Interior Design with Katherine Pooley

Award-winning interior designer Katherine Pooley tells us about her thought process, influences and her favourite travel destination

What are your key influences?

Having lived and worked in Bahrain, Hong Kong, Singapore and Vietnam, my designs often incorporate elements from my time spent in different cultures and countries. Although I am now back in the UK, I am constantly travelling, whether it be to manage various international interiors projects or to explore distant corners of the globe, bringing back unique treasures and artisanal craftsmanship to the Walton Street boutique and for our design projects. Despite my love of travel, I also aim to bring a touch of quintessential, understated British luxury to my designs and the boutique so that beautiful exotic objects sit next to elegant British-made cashmere.

What is the most important thing to keep in mind when designing a space?

It should work as a whole not just as individual elements or distinct rooms. It is important to achieve a continuous flow between each area, and although each room can have distinguishing features and statement pieces creating its own identity, it is fundamental to ensure that an underlying aesthetic runs throughout.

Do you prefer designing for commercial or residential projects?

Both commercial and residential projects present their own challenges and opportunities that make them interesting. I love to work with clients to realise their dreams and find this is a very personal process where you get to know your clients extremely well and ensures a wonderful sense of achievement at the end of a project. However, in recent years I have created more commercial spaces, such as the Royal Suites at Heathrow, a boutique hotel in China and my first international showroom in Doha, Qatar. In these projects the ability to appeal to a wide variety of tastes, cultures and practical needs are important while portraying the KPL aesthetic for classical contemporary living on a much grander scale.

What trends should we keep our eye on in 2014?

I try not to follow trends too closely, as I prefer to work with the client to interpret their personal style and aspirations for a space. However, in a recent project I used a great deal of copper finishes and statement design pieces throughout the project. Copper is a material that is currently experiencing a renaissance in design, thanks to its wonderfully warm and versatile qualities; the material is both eye-catching whilst giving a scheme a feeling of traditional authenticity.

What do you find most challenging about your work?

Ultimately my job is to realise the vision of a client, so the most challenging aspect has to be interpreting their brief in the most beautiful yet practical way. It is all very well creating a clients dream home but it also has to be a realistic living space for their everyday lives and to be comfortable as well as elegant and refined. I pride myself on providing outstanding attention to detail and exquisite finishes to each design, yet it is important to consider the practicalities and day-to-day use of the most interesting and unique finishes we choose for the space.

Which project are you proudest of?

I am most proud of Forter Castle in the Scottish Highlands, a historic fortalice with an incredible story that has been in my family since 1990 when my father lovingly restored the building from ruins. I have spent many years working with my father to painstakingly restore and update the castle using traditional techniques, local materials and personal touches such as the family tartan to ensure that the new interior is sympathetic to both the original design and its stunning surroundings. The result is not only a beautiful, unique period home that I am very proud of, but also one in which I can escape to and completely unwind with my friends and family.

Favourite room in the house?

The bedroom. It is the one area in the house where you can create a sanctuary away from the challenges of daily life to switch off and relax. I love to incorporate a tranquil colour palette and layers of luxurious fabrics for soft furnishings and upholstery as well as beautiful furniture and accessories to create a comforting, calm and relaxed space. Investment in beautiful bed linen is key and will last for years to come, the bedroom is a room where you can be completely indulgent!

Favourite country?

Singapore – I love the humidity and am inspired by the contrasts in architecture from the modern skyscrapers to the old colonial buildings. The island has a unique buzz but also the luxury of beautiful outdoor spaces like the expansive parks, the botanical gardens and the unrivalled zoo.

How often do you shake things up in your own home?

My London home is classic and traditional incorporating fresh, bright, pared-back influences and palette from Hamptons-style design. Working in interiors, and constantly having access to new, exciting designs, I always have new ideas for my own home. Whilst it is not practical to change the design frequently, I aim to keep my home updated by frequently changing the smaller accent items such as cushions and soft furnishings.

Three items you couldn’t live without?

My passport as I am frequently travelling abroad; my Timex watch which has a night light and a compass – I can always see what time it is on a plane and where I am headed! Lastly I cherish my dog Piglet – he’s my soul.

Favourite brands?

I love fabrics from Fox Linton, Holland and Sherry and Jason D’Souza as they just epitomise quality and luxury. Whenever I go to America I head straight to William Sonoma, whereas in the UK I love Fortnum and Mason and all that the brand represents.

Slick city apartment or country house?

Country house. I adore the British countryside and my property in Oxfordshire where I spend as much time as I can. While I love the buzz of the city, the countryside is where I feel most at home and where I can truly unwind and spend quality time with my loved ones. Country houses have a wonderful warmth to them and evoke many happy childhood memories.

Katherine Pooley Boutique, 160 Walton St, London, SW3; www.katharinepooley.com, 020 7584 3223

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