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.
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.
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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.
Celebrate love with Katharine’s exclusive collection of exquisitely crafted luxury home accessories and gifts.
Thoughtfully curated to elevate every moment, whether you’re indulging a loved one or treating yourself, explore a selection of elegant photograph frames, sumptuous wool and cashmere throws, crystal vases, and delicate trinket boxes.
Designed to delight, each piece is made to last a lifetime.
Colour custodians Pantone have announced their ‘Colour of the Year’ for 2025 with the warming, rich neutral hue Mocha Mousse (17-1230) being selected for the lauded position. Both humble and luxurious, this versatile shade is something Katharine Pooley has used across many designs for a calm and comforting feel. In a recent Alpine chalet design, we created a soft mocha hue across all the timber finishes and added accents of this beautiful colour in pretty paisley cushions from De Le Cuona, pairing them with some leather accessories from my boutique's collection.
Mocha Mousse is a mood. It is versatile enough to blend seamlessly into neutral palettes while standing confidently as a statement shade. I chose a similar hue for the silk wallpaper of this Primary Bedroom in our St. James’ project in London. As a base colour it provided an earthy and grounding backdrop for a peaceful space. I paired it with complimentary hues of soft ivory and light lavender-grey, as well as natural textures like the rock crystal table lamps, to keep the room fresh and peaceful.
Its velvety brown tone is accented with gentle pink undertones that adds a sensual and inviting dimension, perfect for living spaces. The pink notes enrich its warmth, giving it an elegant edge and enabling it to delicately compliment other shades. Comforting and dignified, Mocha Mousse is not so far removed from the creamy neutrals we’ve witnessed dominating the interior design industry in the past few years. In the living room at our Hyde Park project, you can see soft tones offset the bold shapes of the bespoke chandelier and vintage chevron floorboards. Mocha Mousse is nestled in the smaller accents, offsetting the vibrancy of other features in the room, balancing a diverse grouping of tones across warm and cool.
Mocha Mousse exemplifies the aesthetics of simplicity and essence of everyday luxury. Its presence invites us to savour the small joys, celebrating the simple yet profound connections we find throughout our daily lives. In accessories or accents across a room, the colour adds dimension and impact. Our Orla Vases in rich mocha tones are beautifully handcrafted. The glass accessories infuse a sensorial, sophisticated warmth ideal for an entryway.
The shade is an evocative rich brown infused with opulent warmth. Whether it appears on flooring, wall panelling, joinery or doors and architraves, it is well suited as a colour for interior architecture finishes. In our Marble Arch project we used it on the veneered cabinetry in the kitchen, the floor and the dining table finishes. It paired perfectly with the commissioned pieces from West Australian ceramic artist Pippin Drysdale.
Ultimately, luxury means exceptional comfort and ease, its form is dynamic to each individual's personal preference. This is what my clients want in their home, and what they look to me for realising in their design. The earthy colour reflects humanity’s growing efforts to better align ourselves with the natural world and return to an appreciation of the simple things in a world increasing in complexity.
About Katharine Pooley
Katharine Pooley is renowned worldwide for her extraordinary interiors, as well as for the dedication and elegance with which she embraces all aspects of life. Established 20 years ago, Katharine’s London-based, interior design and architecture studio creates innovative designs and exquisite, award-winning, spaces. Named as ‘British Interior Designer of the Decade’, Katharine’s design vision is limitless and unconstrained by genre. Overseeing her team of 50 interior designers and interior architects, Katharine’s personal approach ensures every detail of every project and product is exquisitely realised and impeccably finished. Projects range in scale and style, from traditional townhouses and country estates to contemporary homes, hotels, luxury spas, modernist beach villas, historical palaces, traditional castles, ski chalets, private jets and yachts.
Forter Castle is a treasured 16th Century family home set in the heart of the Highlands. Scotland's natural, weathered surroundings come to life in the wintry months. The view of the surrounding hills with a dusting of snow atop the heather and orange bracken is captivating, and for years, my family and I have been drawn to spend many a happy Christmas within the historic castle and its grounds to make for an idyllic, cosy stay.
The castle epitomises Christmas for our family and decorating for the festive period brings the greatest joy.
Forter is always beautiful, but it truly comes alive during the festive season, especially upon entering the Great Hall, softly lit by the roaring fire, candlelight and the glistening fairy lights on the Christmas tree. The military ceremonial swords (made by my Father's business, Pooley Sword) glimmer above the fireplace and the centuries-old leather bound books appear to glow in the subdued light.
Due to the substantial scale of the room, I have always had to source an enormous Christmas tree for maximum impact and this year, the tree is a real, locally-sourced potted tree, which will be replanted in the New Year. I love how the rich colours of the decorations are enhanced by the antique bookcase I found years ago from Georgian Antiques in Leith. The tree is peppered with large, dark green metallic magnolias from Fortnum & Mason's Piccadilly store, amongst cherished decorations I collected on my travels, with a majority from my favourite Christmas market in Austria.
At Christmas, the dining table is cloaked in a tartan tablecloth, with a contrasting red Ralph Lauren tartan porcelain dinner service, antique silverware and my coveted antique crystalware and silver Scottish thistle candelabras. It's always in the details, and I planned to make the Christmas table look extra special with gorgeous namecards, menus and the labels for 'Pooley's Panettone' - expertly created by Sophia Montagu-Pollock. The napkins are neatly wrapped with a burgundy velvet ribbon from VV Rouleaux and the green crackers from Fortnum & Mason add a touch of magic.
The ceiling is hand-painted by Edinburgh-trained mural and trompe-l'oeil specialist, Jennifer Merredew. The artwork bears the legend of the castle imbued on the beams, which are painted in colourways linking to those used in the 16th Century. Soft Highland-themed shades of heather and gorse for the interior and the upholstered dining chairs match the tablecloth in 'Gunn' tartan.
Miniature marzipan capped Christmas puddings and cakes along with sugared almonds from Fortnum & Mason adorn the table, finishing the setting, which I am sure won't last beyond Boxing Day.
'Robert's bedroom' is one of the castle's seven bedrooms and is especially wonderful at Christmas as it can be reached through its very own designated private staircase direct from the Great Hall. The cranberry-hued woollen throw paired with the sage and claret rug woven by hand in the Highlands by Anta, make it one of the cosiest rooms in the castle.
Trays laden with festive nibbles and mulled wine are usually presented after dinner or after a long walk through the surrounding Cairngorms National Park. My family love to spend our evenings playing charades, plenty of storytelling and dancing by the fire before retiring to bed. I love to stay in the 'Laird's Bedroom', which is the only bedroom to extend to the width of the castle, matching the size of the Great Hall. Within the room, there are pocketed places to relax - a pair of large leather chairs to curl up and read by the fire with my Jack Russell, Herbie and there is a little study nestled within the turret with views overlooking the picturesque grounds I will never tire of.
My Father first fell in love with the castle over 40 years ago, whilst on an adventurous journey through Glenisla on his way to ski in Glenshee, when he stopped in his tracks and set eyes on the site of two mature trees growing amongst stones and rubble of the castle ruins. Learning of the former castle's history through the Ogilvy (Airlie) family, he became entranced by the idea of breathing life back into it and what an incredible vision he had. Every Christmas, we raise a toast in his honour for creating such a wonderful family home for us to enjoy. Wishing you and your family a very Happy Christmas. May your celebrations be peaceful and full of joy.
- Katharine Pooley
Embrace autumn's beauty with these timeless accessories from Katharine Pooley, echoing the rich and earthy tones of the season.
The elegant Royal Palm Frames feature intricate detailing, while the Bamboo Vase in a soft golden hue adds natural charm.
Bring the warm and inviting spirit of the season into your home with our luxurious selection of handcrafted pieces.
This year, we are celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the Katharine Pooley Design Studio and our Chelsea Boutique. As I reflect on two decades of creating beautiful interior and architecture projects around the world, it is immediately clear to me how many flagship projects have come to life in the Middle East, or in Europe for Middle Eastern clients - this is something I am immensely proud of.
I have a deep personal affinity with the area having spent most of my childhood in Bahrain. My mother lived there for over forty years, and so many of my formative years were experienced in this corner of the world. This is undoubtedly why I have always found the region to be an inspiration in many of my designs. From the ancient architecture of Petra and Medina, the Souks of Muscat, to the contemporary majesty of the Emirates, the rich culture feels familiar to me, and its landscape has been the backdrop to many of my happiest memories.
I have crafted an array of beautiful properties across Kuwait, Qatar, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Oman. My talented team have also been honoured with commissions to design Middle Eastern embassy properties, including a private residence in London as featured in AD Middle East.
Altogether the KP Studio has designed hundreds of thousands sq ft of residential and commercial space in the Middle East, reflecting a breadth of work unmatched by any other European Interior Design Studio. Many of these projects remain unpublished due to confidentiality, as respecting the privacy of my clients is a central pillar of the Design Studio’s ethos.
The brief for the stunning Kuwait project featured in this article was to create a contemporary, eclectic, interior with a light and fresh feel. I wanted to showcase individual sculptural pieces and draw you through the space with spectacular feature walls, and lighting installations. We selected an array of large artworks to anchor the design of each individual room. There is an array of unexpected natural materials, luxurious fabrics, and commissioned bespoke pieces utilising centuries old techniques like embroidery, marquetry and glass-blowing to create a layered and diverse interior with a myriad of inspirations.
I have had so many wonderful experiences working on a variety of projects for clients based in the Middle East. They truly understand the importance of quality, craftsmanship and longevity. Their passion and enthusiasm for design, and complete trust in my vision, has inspired me to create some of my strongest projects to date. From the Opera House and Wadis of Oman, the galleries and museums of Doha, the restaurants and exuberant energy of Dubai, the antiquities and raw desert splendour of Saudi, and the warmth and sophistication of Kuwait, I have been lucky enough to spend a great deal of time in many corners of this part of the world.
I am greatly looking forward to giving a headline speech at a worldwide conference in May at the Ritz Carlton in Riyadh and am also taking the opportunity to spend time visiting AlUla, which I hear from many friends is mesmerisingly beautiful. Please get in touch if you have a property you would like me to view, or to discuss other potential opportunities in interior design.
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