leather wall panels pair beautifully with a striking marble surface and a grand quadrate chandelier, reinforcing the space’s opulence. Alabaster-domed lamps provide a final touch of warmth and refinement.
This design echoes the stepped chandeliers found in the rest of the room and ties the spaces together with a cohesive, atmospheric glow. Elsewhere, bespoke marquetry details heighten the drama, with starburst-patterned tabletops in blonde veneer framed by rich bronze accents. Deeply buttoned, ink-blue leather chesterfield sofas, velvet backed mid-century sculptural armchairs and soft Hermes throws create the ideal lounging space.
Finally, we enormously enjoyed designing the most unexpected space, reached through a discrete door beside the bar: a private ten pin bowling alley featuring custom lighting, accessories and audio system. We created an adjacent seating area perfect for lacing up bowling shoes. I can just imagine the memories that will be made in this space and the laughter shared with friends and family.
While game rooms are enjoying a renaissance, they reflect an age-old desire for play and togetherness. Many of the special, entertaining spaces my clients are requesting reflect their wish to have fun and be able to completely relax in the privacy and security of their own homes. There is a timelessness to our love of fun, and it is just as enjoyable to plan, construct and design these rooms for our clients. My talented team of architects and designers also created a separate but complimentary home cinema and powder room which are accessed through the main Games Room.
This spring my studio will complete the redesign of a striking and contemporary Parisian home as well as visiting our ongoing projects across the South of France. We are looking forward to forging new connections across the world in 2025, and it is set to be an especially exciting year for the design studio as we grow our team of architects and designers, and further strengthen our yacht, hospitality and art consultancy divisions. Please feel free to reach out to our team regarding any projects in France and beyond. Our team is on the ground and available for site meetings in the coming weeks.
The Katharine Pooley Design Studio is currently working on several large-scale residences in St Tropez, Monaco and Cannes for their network of private clients from around the world. The transformation of the 25,000 sq ft Château de la Croix des Gardes perfectly illustrates Katharine’s personal love of timeless, beautifully detailed, serenely elegant interiors, which wonderfully suits the architecture and landscape of the French Riviera.
The Château de la Croix des Gardes is one of the largest remaining estates on the Cote D'Azur. This legendary Château is unparalleled in the beauty of its architecture, its sublime mediterranean views and the scale of its surrounding gardens. The LA based English client and his young family asked Katharine and her team of experienced designers to spearhead the Châteaus complete redesign over three years, and the captivating splendour of the blue and white hued Ballroom is now the perfect backdrop for formal entertaining with family and friends.
In 1919, Swiss industrialist Paul Girod purchased the property and built a Florentine style villa, surrounded by 25 acres of gardens. These iconic gardens define the estate, and were the inspiration for Katharine’s design for the new Ballroom, which is situated within one wing of the property. The inspiration is most clearly seen in the detailing of the majestic botanical themed bar and hand-painted wall panelling that depicts the garden views on all sides of the property.
Large windows run parallel along the length of the room creating a harmony between the outdoors and in. A feature of each room at the Château are the hand-stitched embroideries and hand-woven fabrics. The leading edges of the Ballroom curtains were embroidered, with delicate bamboo shoots crafted with metallic yarns, silk threads and fine glass beads.
The bespoke chandeliers hanging overhead were uniquely designed by the Katharine Pooley team and inspired by local, traditional craftsmanship. They were painstakingly crafted from artisanal antique glass makers in the French countryside, with metalwork completed in Provence.
An intricately crafted marquetry bar was designed by Katharine and her team to create an eye-catching centrepoint to the entertaining space. Individually crafted marquetry leaves and petals span its five meter length and take inspiration from the shapes of botanical specimens found in the surrounding gardens. The walls of the Ballroom feature exquisite hand-painted moon-gold parchment wall paneling, showing the original Japanese garden and family of peacocks found on the grounds.
The Katharine Pooley Design Studio expertly managed every aspect of the design, procurement and installation of this extraordinary residence, overseeing the transformation of the Château. This included spatial planning, schematic designs and architectural concepts. Katharine ensured every small detail embodied the finest European craftsmanship, with 265 artisans contributing to the remarkable finished result.
This spring, the Katharine Pooley Design Studio will complete the redesign of a striking and contemporary Parisian home and visit our ongoing projects in development in the South of France. Katharine is looking forward to forging new connections across the world. 2025 is set to be an especially exciting year for the design studio as we grow our team of architects and designers, and further strengthen our yacht, hospitality and art consultancy divisions.
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