11 British Interior Designers to Follow on Instagram Right Now
Bring a little English eccentricism to your social media feed.
If your Instagram feed is all airy coastal homes and Brutalist compounds, how about a little diversification? The Brits are known for their spirited and occasionally kooky approach to interior design, with a blend of busy textiles, bold colours and a mish-mash of furniture, all celebrated within the same room.
There’s an art to this look, however, and it’s one that feels effortlessly layered and cosy. To save you searching, we’ve rounded up the best British interior designers to follow on Instagram ASAP.
Konig is British interior design royalty (her mother is the revered Nina Campbell) and has been in business for almost 20 years. Her approach is guided by colour, pattern and texture, and patchworking old and new, to create spaces which feel elegant but always comfortable. From wallpapering kitchens to generously lighting a bedroom, you’re sure to gain insider knowledge by giving her a follow.
Co-founder Angus Buchanan started out in set design and it shows; he and his wife Charlotte’s projects carry a sense of romantic drama. Their London house acts as a laboratory of ideas; the master bedroom is decked in drapes, the en-suite bathroom features a pair of tiled ‘shed’ housing the shower and loo, and the kitchen is crafted from stainless steel. Even the laundry room, with a stained glass window, is a real moment.
Sophie Ashby has a slew of industry awards under her belt, making her one of the most exciting young designers to have on your radar. Swayed not by trends but by putting contemporary art and antiques at the heart of each project, the results are always unique and authentic. Her studio’s ever-evolving elegant head office, housed in a 300-year-old former school, is just as lust-worthy as the residential spaces she designs.
OKAY, so Heuman is Swedish, but her business is firmly rooted in the British capital. Her studio’s projects regularly grace the pages of the best design magazines and bear her unmistakable signature. Known for injecting pops of primary colours, busy patterns (but checks are also a favourite) and clever, bespoke designs alongside the odd Ikea gem, there’s always lots to love about her richly layered rooms.
‘Restrained elegance’ best sums up Rose Uniacke’s singular vision. One scroll of her Instagram feed and you’ll want to de-clutter and paint everything off-white. But the effect is refined – never boring. Her work brings together the beauty of natural materials, antiques and exquisite lighting, while her own home, a former artist’s studio in central London, is jaw-dropping. The model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and the Beckhams are paid-up disciples.
Founder Sophie Rowell is a former fashion stylist with an affection for vintage furniture. Her original ideas - from cork skirting boards to Zellige tile-clad chimney breasts - are always dazzling without being shouty. The recent overhaul of her kitchen (with an unusual cupboard design masking a free-standing fridge) and her sofa covered with several different types of stripy fabric, provide plenty of inspo to use in your surrounds.
There’s a lot to admire about rising design star Emma Ainscough’s whimsical filter across all things interiors. Your go-to for playful patterns in abundance, she seamlessly recreates the English country house look for contemporary living. Her apartment is also a masterclass in creating gallery walls inexpensively.
For spirit-lifting turquoise ‘flower rooms’ (yes, that’s a dedicated space with a sink where you can faff with flowers), give HÁM a follow. This studio’s gracious schemes are timeless, but always with an added side of quirky style and fun.
For boujie powder rooms and curtained bathtubs (yes, really), then get following Barlow & Barlow. This London studio is unapologetically maximalist, and its embrace of colour and pattern is guaranteed to lift your spirits. It’s also a fun insight into how the other half live, with corduroy-covered walls in basement cinema rooms, and home bars so opulent they make staying in more appealing than going out.
Live vicariously in a cool London loft or a vibrant townhouse by adding Howark Design to your feed. A fearless use of colour sets this studio apart from the rest, giving you the confidence to go for that yellow kitchen or green-and-red bathroom scheme. If it sounds garish, it’s far from it.
Another champion of rich palettes, Chande’s spaces are uniquely eclectic. Her approach to colour and print make for rooms which are warm, inviting and never predictable. The cherry on her cake of good taste is her knack for finding the best pre-loved pieces to finish a setting.
