Natasha King, Founder & Principal Designer at Styled Home Design, has given her insights into the industry.
My career began in the corporate hospitality sector, where I spent over a decade working in marketing roles for some of the UK’s largest hospitality brands. Over time, I progressed into a Head of Guest Experience position, where interior design naturally became central to my role. Understanding how guests interacted with a space, what encouraged them to stay longer, and how environment influenced spending and behaviour was key. This involved navigating commercial spatial planning from both guest and operational perspectives, considering everything from layout and lighting to materiality and even scent. That experience gave me a deep understanding of how design directly impacts emotion, behaviour and performance, knowledge that now underpins my approach to both residential and hospitality interior design.
I have always been deeply fascinated by how spaces make people feel. From a young age, I was drawn to architecture and design, how buildings are constructed, why spaces are laid out the way they are, and how materials influence atmosphere. Growing up, I moved home several times, and I instinctively created a sense of sanctuary in my own bedroom or personal spaces. Those environments gave me comfort, grounding and security, and I realised how powerful that could be. That understanding has followed me into adulthood, where my home remains incredibly important to how I feel and function day to day. Interior design allows me to combine creativity with psychology and practicality, creating spaces that genuinely support people’s wellbeing, lifestyles and emotional needs.
While I love the entire design process, seeing a project come to life is without doubt the most rewarding part. Watching an idea evolve from concept to reality, and knowing that it has enhanced a client’s wellbeing and everyday life, is incredibly fulfilling. Interior design is not just about aesthetics; it’s about shaping how a space is experienced and how it functions long-term. Being able to influence the interior architecture of a building, improve flow, introduce thoughtful details and ultimately deliver a home or space that truly works for its occupants brings me immense satisfaction. That moment when clients walk into their finished space and feel understood is what makes the process so special.
One of my most memorable highlights has been seeing my business continue to grow and evolve. Styled Home Design is approaching its fourth year, and even within that time, I’ve seen it transform through experience, projects and client relationships. Every project shapes the studio in some way, refining our processes, our confidence and our approach. I’m constantly adapting, learning and raising the bar, both creatively and professionally. That ability to evolve, rather than standing still, is something I’m incredibly proud of. Building a business that continues to mature, challenge me and deliver increasingly refined work has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the past year.
I primarily work on residential projects, particularly long-term full home renovations. I often say that I don’t have a signature design style, our signature is our approach. We place the client at the heart of everything we do, which means no two projects look the same. Full renovations allow us to really get to know our clients and design homes that reflect how they live, not just how they want their space to look. Alongside residential work, I also love boutique hospitality projects, drawing on my background in the hospitality industry. These projects often allow for more creative freedom, as they are less emotionally driven than homes and offer exciting opportunities to inject personality and bold design choices.
Coordination is by far one of the most challenging aspects of the profession. The number of decisions involved in any project is vast, and the behind-the-scenes work is something many clients don’t fully appreciate until they experience it first-hand. Managing contractors, suppliers, timelines, budgets and design intent simultaneously requires constant oversight. There are so many moving parts, and without experience, it’s easy for projects to become overwhelming or costly. This is often where clients truly see the value of working with a professional designer, our role is to manage complexity, anticipate issues and ensure everything aligns seamlessly, allowing clients to feel supported and confident throughout the process.
I wish I had fully understood just how small a percentage of the role is design. In reality, design is only a fraction of what we do. Project coordination, procurement, budgeting, client management and problem-solving account for the majority of the work and are what truly hold a project together. I also wish there was broader public understanding of what professional interior design really involves. As an industry, we still have work to do in educating clients on the value and expertise required, especially when managing significant financial investments. Organisations such as SBID play a crucial role in raising standards, providing accreditation and helping to professionalise an industry that lacks formal regulation.
Earn your stripes but then know your worth. Most creatives are deeply passionate about what they do, and that passion can sometimes be taken for granted. Early in your career, it’s important to gain experience, build a portfolio and learn the realities of the industry. However, there comes a point where you must value your expertise, time and knowledge. Being confident in your worth and setting boundaries is essential for longevity and sustainability in the profession. Loving what you do shouldn’t mean undervaluing yourself.
I believe there is still a long way to go in educating clients about the true value of interior design, particularly in the UK. Compared to Europe and the US, where working with an interior designer is far more commonplace, we are still behind. I would love to see the industry become more professionalised and trusted. I often explain to clients that hiring an interior designer is like hiring any professional service, it’s sometimes not because you can’t do it yourself, but because your time is valuable and the expertise helps avoid costly mistakes. Once clients experience the process, they quickly understand the complexity involved and the value professional design brings.
SBID accreditation represents professionalism, credibility and trust, qualities that the interior design industry truly needs. It provides clients with reassurance that they are working with a qualified professional who meets recognised standards and operates with integrity. For me, it aligns perfectly with my belief that interior design is a serious profession involving large financial investments and complex decision-making. SBID helps bridge the gap between public perception and professional reality, and I’m proud to be accredited by an organisation that champions excellence and raises industry standards.
About Styled Home Design
Styled Home Design is a Cambridge-based interior design studio specialising in luxury residential renovations and bespoke commercial interiors. We work with private homeowners, developers, and businesses who want beautifully considered spaces without the stress of managing the process themselves. Our approach is collaborative, design-led, and detail-driven, balancing timeless aesthetics with practical, liveable solutions. From concept development and spatial planning through to detailed specifications, procurement, and project management, we oversee every stage to ensure clarity, quality, and confidence. Each project is tailored to the client, resulting in refined interiors that feel personal, functional, and enduring.
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When Kimble Roden Architect's clients purchased a large, detached Arts and Crafts property in Cheshire, they saw promise beneath years of fragmented additions and an inefficient internal plan. They wanted a forever home - one rooted in the character of the original house but fully reconfigured for contemporary family life.
At the heart of the transformation was a complete rethinking of spatial flow. We opened up the ground floor to create a generous open-plan kitchen and living area, supported by defined sitting and play spaces and a highly functional utility zone. Upstairs, four double bedrooms - each with ensuite - were carefully arranged across the first and second floors, while the previously under-used loft now offers long views across the rear garden and rolling Cheshire landscape.
A bespoke oak and black metal staircase provides a dramatic focal point and connects all levels, anchoring a newly opened entrance hall and reinforcing a clear spatial hierarchy throughout the home.
Architecturally, the design balances respect for heritage with contemporary clarity. A two-storey side extension reflects the language of the original Arts and Crafts façade at the front, while a more contemporary expression to the rear maximises glazed connections with the outdoors. Seamless access to garden play spaces and a garden gym enhances everyday living.
Inside, a warm palette of neutrals, oak and black joinery, alongside refined dark bronze details, creates a harmonious flow of materials. Each space is tailored to its function, resulting in a home that feels both purposeful and beautifully composed.
This whole-house transformation exemplifies Kimble Roden’s approach: thoughtful planning, architectural cohesion and interiors that balance elegance with practicality.
About Kimble Roden Architects & Designers
Kimble Roden’s practice mission is to create outstanding architecture and interior projects tailored to meet the needs of our clients. We will bring an outstanding level of creativity and technical brilliance to residential projects. Whether you are building a new home, renovating, extending or have an interior design project we can offer a turnkey solution for your project and bring a level of professionalism that sets the standards in client care. We will provide you with complete peace of mind and add value to your home.
Styled Home Design has completed the full renovation of a two-bedroom Victorian terraced home in Cambridgeshire, delivering a refined, high-specification interior tailored to the evolving needs of its owners. Appointed to provide a full interior design service alongside project coordination, the studio led the project from initial concept through to completion, ensuring a cohesive design vision and a seamless client experience.
The property had remained largely untouched for over 16 years and required substantial renovation to bring it in line with contemporary standards of comfort, functionality, and craftsmanship. The clients, who were downsizing from a five-bedroom family home, sought a space that felt calm, purposeful, and personal, without sacrificing quality or character.
The clients were time-poor, well-travelled, and design-aware, with an established collection of furniture, artwork, and objects accumulated over many years. Rather than starting from a blank canvas, the brief focused on thoughtfully integrating these existing pieces into a cohesive new interior scheme.
Downsizing was a key consideration, with an emphasis on intelligent spatial planning, generous storage, and bespoke solutions that would allow the home to function efficiently without feeling constrained. The clients also wanted the property to reflect their eclectic tastes, favouring a layered aesthetic over a singular, prescriptive design style.
Styled Home Design adopted a multi-schemed approach, drawing influence from Scandi, mid-century, traditional, and Japandi design principles. This carefully curated blend allowed each space to feel distinctive while maintaining a consistent visual language throughout the home.
Natural materials, soft neutral palettes, and warm timber tones were used to create a calm and balanced foundation. Against this backdrop, more characterful furniture and artwork could be introduced without overwhelming the interiors. The design approach prioritised longevity and restraint, ensuring the home felt considered rather than trend-led.
“Downsizing doesn’t mean compromising. This project was about refining how the clients live and ensuring every element of the home earned its place.” - Natasha King Founder & Principal Designer, Styled Home Design
Given the reduced footprint of the property, bespoke joinery became a cornerstone of the design. Custom cabinetry and storage solutions were designed for multiple areas of the home, maximising functionality while maintaining a clean, uncluttered aesthetic.
Each joinery element was carefully detailed to complement the proportions of the Victorian architecture, bridging the gap between period character and contemporary living. By integrating storage seamlessly into the fabric of the home, the interiors retain a sense of openness and clarity despite their compact scale.
While the interior was fully reimagined, the renovation remained sensitive to the property’s original character. All existing windows were replaced with high-quality UPVC sash windows, selected to replicate the appearance and proportions of traditional Victorian sashes while significantly improving thermal performance and durability.
This approach ensured the external identity of the terrace was preserved, aligning with the architectural language of the street, while delivering modern standards of comfort and efficiency for the occupants.
In addition to interior design, Styled Home Design provided full project coordination, acting as the primary point of contact throughout the renovation. This proved particularly valuable for the clients, who required a trusted professional to manage design development, technical detailing, and on-site coordination on their behalf.
The studio’s hands-on involvement ensured clarity across all stages of the project, from specification and procurement through to installation, resulting in a smooth and controlled delivery process.
The completed home is a considered response to both the clients’ lifestyle and the architectural context of the property. Layered, functional, and quietly elegant, the interiors successfully balance bespoke craftsmanship with personal expression.
This project demonstrates Styled Home Design’s approach to full-service residential interiors, thoughtful design, meticulous detailing, and a commitment to creating homes that are not only visually refined, but deeply practical and enduring.
“This project was about understanding what the clients truly needed from their home at this stage of their lives. By focusing on bespoke solutions, thoughtful layering, and restraint, we were able to create a space that feels calm, personal, and completely suited to them.” - Natasha King, Founder & Principal Designer, Styled Home Design
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