Tell us how it all started. What attracted you most about being an interior designer?
I lived and worked in Hong Kong for twenty years in finance and whilst there started to design people’s homes. I’m also incredibly passionate about travel and so I collected lots of antiques and homewares. When I returned I decided to combine these two passions and opened a boutique in South Kensington. The area is renowned for design and so it felt like the right area to start and grow my business. The design studio opened a year later and we’ve been growing ever since.
What projects are you most proud of to date?
It is really is impossible to select a favourite design! I become fully immersed in each project and become rather attached to the character of each. However a property we designed in Kuwait is particularly close to my heart as I was able to take inspiration from the client’s unique antiques and relics which she had sourced in the Far East. To compliment the client’s taste I specifically sourced one-off articles on my travels in Asia to include within the scheme.
What are your favourite design trends of A/W 2018?
I tend not to follow interior design trends. The most important thing for me is to listen to our clients, as ultimately we’re creating homes for them. So my starting point has always been to listen and work with them throughout the journey, no matter what the trend at the time is
What do you enjoy the most about what you do?
Working with our clients, many of whom are long-standing clients, and seeing each project come to fruition. I have an amazing team of 47 designers and architects based in the UK and in Doha who work tirelessly with me to source the best pieces for our projects.
What style are you most inclined to - and why?
We’re working on a number of exciting projects across the globe including properties in New York, Denver, Saudi Arabia, Oman and many in Qatar as well as a huge project in London. I take inspiration from each property’s unique location whilst also taking into account the client’s individual style, so no two projects are the same.
Are you working on anything exciting that you'd like to share with The Farthing?
We are currently designing a bespoke furniture collection with one of our suppliers. All will be revealed during London design month, but expect super luxe finishes in bronze and marble.
If you're interested in working with Katharine, visit her website.