For more than two decades, Katharine Pooley has been designing interiors that balance grandeur with intimacy, whether for family homes, private jets or historic estates. Here, she reflects on the lessons that shaped her career, the importance of longevity over trends and what comes next for her global studio
Let’s start at the beginning. Where did your love of interiors first come from?
My mother was an interior designer, and she was always extremely proud of the home she created. I think that appreciation for beautiful spaces, fabrics and furniture was instilled in me from a very young age, perhaps without me even realising it at the time. I have always loved creating spaces for entertaining, too, from tablescapes to seasonal details. I enjoy maximising the seasons and using them as an opportunity to make things feel fresh and beautiful.
What was the very first project you worked on professionally and what did it teach you that you still think about today?
I opened my boutique on Walton Street 22 years ago, selling objets, sculpture pieces and accessories – all those finishing touches that make a home feel complete. Shortly afterwards, a very well-known gentleman, whose name I cannot reveal, asked me to design his London residence. I initially declined, but he was persuasive and I eventually agreed. That project changed everything, and I have never looked back.
How has your approach evolved since you started out?
My approach has always been rooted in understanding my clients intimately: their likes, dislikes and how they actually live in their homes. From there, I create beautiful spaces that truly fit their lifestyle. I always endeavour to add long-term value to a project, designing interiors that will stand the test of time. I very consciously steer away from fleeting trends.
You’ve worked on everything from private jets and yachts to castles and palaces. Are there any projects that stand out for you?
There are many projects that are important to me in different ways, and sadly many that I will never be able to speak about publicly due to client privacy. However, the Château de la Croix des Gardes is incredibly special. It is an infamous château overlooking the Bay of Cannes, with an extraordinary history. It was and still is frequented by the world’s elite, and was also the filming location for To Catch a Thief in the 1950s. Today, it is a beautiful family home with the feel of a Four Seasons hotel, which was the client’s brief. The project took four years to complete and involved over 200 craftspeople. The result is a home that is truly unique.
Pictured above: Château de la Croix des Gardes
Your studio’s interiors are highly bespoke, yet instantly recognisable. What do you think defines a Katharine Pooley interior?
Considered, timeless and the epitome of luxury. We are entirely client-led, so we do not have a house style as such. However, our commitment to championing British craftsmanship and our obsessive focus on detail means that our projects often share an underlying aesthetic thread.
Can you talk us through your creative process at the start of a major project? How do you move from a blank space to a fully realised concept?
It always begins with gaining a deep understanding of the client. Equally important is designing something that is sympathetic to the era of the building and its location. Wherever possible, I like to incorporate regional design influences, while also ensuring that spaces are highly efficient and practical.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career, and how has it shaped the way you work today?
Early in my career, I worked for a gentleman for around eight years. He must be 95 now and is still working. He instilled a relentless work ethic in me. His advice was simple: never stop. The hours you put in, you will get back.
You now lead a large, international team. What skills have you had to develop as a leader that you didn’t anticipate when you first set out?
Confidence. Believing in what you are saying and, above all, being a strong leader and leading by example.
Design at this level can be all-consuming. How do you maintain a good work-life balance?
I split my time between London and the countryside, and being able to escape there at the end of a busy week makes a huge difference. Family time is extremely important to me, so I plan our trips a year in advance. That way, I know I am protecting that time with the people closest to me.
Finally, what’s next for Katharine Pooley?
Our global residential projects continue to keep us exceptionally busy, and I am excited to reveal what we have been working on in due course. I am also focusing on projects beyond the built environment. This is the year of collaboration for us, with four exciting collections launching in 2026 that I am so proud of – we’ve been working on these collections over the past two to three years.
