In Conversation with rebecca hughes
“I believe interiors should reflect the people who live in them.”
We recently caught up with interior designer Rebecca Hughes, whose elegant yet effortless designs have made her one to watch in the British design world – her Kensington Townhouse project is currently gracing the cover of English Home magazine (say no more!). And when it comes to wallpaper? She speaks our love language: “We love incorporating wallpaper into our projects. Personally, I feel wallpaper can completely transform a space, elevating it instantly. Currently, we are using a lot of hand-blocked prints and vintage floral wallpapers, creating a playful look. We often mix eye-catching printed fabrics with plain linens, velvets, or wools to prevent the space from feeling too busy. I love pattern mixing and playing with varying scales in a scheme, whether that be large prints, small ditsy florals, bold stripes, or solid expanses of colour.”
Keep scrolling to discover the British interior designer’s approach to timeless design, the power of wallpaper, and the importance of craftsmanship in creating elegant, personal interiors…
How did you first enter the world of design?
“After graduating from university, I was working in advertising but felt dissatisfied. I longed to be involved in a more creative career, so I started to dream about pivoting. I got married relatively young and my husband was a musician at the time. Whilst the pursuit of his career was incredibly challenging, I felt inspired by the fact that he was following his dream and doing something creative that he loved. As a child, I would often rearrange my room and began to realise just how important my surroundings are to me. Interior design felt like a natural progression of that. I love receiving
a brief, really getting to know a client, understanding a building and its limitations as well as its potential, and then starting to dream. I find that parameters in design actually fuel my creativity – each project is an exciting challenge that is incredibly rewarding in return.”
When did you found your studio? What have been the biggest lessons you’ve learned along the way?
“I founded the studio in 2014. Since its establishment, our team has grown from strength to strength. We now have numerous projects in the pipeline, both in the UK and internationally. Currently, we are completing several projects in London, alongside Norfolk and Monaco. It is an exciting time. The biggest lesson I have learnt is to trust my instincts. Having 3 boys means juggling family life with work. I started the design studio a year before I had my first son, so setting up and running a new business meant I absolutely learnt quickly how to prioritise tasks, work out what is and is not important and what deserves my attention. Creativity is never where you expect it. I find that parameters in design actually fuel my creativity – each project is an exciting challenge that is incredibly rewarding in return.”
Where do you find inspiration for your projects?
“I currently love going to old stately homes, as a studio we’re going to be visiting Hatfield
House and Kenwood House over the next few months. I feel it is important to look to the past
in order to discover new insights and fresh vision for the future.”
How do you incorporate wallpaper into your designs? Do you have favourite brands, colours, or patterns?
“We’re currently working on a large project in St John’s wood and have designed several bespoke hand painted wallpapers with de Gournay. They are absolutely stunning and we’re so excited to see them come together. I have also recently specified a number of wallpapers from Schumacher – they offer such a wide range and we love the fresh patterns and rich papers.”
We’ve had the pleasure of working with you on various projects – St John’s Wood, Hampshire and Wimbledon. Do you think wallpaper lends itself to bring a little magic and interest to smaller spaces like WCs, powder rooms etc?
“Absolutely. A beautifully decorative floral or bold stripe wallpaper immediately lifts a space. Smaller spaces, such as downstairs WCs or powder rooms, are perfect for experimenting and incorporating bolder colours and patterns. Wallpaper is a wonderful way of expressing personality and reflecting the taste of the homeowner. I find it also brings a beautifully homely feel to a room.”
Any major goals, ambitions, or dream projects on the horizon?
“I would love to design a 5* luxury hotel.”
If you had to describe your signature style in just three words, what would they be?
“Elegant, refined, effortless.”
What does craftsmanship mean to you?
“I’m a firm believer that design should have longevity, rather than feeling too trend-driven. As
a studio, we prioritise British craftsmanship that has been designed to stand the test of time. We want the spaces we design to be loved for years and that means investing in the best. Although that occasionally comes with a price tag, I promise you won’t regret investing in a beautiful chest of drawers or a bespoke dining table that can be handed down to your children.”
What’s one key piece of interior advice you think everyone should know?
“Trust your instinct and try not be too trend-led. When designing a home, think about what colours, patterns, textures, etc. you love and go from there. I am passionate that interiors should authentically reflect those that inhabit them – as a studio, we really enjoy getting to understand our clients and what motivates their lifestyle choices and personal style. I’m a firm believer that design should have longevity, rather than feeling too trend-driven.”
Have there been any recent design trends that have caught your eye? Are there any you wish would disappear?
“In terms of recent design trends, I am seeing florals everywhere. A botanical wallpaper is perfect for introducing colour, personality, and organic beauty into a space. You can embrace a vintage-inspired English country look with ditsy florals or create a bold look with a chinoiserie scene – the design possibilities are endless. When incorporating florals into a space, think beyond just cushions and curtains. Consider statement wallpapers, a half-tester style canopy, or even botanical ceiling details for unexpected moments of delight. The magic happens when you surprise the eye – perhaps with a burst of blooms on the inside of a cabinet or botanical motifs hand-painted onto stair risers. I also love the beauty of mixing the old with the new. Combining furniture from a range of periods is a brilliant way to create a layered look, making a home feel like it has organically evolved over time. This juxtaposition offers the best of both worlds – the cosiness of traditional style and the crispness of contemporary design all in one harmonious space.”
What’s been your most challenging project to date, and how did you overcome the hurdles?
“In our recent Islington project, the property was Grade II Listed, and therefore, we wanted to keep the existing cornicing and also could not touch the original chimney breast. This meant that creating a bespoke, fitted wardrobe in the primary bedroom was very difficult. With the help of our fabulous joiner, we created joinery that seamlessly blends into the room without impacting the beautiful architectural features. When it comes to wallpaper, we absolutely love hanging wallpaper on ceilings and completely wrapping a room with it. This however can be tricky to get the pattern to match and to work out where the joins will go.”
If you could collaborate with any brand, artist, or fellow designer, who would it be and
why?
“As a brand, I love the work of Schumacher and would love to one day collaborate with them.
We also love the work of Meg Boscawen and would really like to collaborate with her on a
project soon, we just need to find the right one.”
What do you love most about London properties?
“From living in Islington, I am biased with a love for London properties! There is so much
variety, and what I love is that every project is unique. Whether it is designing for a young
couple or a family home, our clients value authenticity and uniqueness over traditional status symbols. They’re incredibly savvy about design through their digital consumption. They’re interested in the narrative behind each piece, the sustainability credentials of materials, and how their spaces can adapt to their evolving lifestyles. Many have young children and want spaces that are simultaneously sophisticated and practical. London homes are a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of city living, so we always look to bring a calmness and a point of refuge away from the city chaos.”
As a busy mum of boys, how do you juggle work/family/life, we’d love to know!
“I have three wild, energetic, and loveable boys, so, as you can imagine, the juggle between family life and work, let alone creativity, is very real. I believe homes should be both elegant and practical. I love creating spaces that are visually stunning but also comfortable and suited to modern living. Since becoming a mum, I’m much more open to seeking inspiration from new and unusual avenues – often when I am least expecting it! It has given me the freedom to be interrupted if an idea comes out of the blue.”
Discover more about Rebecca Hughes Interiors here.
Follow Rebecca on Instagram.
All imagery by Astrid Templier.
