1. Could you tell us how your journey into interior design started?

I’ve always loved interior design and launched the Sophie Paterson Interiors studio in 2008. I realised very early on that I enjoyed creating homes that looked beautiful and recognised the impact of well-designed spaces that feel elegant and luxurious. Instead of following a traditional corporate career after my degree, I followed my instincts, which led me to interior design, and I ended up forging my own path into the industry. I first worked for two years with a developer in London, learning the ropes, and then, once I started getting enquiries from private clients, I launched Sophie Paterson Interiors.

2. Do you think there has been a defining moment in your career?

One of the defining moments of my career so far was the launch of the Sophie Paterson Academy last year. It was over a year’s worth of dedication, planning, recording, and hard work to create it, but we are already seeing some incredible results and feedback, offering the insights of decades of experience, skills, and knowledge on interiors that I wish I had access to when I first started my career in interior design.

3. What do you think is the key to a successful interior design? And in your business in general?

As well as needing to have a good eye for detail and design, you also need to be extremely organised, a strong communicator, and a team player. A lot of what we do behind-the-scenes is planning, double-checking, and following everything through, from design and procurement to project management and client liaison. If you’re not on top of the management and able to coordinate the finer details of a project, then you lose the trust of the client instantly.

On a more human level, creativity and conviction in your own unique style are also important to succeed. By following your own style, you’ll build your own path and find clients who share your vision, trusting you to achieve the look in their own homes.

From concept to completion, our projects are client-led. We always encourage our clients to voice their aspirations, needs, and personal tastes from the very beginning of the process, which we do through a detailed questionnaire and briefing meeting, so we know exactly what we’re achieving from the outset.

Before the design process begins, we’ll ideally visit the site, if possible, gaining an understanding of the space, and then we’ll compile a brief that explores the look and feel of the project. Next, we’ll move on to plans and drawings, developing detailed layouts for furniture, joinery, lighting, furnishings, flooring, and decoration. Our Design Library at the studio allows clients to visualise and see the exact finishes that they want, so they very much feel a part of the process.

5. How would you define your signature style? Do you have “a mantra” that encapsulates your taste in design?

While we don’t have a signature style per se, we pride ourselves on creating spaces and homes that feel timeless, elegant, and refined. We have an unwavering dedication to quality, designing spaces that feel effortlessly luxurious and practical.

For my own home, I followed the same ethos, creating an elegant yet comfortable feel that the whole family enjoys. Drawing inspiration from classic Georgian architecture, including clean lines, lots of natural light, and natural materials like wood, marble, and silks where possible, I wanted there to be moments of visual drama, as well as quieter, more intimate spaces that can be closed off and feel private. I try not to be swayed by trends, as these almost always guarantee to make homes feel dated quickly. Instead, I choose long-lasting pieces and styles that I know will last a lifetime.

6. What are your favorite pieces from the Philia Collection?

My favourite pieces are the Oval Vase by Lucas Tyra Morten, and the Prometheo Uno Fire Table by Andres Monnier. 

7.  Could you tell us about one of the favorite projects that you worked on?

One of my favourite projects to date has been a large villa we completed on the Gulf of Oman. We were fortunate to have forged a great relationship with the client already and were trusted by them to bring their vision for this property to life. The result was a luxurious coastal retreat that catered to the modern family’s needs while honouring the local landscape and engaging with local artisans and craftspeople in the design.

8. If you could pick one interior design tip that is important to you, what would it be? 

One of my go-to design choices is the use of textural wall-coverings, panelling, or finishes to introduce an extra layer of depth and personality to a space. This is especially true in more modern buildings, where blank walls often lack the character of older properties. For example, we often use Fromental’s hand-crafted wall-coverings to introduce a level of artistry like no other, transforming a room and making it feel instantly elevated. Panelling is also a great way of celebrating and highlighting beautiful art, as the panels lend themselves to the display of paintings.

9. What was the best advice you have received in your path?

Always take the long-term view — you only get one reputation, so don’t ever be tempted to take the easy route. Do the right thing and go above and beyond, and your clients will always notice and hopefully recommend you to their network.

10. What would be your advice to beginner interior designers?

I have so much I want to share with the next generation of budding interior designers, which is why I started the Sophie Paterson Academy. From common mistakes to avoid to advanced topics such as joinery design, I hope to inspire the same passion for design in others that I had myself, without any of the barriers to entry I encountered. For now, I’ll say that my best piece of advice is to trust your instincts and don’t be swayed by passing fads or trends. Staying true to your natural instincts is essential to build confidence and the trust of clients.

11. What was one of the hardest learned lessons in your journey?

Launching a career in interior design requires a lot of energy, and it never ceases. As the founder, you have to be heavily involved in every project, from the design to the management, as you have to ensure an extremely high level of personal service and attention to detail. From day one, I had a clear idea of what I wanted to create and who I wanted to work with, and it feels so rewarding to now be able to work on my dream projects now that we have cemented our reputation as a leading design studio. You’ll always encounter new lessons as a business grows, but some of the toughest moments have been overcome by having the right people working alongside me.

12. Are there any books/podcasts you would like to recommend to our readers?

I love to listen to podcasts when I can fit them in on the go. My favourites in particular are Amanda Wakeley’s Style DNA and House Guest by Country & Townhouse, hosted by Carole Annett.

13. Finally, what are your upcoming projects? Anything you’d like to share or add to the interview?

We have so many new, exciting projects we’re working on this year, including four in London, one in Ireland, one in Surrey, as well as projects in Saudi Arabia and California.

Thank you so much Sophie, for this lovely interview!