Every year, Clerkenwell becomes the beating heart of the design world – and Clerkenwell Design Week 2026 did not disappoint. As an interior designer working across Kent and Sussex, it’s always one of the highlights of my professional calendar: a chance to discover new brands, reconnect with suppliers and get inspired by where design is heading. This year’s event showed a noticeable tilt towards office furniture and commercial spaces, but there was still plenty to delight those of us focused on residential interiors. Here’s what caught my eye.

Some of the best design projects begin with spaces that seem utterly unpromising. When a client I’d previously worked with on his coach house renovation approached me about converting his garage into a functioning studio, I knew we were in for an interesting challenge. The long, narrow Edwardian garage had minimal natural light, unused York stone steps and a large pit that had been used for cold storage. Not exactly a blank canvas – more like a puzzle waiting to be solved.

Some rooms carry decades of family memories within their walls. When clients approach me about updating such spaces, I’m always conscious that we’re not just refreshing the décor; we’re honouring a room’s history whilst bringing it into a new chapter. This was the case with a recent project involving the informal sitting room of a Georgian house that has been a family home for over 25 years. Here we’ll look at the background to this project and the ideas that came into play, but keep an eye out for the fabulous result in Part 2 coming soon.

When clients ask me to design bespoke wardrobes, they’re often surprised by how much thought goes into the process. It’s not simply about creating beautiful cabinetry to suit your bedroom or dressing room, though that’s certainly important. The real challenge lies in making the very best use of available space whilst ensuring the finished design genuinely works for how you live and dress on the day to day.

People often ask me where my design ideas come from, so recently I’ve been reflecting on the influences that have shaped my approach to interior design over the years. From the designers who inspire me to the places where I recharge creatively, these elements inform every project I undertake.

As a new year of exciting interior design projects gets underway, I thought I’d give you a peek behind the curtain of my creative process.

As we step into a new year, many homeowners are thinking about renovations and home improvements. One question I’m often asked is ‘Do I need an architect, an interior designer or both?’ It’s a fair question, but the answer isn’t always straightforward. While architects and interior designers have distinct roles and expertise, there’s also a great deal of overlap where collaboration can transform a good project into something truly magical.

Sometimes the most rewarding design projects begin with a simple desire for change. After a decade of living with the same décor, my clients were ready to transform their sitting room into a space that truly reflected their personalities and lifestyle. This project particularly resonates with me because it showcases an approach I often take with clients who know they want change but aren’t quite sure what direction to take.

There’s something wonderfully exciting about the early stages of a kitchen project – when all possibilities are still on the table and the client’s vision is just beginning to take shape. That’s exactly where we are with one kitchen extension project I’m currently working on, which I’d love to share the details of today.

Not all kitchens are built for large banquet dining, but something I share with every client who worries about their compact cooking space is: small kitchens are absolutely brimming with potential. Size actually has no bearing on style. With smart storage solutions and thoughtful layout planning, even the most modest of kitchens can be turned into a space that works beautifully for your lifestyle.

When my clients first contacted me about their kitchen project, I knew we were in for an exciting challenge. Having spent the previous decade in Canada, they’d recently settled into their 1969 end-of-terrace home and were ready to make it truly theirs. With builders already breaking ground on a rear extension and countryside views begging to be showcased, we had limited time to create something spectacular and their love of vibrant colour meant conventional design approaches simply wouldn’t do.

Every summer since 1990, I’ve made the same cherished journey to the Périgord Vert region of the Dordogne, where our family home has become my sanctuary of rest, reflection and endless inspiration. It’s a place where my passion for interior design finds its most authentic voice, influenced by centuries of French craftsmanship and the gentle beauty of rural France, all of which I bring back to my projects across Kent and Sussex.

In last month’s blog post I shared my design visions for transforming a Victorian Coach House. Now, after months of planning and renovation work, I’m excited to share the completed transformation. From structural changes to the finest finishing touches, every element has come together to create a home that perfectly balances period charm with contemporary living.