I moved to London in 2010 after finishing my Art History degree at Manchester University. Not long after, I landed a job at a fine art and antiques advisory firm in Soho called Corfield Morris. It was there that I met an interior designer working for one of our clients. I had considered architecture for my BA, so interior design piqued an interest. That meeting led me to enrol in a diploma course at KLC School of Design. After I graduated, I was introduced to Martin Kemp, who was just starting his eponymous design studio. I was lucky enough to join as one of the first designers on his team. I spent nine happy years there, working my way up and learning an incredible amount. In 2016 I took on a freelance project, Coombeshead Farm in Cornwall, which led to the creation of Studio Alexandra.

My principles for fashion and interiors are very similar, it is all about adding character through vintage and antique pieces and avoiding fast fashion or anything mass produced.
I’d say my personal style is mostly understated and casual, but I do love a bit of tailoring, colour, unique details, and bold patterns. I’m a huge fan of a loud trouser – they’re the most common thing in my wardrobe and the thing I gravitate to most.

In my own home, I’m big on making sure that rooms flow and connect with one another. I love incorporating art and vintage pieces I’ve collected over the years. I lived in Paris for four years and spent a lot of time exploring markets, so my home has a lot of those finds woven in.

It’s also crucial to me that everyone in the house feels happy and comfortable. We live in a house with colour, but it’s not as bright and wacky as it could be if I was left to my own devices – I want to make sure my husband feels at home too. So, balancing my love for bold design with the needs of everyone living in the house is key.

As with most projects, the London mews house design process started with a site visit and consultation with the client – we chatted extensively to get an understanding of their lifestyle. Then, we assessed the space itself: looking at natural light, architectural details, and how the layout could best be utilised. Mews houses have character built in, so I wanted to highlight that and mix in contemporary elements too.

Incorporating the client’s existing art and vintage pieces was key, especially items they collected during their time living abroad. From there, we sketched out initial concepts to ensure each room flowed naturally into the next, balancing bold elements with neutral tones.

The colour palette for this project was a deliberate departure from the existing grey and cool tones. We aimed to introduce warmer hues, particularly caramels, to infuse the space with a sense of warmth and comfort. This shift not only added depth but also created a more inviting atmosphere throughout. There were some existing elements that we had to work with, for example the blue tiles in the kitchen, which led us to incorporate blues throughout the property, while keeping that warmth.

A key influence on our design choices was the client’s passion for gardening. To reflect this, we selected wallpapers that subtly referenced botanical motifs and natural elements, bridging the indoor space with outdoor inspiration. For the stairs, we selected a stunning wallpaper by Lewis & Wood. The intricate pattern appears to grow upwards, leading the eye and drawing you into the upstairs living room. Overall, the colour palette and wallpaper selections were carefully curated to blend warmth, sophistication, and a connection to nature, reflecting both the architectural character of the space and the personal interests of the client.

For this project, sourcing furnishings was an exciting mix of bespoke creations and curated pieces from various London-based brands and those further afield. We crafted some bespoke items in our workroom to ensure a perfect fit, while incorporating furniture items from Soho Home, a fantastic cabinet from Pinch, antiques from Liberty London, side tables by Julian Chichester, a vintage sheepskin chair from 8 Holland Street, and a mirror from The Lacquer Company.

For soft furnishings and dressing items, we sourced lamps from Beata Heuman, cushions from Anboise, Sister by Studio Ashby, De Le Cuona, lampshades by Hum London. We commissioned some beautiful cast bronze wall lights from Jess Wheeler, and a stunning cast bronze upholstered end-of-bed bench from Robin Myerscough.

Often clients will have existing pieces they want to include, which we are always delighted to do. We also love sourcing key antique and vintage furniture as they give a certain grounding to a space and prevent it from feeling ephemeral. For example, the arts and crafts kitchen table and chairs we found at Liberty London, a Murano glass bubble pendant for the entry hall from Ebay and the blonde wood bedside tables which were the client’s own but ended up being a beautiful link in colour tone to the wallpaper downstairs in the library.

We love integrating bold colours, patterns, and unique details like vintage lighting, internal windows or playful prints, but we balance these with practical considerations – like finding clever storage solutions for toys or general life stuff – to ensure every space is both stylish and functional. Unlike hotels, where guests can enjoy a long weekend of being immersed in a perhaps punchier design, homes demand a thoughtful balance of aesthetics and usability.

To me, home is a personal sanctuary where you can truly be yourself. It’s more than just a living space, it’s where you express your personality and interests. Each room serves as a gallery of memories and personal style, reflecting who you are through decor, colours, and the items you choose to display. It’s where you find relaxation, security, and the freedom to create a space that feels uniquely yours.