An Interview With: Pippa Paton Design - Country Life Top 100 Interior Designer 2026
Your interiors feel layered yet effortlessly relaxed. How would you describe the feeling you hope people experience when they walk into one of your spaces?
I aim to create spaces that feel calm and quietly relaxed, without ever becoming busy or cluttered. Warm, textured neutrals form the backdrop, allowing carefully chosen pieces — furniture, ceramics and art — to sit comfortably and feel considered.
Many of your projects balance classic English character with contemporary comfort. How do you approach that balance without a space feeling overly traditional or overly modern?
I tend to curate pieces from different eras and styles, set against a neutral backdrop so that each element can stand out and earn its place within the scheme.
When starting a new project, what do you look for first — architectural details, natural light, the client’s lifestyle, or something less obvious?
I always begin with the space itself, considering both the current and future needs of the client — getting this right at the outset is essential. I often mentally strip a space back, removing walls to explore more creative possibilities, although planning, architectural and budget constraints naturally shape what can be achieved. Architectural details then tend to form the foundation, with careful thought given to which features should be quietly emphasised.
Your work often features a beautiful layering of textures and materials. Are there particular materials you naturally gravitate towards, and why?
I’m always drawn to natural materials — particularly those with subtle texture and depth, in neutral tones. Colour can then be introduced more lightly, often through curated artwork and ceramics.
What is one small design decision that can transform how a room feels — something people often overlook?
Lighting, without question. It’s worth investing in early, as it fundamentally shapes the atmosphere of a space and how it feels at different times of day.
How do you ensure a home feels personal and lived-in rather than styled or staged?
I create a layered, neutral backdrop and then introduce personal pieces that feel meaningful to the client and the space. There’s a quiet discipline to it — often, less really is more.
Where do you find inspiration today — and has that changed as your design perspective has evolved?
Inspiration tends to come from everyday moments — the colour of a leaf, the texture of a stone on a walk, a shop fit-out glimpsed in passing, or a vintage piece in a museum. Often, these references stay with me and resurface naturally in future projects.
For someone wanting to create a calmer, more considered home, where would you suggest they begin?
By mentally clearing the space and reassessing each piece in relation to the others. When every element has a clear place and purpose, the room begins to feel more balanced, more intentional, and ultimately, more calm.
