7 Interior Designers, 7 Dream Schemes

For us, the smaller spaces in a home can pack the biggest design punch – they give you an excuse to go for it. Our process starts with one key piece, and for this scheme we immediately fell for this lacquered sideboard. This paired beautifully with the Porta Romana mirror, which is flanked by these soft alabaster wall lights that give off such a lovely glow against the Edward Bulmer ‘Cinnamon’ paint. Above, we have our bespoke plaster shell pendant, and underfoot the stunning Peter Page Harlequin runner. You can hang your jacket on the red leather Rose Uniacke coat hooks, drop your keys in the marble tray, close the incredibly luxurious blue mohair door curtain behind you and you’re in, ready to relax.

Visit PENROSETILBURY.COM

I always see entrance halls as an opportunity to set the tone for the home. For this scheme, I wanted to create a calming and inviting atmosphere from the moment you step through the door. To achieve this, I focused on textures, curved edges, natural materials and a tonal colour palette – an approach that works particularly well in smaller, more intimate spaces like an entrance. I introduced smooth surfaces through the quartzite console and natural oak bench to evoke a sense of calm, balancing them with textured elements that add some organic roughness, warmth and character. The chandelier is handcrafted in gilded plaster, complemented by the wall sconce and table lamp – both stunning examples of British sculpted metalwork. Each lighting piece is finished with a linen shade, creating a cohesive feel with soft lines and warm illumination. The ‘branch mirror’ adds another textured layer, inspired by the tranquillity of nature, working in harmony with the seagrass basket and jute runner. And, of course, no entrance would be complete without an impressive display of foliage to welcome you and your guests.

Visit CLAIREGARNER.COM

A hallway needs to be both inviting and practical, setting the scene for the rest of your home. This scheme is all about warmth, character and clever layering to make a smaller space feel special. I’ve used earthy tones and natural textures to make this a perfect in-between space. The jagged striped wallpaper gives it a bit of energy, which is softened by the scheme’s curved lines, rich cocoa linen and the natural tones of burr wood. A rattan bench provides a handy spot to sit, while the sunburst wall light and daisy-shaped mirror make the space feel welcoming at any time of day. With a mix of jute, woven cane and aged brass, the design feels relaxed yet considered – proof that even the smallest of entrances can have a big impact.

Visit THEALLERSTUDIO.COM

I wanted to design a space that breathed elegance while also being practical. We’ve married lustrous finishes such as Bauwerk wall paint and marble flooring with a textured stair runner. On a practical note, the paint finish adds texture and movement, which will cover any unsightly marks, while the marble flooring can be cleaned easily. We’ve used Beaufort & Dunham on a number of projects to create bespoke narrow console tables. These can be placed above radiators, can include drawers and can be painted in any colour. Finally, we’ve added some luxurious finishes to elevate the space, such as an embroidered fabric on the door curtain, marble wall lights, gilt mirror and alabaster pendant light. For a personal touch, we’ve hung a painting, so visitors feel immediately invited into the homeowners’ world.

Visit REBECCAHUGHESINTERIORS.COM

We’ve made a dramatic statement in this hallway. A botanic wallpaper makes an impact as you step through the door – there’s no point painting everything in a light colour and hoping it will make the space seem larger. We needed a slim bench to create a useful spot to sit or to put bags down. A drawer in the hallway console is paramount, for car keys and post. In this case, a floating shelf is ideal for a compact hallway, as it feels uncluttered and keeps more floorspace free. For a hardwearing floor finish, we chose terracotta tiles, which we buffed to a shine, and overlayed with a woven water reed rug – highly practical and it can be shaken out easily. The globe lantern gives a nod to the traditional, while the shell wall lights add glamour and fun. We also love the painting of a 1940s New York debutante.

Visit GOLDEN-DESIGN.CO.UK

We create hallways that feel considered and welcoming, and which set the tone for the rest of the home. This scheme is based around a small print wallpaper which adds texture and interest in classic earthy tones. The scale of the pattern means you can still hang artwork without it feeling overwhelming. All patterns within the scheme, from the decorative marble floor through to the relaxed open weave stripe on the roman blind, sit harmoniously because they're tonally in keeping with the wallpaper. For practicality, particularly in narrow hallways, we always hang wallpaper above dado-height panelling and paint beneath it. Here, we have chosen a contrasting muddy pink, and we have painted the back of the front door in green as a little surprise. A console table with drawers and an open shelf offers space to store necessary daily items, while also displaying pieces which bring joy – be they photo frames, a vase of flowers or trinkets. Hallways can often be naturally dark, so layered lighting is key. Here, we have a sculptural pendant with pretty wall lights and a handmade artisan lamp, all on different circuits and always dimmable. 

Visit OTTA-DESIGN.COM

We wanted a scheme that felt grounded, which is why we used natural materials and earthy tones to create something calm, tactile and timeless – but with a bit of playfulness too. Soft greens, chalky neutrals and warm wood set the tone, layered with textured finishes and considered details. The hand-painted greyhound artwork adds a folky, slightly eccentric edge, echoed in the Dodo egg pendant. It’s balanced by more classic elements like the rope-framed mirror, checkerboard marble flooring and seagrass underfoot. Antique brass, woven pieces and timber bring in warmth and depth, and give the whole space a sense of ease that feels both welcoming and full of character.

Visit HAMINTERIORS.COM