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.
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The client’s brief was to create a tropical villa in Bali with Mexican influences. The exterior is brutal, with a natural stone finish that feels raw and unfinished. The interior is elegant, with a soft, understated colour palette that is both eye-catching and relaxing. The Villa was supposed to have a spacious sofa group where guests can relax. It also has a big swimming pool outside surrounded by a special seating area with an amazing рhoto zone where guests can enjoy the view and chill.
DM Projects were inspired by the Merzouga Desert in Morocco. With its endless, sun-scorched dunes and frozen air. The desert gives you a feeling of peace and quiet, as if it hides you from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A world of dunes and sun, rocky placers and scorched earth. I really wanted to recreate these feelings in the project, and when the proposal came to create a villa in a tropical Mexican style, I felt this was exactly what I needed.
I think this is a task in which it was necessary to soften the brutal exterior with a natural raw stone finish with an elegant, slightly simple, but at the same time breathtaking interior. For this, my team and I chose the ivory colour walls with a rough stone floor. The walls are plastered and have the raw texture to convey the mood of the desert.
I would like to highlight two main achievements of this project. The first one is the significant expansion of the visual area of the living room thanks to the recessed sofa group. This has created a spacious area from a relatively small room. When you sit on the sofa, the ceiling seems 5 metres high, which makes the space feel more open and airier.
The second achievement is the way we have made the room look cool and inviting. We have created a space where you want to relax and hide from the heat. Additionally, the interior design of the room continues the exterior and surrounding landscape of the villa, creating a harmonious and unified atmosphere.
About DM Projects
At DM Interior Design, our philosophy revolves around the belief that every space has the potential to inspire, uplift, and enhance everyday life. We approach each project with a deep commitment to balancing beauty and functionality, creating environments that are both aesthetically striking and practically suited to the needs of those who inhabit them. Our designs are rooted in timeless elegance, yet we remain at the forefront of innovation, blending classic principles with modern sensibilities. We believe that great design should not only be visually appealing but also sustainable, fostering a connection with nature and promoting well-being through the use of eco-friendly materials and practices.
Natalia Ratajczak, Founder & Creative Director of WHY NOT Design, has given her insights into the industry.
After graduating from KLC School of Design, I dived into the London design scene working on high-end residential and commercial spaces — the kind where everything looks effortless, but only after hundreds of caffeine-fuelled hours behind the scenes. Eventually, I realised I wanted to create something less “polite” and more alive. So, I launched WHY NOT Design — a studio built on the belief that safe is boring and bold means yours. We design marketing suites, show flats and workplaces that don’t just look good — they perform.
Because I’ve never been able to walk into a room without mentally redesigning it. Design has always been my language — a mix of problem-solving, storytelling, and a bit of rebellion. I wanted a career where I could blend creativity with impact; not just pick cushions, but build experiences that make people feel something. Interior design lets me turn ideas into atmosphere — and that’s addictive.
The magic moment when a concept sketch becomes a space people actually inhabit. I love the process — the mess, the material samples, the midnight ideas that suddenly make everything click. Every project is a balancing act between imagination and reality, and I secretly enjoy the chaos. Also, that client smile when they walk in and say, “This feels like us.” Can’t beat that.
Without a doubt — launching WHY NOT Design. Watching the brand grow from a scribble in my notebook to a real studio with real clients has been wild. Getting SBID Accredited in our first year was the cherry on top — a reminder that being bold doesn’t mean being reckless. You can colour outside the lines and still do it properly.
Marketing suites, show flats and workplaces — anything that blends creativity with commercial purpose. I love designing spaces that sell a story. They have to grab attention, make an impression, and whisper, “You belong here.” Those projects let me push creativity while still driving results, which is basically the WHY NOT sweet spot.
Keeping the vision intact while reality throws curveballs — budgets, deadlines, deliveries, the occasional “we lost your tiles.” Design is 20% creative genius and 80% controlled chaos. The challenge (and the fun) is staying calm while the storm swirls — and still producing something beautiful. It’s equal parts artist, therapist, and crisis manager.
That interior design is a full-contact sport. You’ll need stamina, patience, and a sense of humour. It’s not just fabrics and floorplans — it’s negotiations, logistics, psychology, and a lot of problem-solving. I wish someone had told me that resilience is as valuable as creativity. Oh, and comfortable shoes. Always comfortable shoes.
Don’t water yourself down. The world doesn’t need another copy of what’s already been done. Find your thing — your signature — and lean into it. Not everyone will get it, and that’s fine. The right clients will. Consistency and confidence build a brand faster than any trend ever could.
We’re entering the era of meaningful design. Clients are craving authenticity — spaces with purpose, not perfection. Sustainability is finally more than a buzzword, and storytelling is front and centre. Technology will keep shaping how we visualise and communicate ideas, but personality will be the real differentiator. The future belongs to designers who dare to be different — and mean it.
It’s proof that being bold and being professional aren’t opposites. SBID accreditation gives credibility to creativity — it says, “Yes, we’ve got the vision and the structure.” For me, it’s both recognition and motivation. It keeps me grounded while I keep pushing boundaries. In short — it means we can rebel responsibly.
About WHY NOT Design
WHY NOT Design is a London-based interior design studio creating bold, story-driven spaces that stand out and sell. We specialise in marketing suites, show flats, workplaces, and residential interiors across London and Essex, delivering designs that connect emotionally and commercially. With over nine years of industry experience, we combine creativity with strategic thinking to craft interiors that are original, functional, and memorable. From concept and space planning to 3D visuals, technical packs, and installation, we handle every stage of the process — because we believe safe is boring, and bold means yours. Rebellious by design, unapologetically original.
Kate Fryer, Founder of Khaya Studio, has given her insights into the industry.
I graduated with a BA (Hons) in Interior Design and have since spent over 15 years immersed in the world of interiors - designing and managing projects across residential, retail, and hospitality spaces around the globe. Each project, whether a boutique store in London or a serene family home by the coast, has shaped my approach and deepened my understanding of how thoughtfully designed spaces can enhance the way we live.
Today, my focus lies primarily in residential interior design - and it’s where I feel most at home. I’m passionate about creating interiors with warmth, character, and quiet elegance, spaces that tell the story of the people who live within them. Forming close, collaborative relationships with my clients is at the heart of what I do, ensuring every home we create together feels deeply personal and effortlessly inviting.
I’ve always been fascinated by the way our surroundings influence how we feel and behave. From a young age, I found joy in rearranging spaces and noticing how light, texture, and colour could completely transform a room’s mood. Over time, that fascination evolved into a desire to help others feel truly at home in their environments - creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also deeply nurturing and personal. Interior design felt like the perfect combination of creativity, psychology, and practicality.
For me, the most rewarding part of the process is the transformation - not just of the physical space, but of how my clients feel in their homes. Seeing someone walk into a finished project for the first time and witnessing that moment of joy and connection is incredibly fulfilling. I also love the storytelling aspect of design - uncovering what inspires each client and translating that into a cohesive, timeless interior.
This year has been particularly special as one of my recent projects, The Preserve Cottage, was featured in Good Homes Magazine. It’s always such an honour to see my work recognised in a publication, especially when it celebrates the warmth and individuality that my clients and I created together. Becoming an Associate of the SBID has also been a highlight - it’s a real milestone to be recognised by such a respected professional body.
I have a deep love for period and heritage homes. They hold so much character, and I find great satisfaction in honouring that history while adapting the spaces for modern living. I enjoy creating interiors that feel timeless - layering natural materials, craftsmanship, and thoughtful details so that each project tells a story and stands the test of time.
Balancing creativity with logistics can be one of the biggest challenges. Design is only part of the process - managing timelines, budgets, and the many moving parts of a renovation requires constant communication and flexibility. Unexpected issues will always arise, but experience has taught me that how you handle them makes all the difference.
That interior design is as much about people as it is about spaces. You need to be a good listener, a problem solver, and sometimes even a mediator! The ability to understand and interpret your clients’ needs, often before they can fully articulate them themselves, is such an important skill - and one that develops with experience.
Stay curious and be authentic. Don’t chase trends - instead, take time to understand proportion, light, and materiality, and develop your own design language. The best interiors come from confidence in your vision and a genuine understanding of how people live.
I think we’ll continue to see a shift toward more sustainable and “healthy” interiors - using natural materials, eco-conscious manufacturing, and timeless design that lasts. Clients are increasingly aware of how their homes affect their wellbeing, and designers have a real opportunity to lead the way in creating spaces that feel good for both people and the planet.
It’s a great honour and a mark of professional recognition. The SBID sets a benchmark for excellence in design practice, ethics, and education, and being an Associate member represents a commitment to upholding those standards. For me, it’s also about being part of a wider community that supports and celebrates the profession - something that feels both grounding and inspiring.
About Khaya Studio
Kate Fryer is a qualified interior designer with over 15 years of experience creating elegant, timeless interiors across Bristol, Bath and the wider Somerset region. Kate brings a professional yet personal approach to every project. Through her studio, Khaya Studio, Kate specialises in the transformation of period and heritage properties, blending classic architecture with contemporary comfort. Her work is defined by warmth, balance, and a deep respect for craftsmanship - creating homes that feel both sophisticated and lived in. Khaya Studio offers a range of tailored services, from colour consultancy to full turnkey renovation and project management. Every detail is carefully handled, ensuring a seamless process and a truly enjoyable design experience for each client.
Situated along the distinguished Cathedral Road in Cardiff, RAO INTERIORS' latest project reimagines the elegance and grandeur of late Victorian villas for contemporary living. These historic homes, originally conceived as individual residences, captivate us with their architectural charm: lofty ceilings, ornate cornicing, and generous proportions that reflect the craftsmanship of a bygone era. Our vision was to honour this legacy while introducing a modern sensibility that complements, rather than competes with, the original architecture.
At the heart of our design approach lies a commitment to balance. We sought to retain the period character of the property while infusing it with a sense of quiet sophistication through contemporary form and texture. Every element was thoughtfully considered- from the way natural light interacts with the interior, to the tone of materials and the dialogue between old and new. A bespoke luxury rug anchors the space, its intricate weave reflecting the layered narrative of the building itself. Carefully curated contemporary furniture pieces bring rhythm and functionality, enhancing the sense of flow without overwhelming the home’s historic framework.
Our chosen palette leans toward restraint, defined by soft neutrals and muted hues that amplify natural light and celebrate the building’s architectural details. This subtle backdrop allows texture to take centre stage - polished surfaces meet tactile fabrics, and heritage moldings sit effortlessly alongside clean, modern lines. The interplay of these materials creates both tension and harmony, resulting in a space that feels timeless yet distinctly modern.
Lighting, too, plays a pivotal role in the design narrative. We positioned each fixture with intention, highlighting ornate ceiling details and casting gentle shadows that evolve with the light of day. As evening falls, the atmosphere softens, revealing a warmer, more intimate character: proof that design can shape not only a space, but the way it feels to inhabit it.
Ultimately, this project represents our exploration of contrasts: history and modernity, restraint and expression, permanence and transformation. By allowing both the original architecture and contemporary interventions to speak their own language, we achieved a delicate equilibrium. The result is a home that feels both grounded in its Victorian heritage and elevated for contemporary life.
About RAO INTERIORS
RAO INTERIORS is a high end interior design studio dedicated to transforming houses into beautifully curated homes. With a focus on elegance, functionality, and timeless design, we work closely with clients to craft interiors that reflect their individuality. We believe that every space should feel both inspiring and livable. We combine creative vision with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every element comes together in perfect harmony. At RAO INTERIORS, we pride ourselves on sourcing high-quality materials and collaborating with trusted artisans and suppliers to deliver results that are both beautiful and enduring. We understand that interiors shape how people live. That’s why we take the time to listen and bring each client’s vision to life with creativity, precision, and warmth.
There are projects that challenge you, and then there are projects that quietly affirm everything you stand for. The Shelford Project was one of those for Pinterior Space. Nestled in the heart of Cambridge, it began not with grandeur or excess, but with a shared desire to create a space that felt calm, connected, and deeply personal.
From the beginning, the Shelford Project was a collaboration in the truest sense. The client wasn’t just receptive—they were deeply involved in every decision, bringing a clear vision shaped by Nordic simplicity and Japanese serenity. Their aesthetic instincts aligned beautifully with mine, creating a rhythm of trust and creativity that carried through the entire process.
Together, we explored slightly out-of-the-box materials and subtle design gestures that carried emotional weight. Whether it was a textured wall finish that softened the light or a quiet corner designed for reflection, every choice was made with intention and mutual respect. Their encouragement allowed me to push boundaries gently, crafting a space that felt both grounded and elevated.
This wasn’t just a project—it was a shared journey. And the result is a space that reflects not only my design philosophy, but the client’s clarity, openness, and belief in the power of thoughtful design.
The Shelford Project was never about doing more—it was about doing just enough, beautifully. - A palette of soft neutrals and warm woods created a sense of calm - Thoughtful lighting layered intimacy and clarity - Every material was chosen for its emotional resonance, not just its aesthetic appeal
This was designed as quiet confidence. No drama. No spectacle. Just clarity, care, and cohesion.
About Pinterior Space
We are Interior design practice specialising in residential interiors. We are based in South Cambridgeshire where we work closely with our clients in a collaborative process to produce creatively unique, practical and beautiful spaces.
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.
Alena Bulataya, Founder of AB DESIGN BURO, has given her insights into the industry.
I chose interior design because it combines creativity, psychology, and craftsmanship in a tangible way. Since childhood, I’ve been drawn to art — painting, music, choreography — all forms of creative expression that taught me harmony, rhythm, and composition.
At the same time, I’ve always been deeply interested in psychology — in observing people, their reactions, and how surroundings influence their emotions and state of mind. One day I realized that all of this is connected: the environment we live in directly shapes how we feel, think, and interact with the world.
That understanding naturally led me to interior design, where I could merge these interests into one creative profession. I love the process of turning abstract ideas into spaces that influence how people feel, think, and behave. Balancing light, materials, and proportion — creating a dialogue between texture and form — allows me to build environments that evoke emotion and meaning. The most fulfilling moment is when a concept finally comes to life: when marble meets wood, when fabric softens geometry, when light reveals the soul of the space, and I see people respond to it emotionally.
The highlight of the past year was my collaboration with the world-renowned Swiss luxury watch brand Franck Muller, developing design concepts for two signature restaurant formats to be launched in the Middle East, with plans for global franchise expansion. Working with such an iconic brand was both an honor and a responsibility — every detail had to reflect its precision, heritage, and exclusivity.
This year also marked the launch of my own modular soft furniture collection, INCLINE, presented at two international design exhibitions. Soon after, I completed the design of a luxury aesthetic clinic and beauty salon in The Dubai Mall, the largest shopping destination in the world — a project that demanded refined detailing, innovation, and brand sensitivity.
Additionally, I created the concept for a restaurant in Qatar within one of the region’s most ambitious new lifestyle destinations and developed designs for public spaces and private apartments for Layan Verde, one of the largest luxury developments in Phuket, Thailand.
I especially enjoy working on hospitality and residential projects. Hospitality allows me to create immersive experiences for many people, while private residences are deeply personal and emotional. Both require sensitivity, innovation, and attention to detail, which make the creative process both challenging and rewarding.
The most challenging aspect is aligning all stakeholders — clients, contractors, suppliers — while maintaining design integrity. Interior design requires constant negotiation between vision, budget, and technical constraints. Balancing creativity with practicality is demanding, but it ultimately defines the success of a project.
I wish I had known how much of interior design is about people — communication, coordination, and trust — not just creativity. Early in my career, I believed a designer should do everything alone to maintain control and quality. Over time, I realized that true mastery lies in collaboration. Building a strong team of like-minded professionals, each an expert in their field, allows you to focus on the essence of design — the concept, the atmosphere, the emotional message.
Delegation, communication, and leadership are as important as artistic vision. The ability to unite talented people around one idea and guide them toward a common goal is what truly defines a successful designer.
Stay curious and never stop learning. Interior design is a constantly evolving profession influenced by technology, sustainability, and cultural shifts. Embrace change, refine your personal style, but always remain flexible to the needs of each project and client.
Design is rapidly moving toward sustainability and technology. Artificial intelligence will handle routine tasks, giving designers more space for creativity. The focus is on sustainability, digital integration, and human well-being.
Being accredited by SBID is a recognition of my professional achievements and an opportunity to be part of an inspiring global community of designers. It strengthens my credibility with international clients and motivates me to contribute to the advancement of our profession — across different cultures and continents.
About AB Design BURO
Alena Bulataya is the founder and creative director of AB Design BURO, an internationally recognized interior designer celebrated for her bold, authorial style and innovative approach to luxury spaces. With over 15 years of experience, Alena has completed more than 350 projects across Belarus, the UAE, Qatar, the USA, and Europe, earning prestigious awards and features in leading publications such as AD, SALON Interior, Harper’s Bazaar Interiors, Elle Decoration, American Daily Post, and many others. Beyond interiors, Alena is also an accomplished product designer, creating unique furniture and lifestyle collections that reflect her vision and influence on the global design industry.
The client’s brief was to transform a compact 55 sq.m. apartment in Kyiv’s Unit.Home complex into a highly functional and visually expansive space for a young couple. While working within the limitations of size, the goal was to maximise natural light, integrate smart storage solutions, and create a sense of calm, understated elegance.
The clients wanted the apartment to feel modern yet warm, with flexible living zones, high-quality materials, and a design that would stand the test of time both aesthetically and practically.
As the interior designer, Victoria Moshchynska's aim was to translate these priorities into a cohesive interior where every detail—furniture, lighting, textures—worked not only for comfort and function, but also for emotional resonance and visual harmony.
The design was inspired by the challenge of creating a sense of spaciousness, tranquillity, and individuality within a compact footprint — while responding to the character of its context. The apartment is located in Unit.Home, a newly developed residential district in Kyiv known for its contemporary architecture, thoughtful planning, and green surroundings.
I wanted the interior to reflect the overall spirit of the neighbourhood: modern, intelligent, and forward-looking — but at the same time to offer a deeply personal, warm and emotionally resonant atmosphere.
Natural oak wood set the tone, adding tactile warmth and continuity throughout the space. The glass partition between the bedroom and living area was used to maximise light and openness, while bespoke furniture and sculptural accents introduced personality and rhythm.
Inspired by the softness of European minimalism, I combined clean lines with rich textures and a refined palette — soft blue, deep burgundy, and warm neutrals — to ensure the home felt calm, inviting and unmistakably individual.
One of the main challenges was working within a limited budget while still delivering a high-end, custom look. The clients valued quality and aesthetics, but every design decision had to be cost-effective and efficient.
To overcome this, we collaborated closely with local manufacturers to develop bespoke solutions that were both budget-friendly and visually refined. For example, instead of using expensive wall cladding systems, we designed a more economical version of oak paneling that still achieved the warm, continuous effect we envisioned.
Another hurdle was the compact size of the apartment — just 55 sq.m. Every centimetre had to be carefully considered to maximise functionality without compromising on flow or visual harmony. Bespoke furniture, integrated storage, and multifunctional design elements were essential in resolving this constraint.
Ultimately, the success of the project came from a balance of creativity, technical precision, and clear communication — both within the design team and with the client.
The highlight of the project was the decision to wrap all the walls of the apartment in warm oak paneling — a bold move that initially raised concerns. The client was hesitant, worried that so much wood might make the space feel darker or heavier, especially given the apartment’s compact size.
However, the result was the exact opposite. The natural tone and vertical rhythm of the oak panels brought visual warmth and calm, creating a unified, elegant atmosphere that felt both contemporary and timeless.
This effect was further enhanced by the glass partition between the bedroom and living area, as well as the apartment’s tall windows, which allowed natural light to flow freely and interact beautifully with the wood throughout the day.
Convincing the client to trust this vision — and then seeing how much they embraced and loved the final result — was a truly rewarding moment for the entire team.
About Victoria Moshchynska Interior Design & Styling
Victoria Moshchynska is an award-winning interior designer with a refined contemporary approach and over 15 years of experience in the field. Since 2008, she has been creating stylish, functional, and personalized interiors for clients across various lifestyles. As an SBID Award winner, her work is recognized for its balance of elegance, comfort, and practicality. Victoria offers a full range of services, including full-cycle interior design projects, furnishing, decorating, renovation, and consulting. Her thoughtful use of materials, lighting, color, and layout transforms both empty homes and existing spaces into harmonious, curated environments tailored to the people who live in them.
Emily Dreelan, Director of Emily Day Interiors, has given her insights into the industry.
I’ve spent the past twenty years working in the interior design industry, but my love for design began much earlier. My dad was a furniture designer, and I grew up surrounded by upholsterers and makers, which sparked a lifelong passion for interiors.
I started out styling show homes while studying for my A-levels, then moved into kitchen and bathroom design. After completing a degree in Sociology, where I explored the impact of urban regeneration on communities, I went on to achieve an HND in Interior Design, blending my understanding of people and places with technical skills.
Over the years I’ve worked in project management and as an interior designer for other companies, before opening Emily Day Interiors, my own studio born from a successful and fulfilling career. As a certified colour expert, I specialise in maximalist, modern design; creating spaces rich with colour, pattern, and emotion, always finding the right balance between vibrancy and harmony.
From a young age I was immersed in the world of design, my dad was a furniture designer, and I spent much of my childhood surrounded by upholsterers and makers. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and how our surroundings shape the way we live. As I grew, I realised I wanted to create spaces that don’t just look beautiful but truly connect with people and enhance their everyday lives. Studying sociology further reinforced my belief that environments influence how we feel and interact. Interior design became the perfect career path: a way to blend creativity, colour, and pattern with empathy and purpose, transforming houses into homes and spaces into experiences filled with personality and emotion.
I love the challenge of balancing colour, pattern, and texture to craft interiors that feel both vibrant and harmonious. Seeing a space transform from concept to reality never gets old; the moment a room comes together perfectly is incredibly rewarding. I also enjoy the human side of design: understanding how people live, how spaces influence their moods, and tailoring environments that reflect their individuality. For me, interior design is about storytelling through space, colour, and creativity.
A real highlight of my career over the past year was taking the plunge and opening my own studio. It was a brave step, turning years of experience into a space where I could fully express my creative vision. Even more exciting, my very first solo commercial project earned recognition as a finalist in the SBID Awards. It was incredibly rewarding to see my work celebrated on such a prestigious platform and a real validation of following my passion.
My favourite projects are always those where the client has a clear vision, and I get to bring it to life in my own colourful, emotive way. I love the challenge of working within a budget, finding creative solutions that make every pound count, and incorporating existing pieces of furniture to give them a fresh lease of life. There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating spaces that feel new and vibrant yet still hold echoes of memory and personal history. For me, the best designs balance innovation, colour, and pattern with a sense of continuity and meaning.
One of the most challenging aspects of working in interior design is balancing the creative demands and tight deadlines of projects with family life. Every project requires focus, attention to detail, and often long hours to bring a client’s vision to life, which can make finding time for loved ones tricky. Learning to manage schedules, set boundaries, and stay organised has been essential. Despite the challenges, the rewards (seeing a space transform and knowing it will be enjoyed for years) make the effort worthwhile and keep the passion for design alive.
I feel very fortunate to have had an insight into the design industry from a young age, that early exposure gave me a strong foundation, but if I’m honest, I wish I’d known just how fast-moving the industry would become, especially with technology. Tools, software, and design trends evolve constantly, and staying ahead requires continuous learning. While the creative principles remain the same, adapting to new processes, virtual presentations, and digital workflows is a challenge I didn’t fully anticipate when I first started twenty years ago.
Technology and a strong foundation are both essential in interior design. Social media exposes us to trends and influencers whose styles change quickly, but the key isn’t chasing fast fashion, it’s creating spaces that last. Listen to your clients, understand the fundamentals of design, and combine creativity with practicality. A well-designed space balances personality, function, and longevity, so you can create interiors that remain beautiful and meaningful for years, not just for a season.
I believe that over the next year, interior design will evolve to focus on well-being, connection with nature, and thoughtful technology integration. Wellness-centric spaces that promote relaxation and mental health, alongside natural materials, plants, and light-filled interiors, are becoming central to modern homes. At the same time, technology is playing a dual role—enhancing the design process with advanced tools and smart home features that improve functionality in the finished space.
Being an SBID member is incredibly rewarding. It provides a supportive platform, valuable opportunities for continued learning, and a community that encourages growth and collaboration. Membership represents reaching a level in my career where my experience and achievements are recognised as meeting an industry-leading standard. It’s inspiring to be part of an organisation that not only celebrates excellence in interior design but also offers ongoing support, guidance, and connection with fellow professionals who share the same passion for creating outstanding spaces.
About Emily Day Interiors
Emily Day Interiors specialises in creating bespoke, inspiring and personalised spaces based on the individual requirements of every client. We offer a range of services to include home styling, interior staging, procurement and full Interior Design Serives. With almost two decades working in the Interior Design industry and specialising in bespoke window treatments, as well as kitchen, bathroom and joinery design, Emily Day Interiors can bring a unique insight into every project. We work closely with our clients as well as our trusted suppliers and partners to create tailor made spaces that fulfill our client's requirements.
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