Thinking about refreshing your living space or maybe starting a big renovation? It's easy to get lost in all the ideas out there. But sometimes, seeing what the pros are doing can really help. We've put together a list of some of the top 10 UK interior designers whose work is making waves. These are the folks creating some seriously cool homes right now. Let's take a look at who's shaping modern interiors across the UK.
Key Takeaways
- Camilla Clarke, recognized for her artful approach and strong supplier ties, leads Albion Nord.
- Alex Dauley of Dauley Design is noted for her inclusive design philosophy and community involvement.
- Andy Goodwin, co-founder of Fettle, focuses on functional, design-led spaces, particularly in hospitality.
- Tom Thorogood contributes to Studio Moren's diverse projects, known for his adaptable style in luxury hotels.
- Toni Black brings over 25 years of experience to Blacksheep, specializing in high-end hospitality projects.
1. Camilla Clarke
Camilla Clarke, the Creative Director at Albion Nord, is a standout figure in UK interior design. She was recognized as Interior Designer of the Year in 2025, a testament to her skill. Camilla has a background that blends a passion for art and sketching with a formal education in Fine Art and Photography, a History of Art degree from Oxford, and a Diploma in Architectural Interior Design from the Inchbald School of Design. This solid foundation allows her to approach projects with a deep appreciation for aesthetics and history.
Her work spans a variety of spaces, from modern penthouses to historic Georgian homes. What really sets Camilla apart is her knack for creating unique identities for each interior. She achieves this through strong connections with craftspeople and suppliers, and a keen eye for art and antiques. This combination means her designs are not just beautiful, but also tell a story and feel deeply personal.
One notable project was the interior design for Britannic Explorer, a Belmond Train. Camilla described this as an opportunity to showcase a new vision of British luxury, one that emphasizes craft, landscape, and character. The interiors were designed to be refined yet bold, timeless yet surprising – much like Britain itself.
- Strong relationships with suppliers and craftspeople.
- Deep knowledge of art and antiques.
- Ability to craft unique interior identities.
- Experience with diverse property types.
Camilla's approach is about more than just making spaces look good; it's about imbuing them with character and a sense of place, drawing from a rich understanding of art, history, and craftsmanship.
2. Alex Dauley
Alex Dauley is a designer who really gets that a home isn't just a place to live, but a space that should tell your story. She's been recognized for her work, even getting a "Highly Commended" nod for Interior Designer of the Year in 2025. What sets Alex apart is her knack for turning client ideas into actual living spaces that feel just right. She’s not afraid to be creative and authentic, and she’s a big believer in making sure the design world is open to everyone.
Alex is also doing some important work off the clock. She’s involved with United in Design, a charity that helps people from backgrounds that aren't usually represented in design get a foot in the door. It’s pretty cool that she’s not only creating beautiful homes but also working to bring more diversity into the industry.
Her approach focuses on creating sanctuaries, places that really connect with the people living in them. It’s about more than just making things look good; it’s about how a space makes you feel.
Alex Dauley transforms spaces into sanctuaries that resonate deeply with those who inhabit them, championing diversity and representation in the design world.
Some key aspects of her design philosophy include:
- Storytelling: Every project has a narrative, reflecting the client's life and personality.
- Inclusivity: A strong commitment to making design accessible and representative of diverse backgrounds.
- Authenticity: Bringing a genuine and creative spirit to each design.
- Client Focus: Deeply understanding and translating client desires into tangible spaces.
3. Andy Goodwin
Andy Goodwin, a co-founder of Fettle, brings a really straightforward, design-focused approach to his work. He's all about making sure spaces function well, especially in the hospitality world where he's got a lot of experience.
Fettle, which he started with Tom Parker back in 2015, operates out of both London and Los Angeles. They handle everything from figuring out the best layout for a space to designing custom lighting and furniture. Andy's strength lies in understanding how a place needs to work operationally, which helps his team guide clients smoothly from the initial idea all the way through to construction. It’s this balance of creative design and practical process that lets them create places that look great and make good business sense.
Goodwin believes that good design is rooted in functionality. It's not just about how something looks, but how it performs and serves the people who use it every day.
Here's a look at what Fettle offers:
- Space Planning: Optimizing layouts for efficiency and flow.
- Feasibility Studies: Assessing project viability from a design and operational standpoint.
- Bespoke Lighting Design: Creating custom lighting solutions.
- Custom Furniture Design: Crafting unique pieces tailored to specific spaces.
- Full Project Management: Overseeing projects from concept to completion.
4. Tom Thorogood
Tom Thorogood is a key player at Studio Moren, where he co-heads the interiors team. He's got this knack for making spaces feel just right, no matter the project. It's like he can just see what a place needs and make it happen.
He's been involved in some pretty cool projects since joining Studio Moren. Think the Hyde London City hotel – he really led the charge on that one. It's got this whole Victorian vibe going on, inspired by the building's history, which is neat. They even opened it up last year. He's also worked on some fancy hotels and resorts in places like Portugal and Nigeria. It seems like wherever he goes, he leaves a lasting impression.
Here's a look at some of his notable work:
- Hyde London City: A 111-room hotel with a Victorian-era theme.
- Luxury Hotels & Resorts: Projects in Stratford-upon-Avon, Portugal, and Nigeria.
Thorogood's approach seems to be all about blending inspiration with the existing character of a building. It's not just about making things look pretty; it's about respecting the heritage and making the space work for the people using it. That's a pretty solid way to design, if you ask me.
5. Toni Black
Toni Black is a big name in the hospitality design world, and for good reason. With over 25 years under her belt, she's worked with some seriously impressive brands all over the globe. As the Interior Director & Partner at Blacksheep, she really knows how to make hotels and luxury spots feel special.
Her portfolio is pretty wild, covering everything from fancy palaces and private homes to cool shopping areas and unique hotels. You might have seen some of her work, like the Montcalm East Hotel in London, the St. Regis in San Francisco, or even the Prince De Galles in Paris. She's got this knack for telling a story through her designs, making sure every little detail fits the overall vibe.
What's cool about Toni is how she leads her team. She's got this energy that just makes her designers want to create something amazing. She's all about pushing boundaries and thinking outside the box, which is probably why her projects always feel so fresh and exciting.
- Experience: Over 25 years in interior design.
- Specialty: Luxury hospitality, hotels, restaurants, and high-end residential.
- Key Projects: Montcalm East Hotel, St. Regis San Francisco, Prince De Galles Paris.
- Design Philosophy: Storytelling through detail, pushing creative boundaries.
Toni Black has a way of making spaces feel like they have their own personality. It's not just about making things look pretty; it's about creating an experience that sticks with you long after you've left.
6. Rachael Gowridge
Rachael Gowridge is a London-based designer who really knows how to make hospitality spaces feel special. Before starting her own studio in 2022, she worked on some pretty big names like The Hoxton Hotels and Gleneagles. She learned a lot about creating interiors that tell a story and give people an experience, not just a place to be.
Her own studio focuses on creating bold, soulful designs that are anything but ordinary. Gowridge isn't about chasing what's popular right now; she's more interested in building spaces with real character. Her approach is all about emotional connection, good craftsmanship, and making sure the design fits the place it's in. You get the feeling her interiors are meant to be lived in, with layers of detail that make sense in their surroundings.
Here's a look at some of the qualities that define her work:
- Narrative-led design: Every project tells a story.
- Experiential focus: Spaces are designed to engage guests on an emotional level.
- Craftsmanship: A strong emphasis on quality materials and execution.
- Contextual relevance: Designs are deeply connected to the architecture and location.
Gowridge's philosophy centers on understanding the 'spirit' of a place and translating that into a tangible, beautiful environment. It's about creating spaces that feel authentic and have a lasting impact on visitors.
7. Sameena Singh
Sameena Singh, the founder of Littlemore Design, brings a global perspective to her London-based studio. Her work often plays with contrasts, finding a balance between tradition and modern styles, or between minimalism and more decorative elements. It's this idea of 'little and more' that seems to guide her approach.
Singh's design process is fueled by curiosity. She digs into history, stories, and even adventure to inform her projects. You'll see her touch in various sectors, including hospitality, food and beverage, homes, and wellness spaces. With over 15 years of experience designing luxury hotels and residences for big names like Fairmont and Ritz Carlton worldwide, she's got a knack for handling complex projects from start to finish. Her ability to see the big picture and nurture a concept through to completion is a real strength.
Singh's designs often feel like they have a narrative. They aren't just pretty rooms; they tell a story, drawing inspiration from the location and the people who will use the space. It's about creating environments that feel both sophisticated and deeply personal.
Here's a look at some of the sectors Sameena Singh's studio has worked in:
- Hospitality
- Food & Beverage (F&B)
- Residential
- Wellness
- And other related sectors
8. Matt Hulme
Matt Hulme, the Design Director at Dynargh Design, brings a wealth of experience to the UK interior design scene. After graduating from Falmouth School of Art, he honed his skills at places like Urban Outfitters and Hotel du Vin before launching his own practice in 2011. His team has a knack for creating some seriously desirable hotel interiors across the UK.
One of his standout projects is SeaScape, a seaside hotel that really shakes things up. It's not just about looks; the whole building, from its structure to how it works, is designed to be inclusive. Think bold interiors, spaces that bring people together, and apartments that are fully kitted out, plus accessible units for everyone. It’s a pretty smart approach to hotel design.
Hulme's work often shows a thoughtful balance between making a place look good and making sure it functions well for the people using it. He seems to understand that a great space needs to feel right and work practically.
His background includes significant work with well-known hotel groups, giving him a solid understanding of what makes hospitality spaces tick. This practical knowledge, combined with his artistic eye, allows him to create interiors that are both stylish and functional. He’s definitely a designer who thinks about the whole picture.
Key aspects of his design philosophy often include:
- A focus on the user experience.
- Integrating the building's architecture with the interior design.
- Creating spaces that feel welcoming and comfortable.
- Attention to detail in materials and finishes.
9. John Paul Pederson
John Paul Pederson brings a global perspective to interior design, honed through years of work on diverse hospitality projects worldwide. Before joining Wimberly Interiors in London, he was already conceptualizing, designing, and implementing everything from small boutique hotels to sprawling resorts and casinos. He’s been involved in every step of the process, from the initial client meetings and presentations right through to the final touches on site.
What really sets Pederson’s approach apart is his knack for considering the bigger picture. He digs into the demographic, local culture, and even the sociopolitical aspects of a place before the design even really gets going. You can see this thoughtful consideration in his work across the US, Europe, and the Middle East. His main focus, beyond just managing a project, is on how the space is laid out and the selection of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E). He’s got a real passion for getting those details just right.
- Global hospitality project experience
- Involvement in all design phases
- Focus on space planning and FF&E
- Consideration of demographic and local context
Pederson’s ability to blend creative vision with a deep understanding of a project's context makes his interiors feel both unique and perfectly suited to their surroundings.
10. Karen Taylor
Karen Taylor is the founder of Pattern Haus, a studio that really believes in teamwork. She's been in the design world for over 25 years, which is a pretty long time. Before starting her own place in January 2023, she was a creative director at DesignLSM and worked with big names like Landor and Fitch. She's got a lot of experience in different areas, like shops, hotels, and homes, and her work has taken her all over the world, including places like London and the Middle East. She's even worked for some famous clients.
Pattern Haus brings together all sorts of experts for each project – think project managers, planning folks, people who know materials inside and out, and designers. They all work together to make sure the client gets exactly what they want. It’s all about making something special for each person.
Taylor's approach emphasizes that good design comes from many minds working together. This collaborative spirit is key to how Pattern Haus operates, ensuring a well-rounded outcome for every project.
Here's a quick look at her background:
- Founded Pattern Haus: January 2023
- Years of Experience: Over 25 years
- Previous Roles: Creative Director at DesignLSM, worked with Landor and Fitch
- Project Locations: London, Middle East, Europe, and more
- Sectors: Retail, Hospitality, Private Residential
Wrapping It Up
So, there you have it – a peek at some of the incredible talent shaping homes across the UK right now. It’s pretty amazing to see the different styles and ideas these designers bring to the table. From cozy, lived-in spaces to super modern, sleek designs, they’re all doing something special. It just goes to show that when it comes to making a house feel like a home, there are so many cool ways to go about it. Keep an eye on these names, because they’re definitely the ones to watch in the world of interior design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are some of the top interior designers in the UK right now?
Some of the leading interior designers in the UK include Camilla Clarke, known for her work with Albion Nord, and Alex Dauley, who champions diversity in design. Andy Goodwin and Tom Thorogood from Fettle and Studio Moren respectively are also making waves. Toni Black, Rachael Gowridge, Sameena Singh, Matt Hulme, John Paul Pederson, and Karen Taylor are other notable names shaping modern homes with their unique styles.
What makes these designers stand out?
These designers are recognized for their unique approaches, creativity, and ability to craft spaces that are both beautiful and functional. They often have a deep understanding of art, history, and materials, allowing them to create truly special homes that reflect their clients' personalities and lifestyles. Many also focus on telling a story through their designs.
How do interior designers get recognized in the UK?
Magazines like House & Garden play a big role by publishing lists of top designers. Awards ceremonies, such as The Brit List Awards, also highlight outstanding talent. Getting featured in these publications and winning awards helps designers gain recognition and build their reputation.
What kind of projects do these designers work on?
They work on a wide range of projects, from modern apartments and family homes to luxury hotels and restaurants. Whether it's a small renovation or a large-scale new build, these designers bring their expertise to create stunning interiors.
Are there any designers focusing on sustainability or specific styles?
While not all designers are explicitly mentioned for sustainability in this list, many focus on creating timeless designs that last. Trends like biophilic design (bringing nature indoors) and minimalist styles are also popular. The designers listed have diverse styles, from classic and elegant to bold and contemporary.
How can I find an interior designer for my own home?
You can start by looking at lists like this one to see designers whose work you admire. Check out their websites and portfolios to get a feel for their style. Reading reviews and seeing examples of their past projects can also help you decide who might be the best fit for your project.
