Bring the beauty of spring into your home with Katharine Pooley Spring Accessory Edit. The Alia Vase introduces a vibrant burst of colour, brightening any space.
Drawing inspiration from the Mediterranean Coast, sculptural coral home accents evoke a sense of sophistication and serenity within the home.
The Etched Vase, formed from smoke-hued glass offers a contemporary edge, and the handcrafted wicker trays and candle hurricanes are fantastic new additions, perfect for al fresco entertaining.
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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Join Katharine Pooley this Monday the 11th of March, for a panel discussion on 'Extraordinary Homes & Gardens Around the World' led by Noni Ware, Executive Editor of House & Garden magazine.
Topics include 'Extraordinary Estates', 'Coastal Homes', 'Countryside' and 'Urban City Living' - in a far-reaching conversation with Katharine Pooley and industry visionaries, Janice Parker and Randle Siddeley in celebration of the launch of Design Week 2024.
We invite you to discover insights into design as our experts take you through their most breathtaking projects - some of which have never been shown to the public before. Join us in the McKinnon & Harris Showroom, amongst a sea of spring flowers, for a spot of afternoon tea and bubbles. It promises to be an unmissable Design Week highlight.
MONDAY 11th MARCH 2024 4.15pm McKinnon & Harris 220 North Dome The Design Centre Chelsea Harbour [email protected]
Established over 20 years ago Katharine Pooley's London-based interior design studio creates innovative designs and exquisite, award-winning, spaces worldwide. Recently named as “British Interior Designer of the Decade” and “International Designer of the Year”, Katharine’s design vision is limitless and unconstrained by genre.
Janice Parker was born and raised in NYC. While studying she worked in the floral business which solidified her passion for landscape design. In 1984 she launched her eponymous firm, which has been honoured with Interior Design's Best of Year Award for Residential Landscape in 2020, and Veranda’s Best in Outdoor Living Awards in 2022 and 2020.
Randle Siddeley, The Lord Kenilworth, founded RSL in 1978. Under his guidance, the landscaping company has become globally recognised for its quality and innovative designs. He has gained extensive experience working alongside many eminent architects and designers on private gardens, hotels and commercial developments all over the world and he is much lauded for his beautifully crafted gardens.
McKinnon and Harris has been handcrafting high performance aluminium furniture for estate, garden, and yacht in Richmond, Virginia since 1991. Today, McKinnon and Harris set the standard for outdoor home furnishings, with the mission to elevate and inspire designers and homeowners through art, design, and craftsmanship. McKinnon and Harris operates showrooms in London, Richmond, New York City and Los Angeles.
About Katharine Pooley
As designers and curators of the spaces we inhabit, we can consider our aesthetics through the lens of our wellbeing and the environment.
These days we are all concentrating on our wellbeing. Within interior spaces, wellness design seeks to enhance the overall health and experience of its occupants. It prioritises comfort, tranquillity and a holistic connection to the natural world.
It can be about simplicity, and building resilience by breaking through what we know, and it can be ways to amplify relaxation and harmony. In our multifaceted world, there is not one definition of wellness, but one cannot deny that buildings have a significant impact on the structure of our lives. As designers and curators of the spaces in which we live, it is increasingly important to look at all creations with a holistic lens into the future.
Here are my top 10 considerations to shape a stress-reducing design.
Curves, undulating lines and organic forms characterise fluid shapes. They evoke a soothing aesthetic and can be incorporated into furniture, décor and spatial arrangements to promote a sense of flow. Eschewing rigid structures encourages a dynamic interplay between the environment and those living in it and lightly influences a more intuitive lifestyle. Considering the shapes and shadows in a space can have a transformative impact on the ambience of an area. Through incorporating forms that reflect the organic world a designer can seamlessly guide the eye through the environment, fostering a sense of unity and cohesion. In my more recent Notting Hill project pictured above, we selected curved furniture and amorphous coffee tables to achieve harmony. The chandelier above was conceived piece by piece and compliments the furniture below. It also mimics the oceanic design of the bronze doors adjacent.
Take for example the Rolex Learning Centre in Switzerland. It was designed by the Japanese architectural practice SANAA, led by Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa. The RLC is essentially rectangular in plan but appears to be more organic in shape because of the way its roof and floor undulate gently. Instead of steps and staircases, there are slopes and terraces. Without dividing walls, one area of activity gives way to another, embodying the aim and philosophy of the building's purpose - to set the scene for different kinds of collaborative, cross-disciplinary research. The incorporation of organic forms not only promotes visual appeal but also creates a sense of continuity and balance. The environment feels responsive and supportive. Harmonising with elements of natural light, ventilation and biophilic design, fluid shapes can establish an interconnected space that resonates with personal renditions of comfort.
By choosing colours that resonate with a sense of balance and calm, interior designers can positively influence the psychological and emotional well-being of the occupants and foster a holistic and rejuvenating environment. Embracing a palette inspired by nature: calming blues, earthy greens, warm neutrals and deep browns, helps to establish a harmonious connection with the world.
In enhancing our spa, we've delicately infused touches of soft jade green into the cushions and marble table tops. Ancient Egyptians revered this shade, associating it with rebirth, renewal, and immortality, as temples dedicated to 'chronotherapy' adorned with coloured glass have attested. The enduring presence of this hue in design speaks to its ability to evoke serenity. Moreover, gradients and subtle colour contrasts contribute to a visually dynamic experience, further enhancing the spa's ambience.
It is no surprise that the Pantone and Dulux colours of the year are respectively warm, delicate hues reflective of our yearning for that which nurtures us - humanity, community and cosiness - during such uncertain times.
The close link between sleep and good health is well established. Since the pandemic, insomnia has increased with almost 23 million people in the UK suffering from sleep issues. Sleep is an area where technology can make a positive contribution since considerate design and the incorporation of lighting control can promote better sleep hygiene by tuning into the body’s sleep/wake circadian rhythm. This creates the right environment to wind down at night and wake up naturally in the morning.
I encourage large windows and glazed walls in interior architectural design to create a connection with the outdoors. Aim to position furniture with a strong focus on soaking up the sun and sky - keep windows clear and unobstructed, and choose thoughtful window dressings to ensure fresh air and maximum ventilation. Florence Nightingale advocated natural light and ventilation in hospitals in the 19th century for a very good reason - it heals us. The picture above is a chandelier from one of our Lancasters projects in Hyde Park. We worked with a lighting design company to create this bespoke chandelier and strategically placed the downlights so they would perfectly frame the room and add ambience to enhance the space.
As inhabitants, we should be quickly able to pivot and welcome nature into our home, so keep things within reach. You shouldn’t have to strain and make yourself uncomfortable to achieve comfort. Ambient and subdued light in the evening is a primal indicator to our brains; it is ingrained in our psyche that these hues are connected to a slowing down of the mental processes.
Natural materials such as wood, stone, porcelain and bamboo, bring a tactile and organic quality to the environment and connect occupants with the soothing elements of the outdoors. Their use not only adds a sense of warmth and authenticity but also contributes to a more sustainable and eco-friendly design.
Incorporating textures reminiscent of natural landscapes, like soft textiles, woven fabrics, and other tactile surfaces can increase the sensory experience within the space. By introducing earthy materials into interior design, designers can create human-centric environments that appeal to our ingrained preferences. A considered approach to materials aligns strongly with the holistic principles of wellness-oriented spaces.
This consideration, paired with the practicality of sustainability is one of our passions in the KP Studio. We have partnered with and are ambassadors for the Campaign for Wool, ensuring the studio uses as many natural fibre textiles in projects as possible. This is not only to achieve the holistic design approach explored above but to continue the wonderful wealth of craftsmanship in our nation. His Royal Highness, King Charles, has stated it is abundantly clear that changes need to be made in the way we produce and dispose of clothing and textiles, “if we are going to get anywhere near to meeting the United Nations climate change goals set for the industry, a major part of that change has to be moving from a linear system to a circular one, where textiles and clothing are produced sustainably, enjoy long use and are made using natural materials.”
With advances in wireless technology, we can enable effortless connectivity between audio, mobile and home devices. This eliminates cumbersome wiring and allows for greater mobility across the home. By 2050, one in four people living in the Western world will be over 65 years old. Our society is shifting towards smart technology to assist the living situations of all, but specifically those with specific assistive needs.
Enabling voice control to close doors and adjust lighting is just one example of a holistic approach. Installations such as this can help individuals with different abilities to live independently and safely in their own homes for extended periods, decreasing reliance on adult social care provided by third parties. Attention to acoustics is essential when minimising unwanted noise and creating serene spaces. As designers, we employ acoustic panels, sound-absorbing materials and spatial planning techniques to create balanced spaces conducive to conversation, relaxation or focus.
We look at the utilisation of an atmosphere and focus on enhancing the experience of the occupants within it. Imperial College Neuroscientist Mendel Kaelen comments that music can help us resolve inner conflict and move towards calm. Sound deeply influences our perception and experience of the world and is an important consideration when scheming therapeutic interiors.
It’s not just the materials, textures and colours you want to bring in at home - also consider the personal touches scattered around your living space. If you’re hoping for your living room to be a warm and welcoming space, you may find that it is best to avoid polarising statement pieces. At KP, we love the recent emergence of abstract and meditative art. This genre exhibits harmony and completion with rounded shapes and emotive splashes, and emphasises the ability of art to provide mental and visual escapism in tandem with returning ‘home’.
In Mayfair, we stopped by Waddington Custot, to view their more recent show - ‘LoveSongs’, an exhibition from artist Landon Metz. The “rhythmic sequence of biomorphic forms seeping over the raw canvas is immensely calming” quips FT writer Victoria Woodcock. The New York-based, Arizona-born artist has garnered admirers for his ability to meld abstraction with insinuated dynamic movement. Their impact shifts with how the pieces are displayed - incorporating space, sculpture and installation, wrapping around corners and sweeping across the canvas, hinting at the space beyond. This encapsulates the mood of current times - we’ve conquered vast amounts of knowledge and innovation, so why not explore the complexities of our perception? “My hope is someone will have a similar experience in front of the work that I had while making it… the studio practice is a means of metabolising the world, working through things and coming out of it more present,” Metz has said.
The sight and sound of flowing water have been shown to have a calming effect on the mind and body. The rhythmic hum can help to anchor our attention and consciousness in the present moment and facilitate mental clarity. Mindful interiors can feature water indoors. Incorporating fountains or waterfalls in spatial planning can create a tranquil atmosphere and dissolve the stress of the day. These installations can also act as natural air purifiers, helping to filter out pollutants and improve indoor air quality. Several of my clients have requested saunas or hammams. The process of water evaporation can increase humidity levels, which can work wonders for respiratory health in dry climates and winter months.
All this is in addition to the most obvious - water is aesthetically pleasing to most of us. It adds beauty and enhances the visual appeal of an atmosphere, creating a sense of luxury and sophistication that taps into our most innate human desires for serenity.
Integrating plant life into any atmosphere can truly enhance the impact of a wellness-focused design. Aloe, English ivy, and philodendron are excellent smaller plants to consider for shelving while large plants, or even small trees make an immediate impact on any room, they are also perfect for minimalist design as they can tie a room together without overwhelming the character of the textures within.
One of my favourite examples of biophilic design is the Amanzoe resort on the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece. Laying amongst centuries-old olive groves and boasting panoramic views of the ocean, the pavilions are built into the landscape, with green roofs and lush vegetation hugging the exterior and lightly creeping into the shared spaces within.
In one of our recent projects in the South of France, we sympathetically restored the Italianate-inspired gardens in collaboration with Atelier François Navarro. A majestic property, the Château de la Croix des Gardes embodies an oasis with sprawling gardens and separated areas reminiscent of a secret garden. This, paired with various wellness amenities including a private gym and spa, a pavilion with a hand-painted mural and a pool room alongside the sprawling swimming pool, creates an otherworldly escape from the stress of daily life. Lush gardens serve as the ultimate sanctuary, offering a respite from the chaos of modern life, thus reconnecting us with our innate humanity.
The aroma of plants can have calm-inducing qualities: lavender’s soothing fragrance is likely to prove a hit in a bathroom or study, jasmine is a wonderful touch for a spot with lots of sun and rose is good for both mind and skin. I love to position sweet peas in a small vase on my bedside table for their delicate aroma.
Scent is integrated into most of the KPL projects. The shift to a holistic approach to design in recent decades has seen signature scents integrated into many people's lives and the branding of many companies. I created the Katharine Pooley Choisya candle with chandler Rachel Vosper who has a shop in Belgravia just down the road from the Walton Street Boutique. It features scents of orange blossom, bergamot, neroli blossom and translucent white wood.
Other innovative companies like ceramic tile royalty Porcelanosa, have adopted all things sensory. During the 2023 London Design Festival, an experience lab was hosted in their flagship store in Hannover Square in London. Visitors were able to create fragrances that matched moods for different areas of the home. Another company that is lauded for its attention to detail in scent is the Australian brand Aesop. The ancient art of fragrance creation has gracefully crossed the centuries, much like scent carried on a gentle breeze.
Nourishment forms the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. As Hippocrates famously stated, "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food". Each component of our diet plays a crucial role in sustaining both our physical and mental health and my clients are increasingly integrating features in their homes that promote healthy eating. Juice bars have been a must in more recent projects. Individuals have been requesting a space adjacent to a gym or spa area, but smartly hidden away from sight, where one can prepare an array of wholesome treats at ease.
I love this trend (my favourite juice is a mixture of spinach, lemon, apple and cucumber) and can see it only growing in popularity. Similarly, vegetable gardens and growing one's food are increasingly more popular as wellness extends beyond the confines of traditional self-care routines. At the heart of this is nurturing a deeper connection with nature and the nourishment it provides.
When I create a space, I aim to provide calm, human environments that nurture the senses while feeling as good as they look. It has been a pleasure sharing these insights into my approach to encouraging tranquillity and calm in design.
December hits, and you can practically hear the mountains calling. As the world gears up with festive lights and holiday cheer, the summits tell a different story. Fresh snow blankets the peaks, enticing you into its romantic embrace and inviting you to trade the chaos for the calm.
I'm not your typical skiing aficionado. My journey into the world of slopes started fashionably late - 18, to be exact. In the early days, Mayrhofen in Austria was my snowy sanctuary and to paint you a picture, imagine slow lifts, freezing temps, and equipment that wouldn't make the cut these days.
Fast forward and my love affair with skiing blossomed over the years. So much so that ended up purchasing a house in Telluride, Colorado. They have a saying there - “the winters bring you, but the summers keep you,” and too right. This corner of the world is where the US Ski Team practices their moguls because the runs there are absolutely spectacular. This is where I really came into my own on the slopes, once taking three months out to spend the entire time and I hold dear memories of the Colorado Rockies close to my heart.
Since having children, a place we love visiting which is a little bit closer to home, is Lech in Austria. Lech is a very charming and idyllic town, nestled in a part of the larger Alberg ski area. There is diverse terrain for different skill levels, from gentle bunny slopes to challenging runs for enthusiasts. The Tyrolean architecture in the area spans from medieval castles and fortresses to traditional wooden chalets adorned with flower-filed balconies. Cobblestone streets and a welcoming sense of warmth paired with a blend of boutiques and cosy cafes in the village centre make it a delightful visit.
We normally go for 10 days before Christmas and they call it millionaire skiing because there's nobody on the slopes and it's fresh powder. It's gorgeous and it's very romantic before Christmas. There are beautiful horses and sleighs, and hot chocolates. There's also the most amazing toboggan where you put a torch on your forehead and snow down which is a delight.
Finally, the captivating slopes of Verbier in Switzerland. Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Verbier is a haven for winter enthusiasts seeking both adventure and refinement. Part of the Four Valleys ski area, what sets Verbier apart is not only its world-class skiing but also its cosmopolitan flair. The village exudes a chic atmosphere and the alpine architecture here seamlessly blends traditional Swiss chalets with modern luxury, offering a visual feast that resonates with any design enthusiast.
For me, a love for mountains and an affinity for interior design are not disparate realms. The same appreciation for colour, texture, and balance that guides my design choices is mirrored in the palette of snowy landscapes. The tactile sensation of freshly fallen snow underfoot, and the delicate interplay of light and shadow on mountain peaks - these are things that inspire great design.
Alpine regions are essentially a living canvas, each snow-laden slope and rugged peak contributing to a dynamic masterpiece. Just as I carefully curate elements in a room to achieve a harmonious balance, nature orchestrates itself on the grand stage of the Alps. The tactile experience of immersing oneself in such areas is akin to crafting a room with layers of comfort and sensory richness - design is not merely visual but a holistic sensory journey.
Lech, Austria We always stay in Lech Lodge. A lovely lady called Sabine has looked after us for many years. She cooks your meals when you come home in the evening, she puts the fire on and brings lots of drinks for all the family. It's just such a luxury and the kids love it.
Telluride, Colorado The Sheridan Chop House is an incredible place to dine. It was designed by industry icon, and British designer Nina Campbell. 221 is also amazing. From their bread to pickles, ice cream to roux -, they take great care to create everything in-house. Also - their wine list is a dream.
Verbier, Switzerland Verbier is fun. It offers the thrill of tobogganing down the longest run in western Switzerland or you can opt for a more leisurely dogsledding excursion. Cap off your day with après-ski at the legendary Farm Club, an institution 45 years young where David Bowie and Diana Ross have both hit the dancefloor.
View our Chalet Project here.
Since its inception 16 years ago, Katharine Pooley has grown from a British firm undertaking predominantly domestic projects to an internationally lauded design studio encompassing architectural design, interior design, product design and property development. The company is currently working on significant developments in Europe, the US, Asia and the Middle East.
Presenting The Gainsborough - An apartment nestled on the riverside, in the heart of London’s iconic Westminster.
There is a certain weight that goes hand in hand with anything to do with my home of London, an intangible gravitas that carries with it the depths of centuries-old culture, all enveloped in the energy of a thriving metropolis.
The city's iconic landmarks are a testament to its legacy, each telling a chapter of its enduring history and steady evolution. The challenge and joy of designing here lies in harnessing the dynamic spirit that floats around our city and translating it into an interior that encapsulates the essence of the capital itself. Art and architecture have resonated across these streets for centuries and this presence is the source of inspiration that has driven me to craft a space that pays homage to the city while encapsulating the luxurious, contemporary lifestyle it can offer.
With that in mind, I proudly present my studio's most recent work - The Gainsborough at Millbank. This 4,536-square-foot duplex apartment is unique in shape and legacy. The building has so much character, that I came to think of her as a beautiful, quintessentially English woman from a time gone by. Her natural grace needs only the most elegant of pieces to add a final touch of glamour to her innate beauty.
In a previous life, the building was the home to Imperial Chemical Industries, the country's creators and largest manufacturers at the time, of the familiar and enduring material Perspex. And the vast apartment itself? It was the Chairman's Office.
With spectacular views of the Thames, Grade-II Listed 9 Millbank was originally designed by Frank Baines, a staunch supporter of the conservation and preservation of buildings for which he had a global reputation. The Portland-stone exterior is flanked by 1920’s sculptures from Charles Sargent Jagger. The four effigies represent the industries of chemistry, agriculture, marine transport, and construction, or the four pillars of ICI.
It is a very considerate exterior and with the apartment named after the 18th century artist, Thomas Gainsborough, who was known for his inventive and original approaches, we needed a fitting ambience to match. The first floor of the apartment boasts an open-plan entertaining and living room with parquet herringbone parquet flooring. An original 1920s stained glass roundel depicting the allegory of Britannia is set in the middle of The Gainsborough’s sweeping 10ft windows.
As a team, we approached this project as a restoration and we worked to capture the grand majesty of the original features. The apartment was already adorned with rich walnut panelling and intricately floral-carved door frames; I wanted to ensure our designs for this extraordinary space allowed the beautiful bones of the building to breathe and take centre stage.
Sculptural chandeliers by Sans Souci in hand-blown crystal, Murano glass, and patinated bronze and bespoke carpets from Rivere were created to reflect the cityscape beyond the terrace. As always the work of Britain's finest ateliers and artisans was realised by incorporating bespoke sculptures and hand-crafted embroidered textiles alongside tactile materials like alabaster, parchment, British wool, Italian silk, and cotton velvet.
The grandeur of the surroundings is highlighted by our thoughtful selection of antique pieces for the various case goods throughout the residence. Each room has been meticulously layered with treasures from the past and is complimented by bespoke pieces, created to fit the unique dimensions of specific spaces.
The macassar ebony office desk pictured above was dressed with bronze details, a leather blotter, and dedicated pencil and paper arrangements within the drawers. Power was also worked into the design, ensuring all stays were as equally functional as aesthetic.
Hand-stitched silk wallcoverings by Fromental adorn the entryway walls with delicate beaded feathers. The design echoes the peacock motif that greets visitors from the building's exterior façade and accompanies motifs of the individuals involved in the founding of the company. Another iteration of the building is realised in the delicate shade used in the Master Bedroom: the cosy and nostalgic teal grey of Farrow & Ball’s Pigeon.
The graceful master bedroom features many original details, including timber panelling and the stunning circular plaster ceiling with its fine cornicing and decorative motifs. The moulded ceiling soars to 17 feet and the timber columns are akin to those found in London’s historic palaces. Cotton-linen drapes hand-stitched in bronze thread adorn the four-poster bed.
To the east of the apartment lies the family kitchen where contemporary fitted units and an island offset the imposing architecture. These features contrast beautifully with the rich lustre of the original timber panelling on the walls.
With the tall ceiling came tall windows, and owing to the listing of the building, we had to come up with innovative solutions to dress them. We went with a gorgeous Roman blind with an embroidered leading edge to pair with the light-and-airy drapes pressure-fixed mid-way. Meanwhile on the upper floor lie three en-suite bedrooms; the sage, pearl, and slate rooms respectively.
The 43ft colonnade terrace is accentuated by the apartment's vast floor-to-ceiling glazing. The only thing I love more than thinking of the lucky owner of this apartment enjoying the sunrise and sunset from their abode, is the wonderful sculptural addition St Edward commissioned. Standing alongside the existing representations of male scientists on 9 Millbank a sculpture of pioneering mathematician, Ada Lovelace, pays homage to the building's scientific legacy.
Designed by renowned London sculptors Mary and Etienne Millner, the work compliments the existing stone sculptures of Charles Sergeant Jagger and celebrates the woman's ground-breaking work on the world's first mechanical computer in the 1840s.
To see this marvellous building of national importance, rise anew, is very exciting. I hope you enjoy this little insight into the process behind bringing it to life!
Inspired by her flower-filled gardens in the heart of the English countryside, Katharine Pooley has designed a delicate and enchanting wallpaper collection with Fromental.
The hand-painted and hand-embroidered wallcovering showcases and celebrates a beautiful and harmonious landscape featuring copious butterflies, flowers, and other natural elements, with each panel telling its own story. The wallpaper is a charming and evocative design, perfect for bringing a sense of history and romanticism into any interior. The elegance and exquisite attention to detail of each brush stroke will ensure it will be adored for many years to come.
With every piece sold, a donation will be made to support Butterfly Conservation, the charity which works to protect and conserve British butterflies, moths and their habitats.
A contemporary interpretation of the traditional Chinoiserie style, the wallpaper has an original and captivating look, with different scales of flowers and foliage carefully placed to create a classically graceful flower border. It has been meticulously painted by Fromental’s artists on silk paper panels to reflect the charming detail of the gardens that surround Katharine’s Georgian home in Oxfordshire.
Katharine worked closely with the Fromental design team over several months to create a design that is both quintessentially English and very personal. The wallpaper features many of Katharine’s favourite flowers including Honeysuckle, Camellia, Lilac, Salvia, Duchess Peonies, Delphiniums, Clematis, Jasmine, Anemones and Forget-me-nots, and has been created in two colourways, Primrose Yellow and a softer Light Fawn hue.
Unexpected flourishes abound - a shy hedgehog here, a jewel like beetle there, a nibbling dormouse peeking through the foliage - and the pièce de resistance of the design - a smattering of beautiful butterflies – airily flutters overhead. Altogether it is a wonderfully whimsical scene, as if one has accidentally wandered into a secret English garden full of beauty and intrigue.
British butterflies, and their decline, are a personal passion project for Katharine, and having taken part in Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count for the past few years, and noting the sad depletion of many of the incomparably wonderful species native to Britain, Katharine saw this wallpaper collection as a chance to spotlight and support the work of Butterfly Conservation, who tirelessly record, educate and lobby for the conservation of British insect life and to create habitats and nature reserves.
Under the presidency of Sir David Attenborough since 1998, Butterfly Conservation employs many leading scientists. Their report of 2022 revealed the alarming news that 80% of butterflies in the UK have declined since the 1970s and that of the 58 butterfly species in the UK, 24 species were classified as ‘threatened’, eight as ‘endangered’ and 16 as ‘vulnerable’. Half of the butterfly species that currently occur in Britain are therefore listed as either ‘threatened with extinction’ or ‘near threatened’.
As the Vice-President of Butterfly Conservation and wildlife broadcaster Chris Packham puts it succinctly: “Right now, we are facing a man-made disaster of global scale. The twin challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss are pushing much of the natural world to the brink – including many of our most treasured species. In the UK, the majority of our butterfly and moth species are in worrying decline. These beautiful and fascinating creatures are not just important in their own right, but are also indicators of a healthy environment for all wildlife.”
As well as featuring many of the most beautiful and iconic British butterflies in the design (including Large Whites, Small Tortoiseshells, Common Blues, Holly Blues, Purple Emperors, Peacocks, Clouded Yellows, and Fritillaries), 10% of every wallpaper sold will be given by Fromental to this important charity.
The wallpaper will be featured in Katharine Pooley's London boutique at 160 Walton Street and will be used to decorate the dining room and master bedroom of Katharine’s country home. It will also be sold at Fromental showrooms worldwide.
Katharine will be hosting a press event to formally launch the wallpaper in the UK at the end of June. This will be followed by the US launch in September as part of New York Design week, at the Fromental Lexington Avenue showroom, and then by the Asia launch in Hong Kong in November.
ceo and founder, Katharine Pooley Ltd.
Katharine Pooley, ceo and founder of Katharine Pooley Ltd., is the recipient of numerous high-profile British and international awards. Established more than 15 years ago, her Knightsbridge studio comprising 47 interior designers and architects creates landmark luxury commercial and residential projects in London and around the world for the most discerning clients. Katharine’s highly personal approach of immersing herself in every detail in her clients’ complex projects has resulted in a loyal international fan base. Her aesthetic is very much client-driven, and she prides herself on being a complete design chameleon.
Katharine also has a standalone retail boutique in South Kensington that, as well as her website katharinepooley.com, showcases a range of curated accessories sourced from around the globe.
How are lifestyle changes influencing the way products are designed?
Nowadays it's all about timing, materials and costs. We really want to design our own bespoke products for clients rather than just buying things off the shelf. We want to create something that's very special. Many of our clients are high-net-worth individuals who are looking for unique items – although we’re also still buying a lot of antiques. It’s lovely to mix a bit of new with a bit of old.
The new generation wants cleaner living spaces. They’re not that into clutter or, ironically, antiques. It depends on the generation and the age of the client. In the Middle East, for example, they’re looking for items that are dust-free, so they don’t want pieces designed with shadow gaps that cause them to have to clean all the time. Some people have been quite fussy about glass and frames, some are saying they don't want polished chrome and others want bronze because it requires less cleaning. It’s all because we have less time nowadays and more stress than ever before. People are looking for an easier, more balanced life.
How is the luxury market changing?
Luxury is very different for many different people. For me, time is a luxury because I never seem to have it. For those who have so much wealth and so many assets, luxury is all about layers: wanting something bespoke that no one else has got and that is so unique, it can’t be bought for anyone else. To be honest, I don’t know if that’s a good or bad thing. I think it's far better to take the approach that less is more, but that's just my opinion.
We’re talking more than ever about the economy and the climate. I do an awful lot of international work. For example, in Hong Kong, there were the riots, and now the coronavirus, and then in Australia, the flooding, it’s one drama after another. What I would love to look at this year is trying to encourage our clients to be happy with what we've got. But also, to think about the environment and maybe not using shagreen, not using rosewood, and trying to protect the Earth as we can. I was recently asked at a conference how we ship products for our overseas projects. Well, it’s absolutely right everything can go by boat, which helps the environment. But at the same time, maybe there are things we can choose locally. I really do believe in quality, and in Britain we're very blessed to have the best, so it's important to get it right the first time. I'm very into the ethos of the environment and preserving the world.
Is more always more? How do you balance patterns and materials to avoid visual overload?
For my clients, there’s no such thing as overload. They want more and more and more, whether it's a trim on a lampshade or whether it's a different material within the pleats, or whether it's three trims on curtains. It’s amazing, they just want that attention to detail. One of my favourite designers is Kit Kemp, who has the most amazing ability to add huge amounts of different fabrics and materials. Look at Martin Brudnizki’s design of Annabel’s private members club - you can’t get more fabrics in one room, can you? There is a way to make it work. But is it sustainable and is it liveable? That’s only a matter of personal choice.
More and more, my clients say they’d rather trust my opinion. If I think something is too much, I have no qualms about being honest with them. We’ve had times when clients say, “No, I’m going to have it,”, but then really hate it. So, we have to be careful. But look, interior design is about fun, isn’t it? It's always enjoyable to be able to have some play areas and some that are calmer. It’s also about trying to find the calmness for one’s life.
Where do you find your treasures? Do you have a network of scouts who keep an eye out for quirky pieces?
I'm always travelling, always on the go and on the lookout for different things. I feel very blessed. I do go back to the same people, but I also try new things. Nowadays, it's so hard to find unique things because clients have access to all the shows like Maison et Objet. So, it's quite important to try and find unique things. For two really big projects we’re doing now, I’ll give my sources carte blanche to find something and then if I don’t like it, they’ll go off and find other things. They’re always sending me fabrics and I’ll say what I like or don’t like, and then that's how we reach agreement with a client. Some clients don’t care about, and some really do. It depends on the clients themselves.
We end up designing a lot of our own stuff, which gives us an advantage and also helps us deal with the issue of copying that is quite a big concern now.
What inspires you both professionally and personally?
Travel, without a doubt, inspires me professionally. I'm very blessed to get to travel and have always been inspired by different cultures. I grew up in the Middle East when my mother and stepfather were posted to Bahrain. I feel very comfortable living and working in the Middle East and have an office there. I also lived in Hong Kong for 16 years and am very into the Asian life and ethos. I feel very blessed to have a multi-cultured background that enables me to understand different cultures.
Personally, because I'm so in love with so many different designs and styles, I’m always wanting something like that in my house and end up with a complete museum of my projects. For example, I loved a panel by Palestrina, a division of Turnont & Gifnon, it’s amazing. My husband keeps saying to me. “Oh my god, what now?” All I’ve learned inspires me personally.
Katharine is one of the prestigious experts invited to join the extraordinary jury for the SBID Product Design Awards, alongside other renowned professionals across industrial and interior design, brand development, architecture, educational research and forward-thinking enterprise.
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The SBID Product Design Awards 2020 entry deadline has been extended!
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