Considering the calibre of projects in British Interior Design, picking Britain’s very best interior designers can seem almost impossible. Rather than an inexhaustible A-Z of British talent from past and present, we have chosen a few well-established names, and a couple of rising stars to keep on your radar.

Kelly Hoppen

For someone who started their career by designing a family friend's kitchen at only 16 years old, Kelly Hoppen has come a long way. She has established herself among the most sought after interior designers in Britain, having published nine books and undertaken numerous prestige design projects for some of the most famous people and opulent locations in the world: these include private jets, 5* luxury hotels, cruise ships and private homes. Famed for her use of ideas and patterns from Eastern culture, fused with a neutral palette (which earned her the nickname 'the Queen of Taupe') to create a balanced, harmonious atmosphere, which is central to her philosophical approach to interior design.

Andrew Martin

The name Andrew Martin has been at the heart of British interior design for more than forty years, since being founded in 1978. The spirit that has kept Andrew Martin at the forefront of interior design for so long, aside from Martin Waller’s infectious enthusiasm, is that their designs are not restricted by era or cultural origin, or confined to a particular style.

Their design method is best described as eclectic, leading to Waller’s trademark use of ‘Fusion Interiors’. These unique designs explore the exotic cultures of the world, combining multiple textures, time periods and other objects into one fascinating, uncompromising whole. Somehow, it all comes together beautifully, evoking the romance of travel and the rich traditions and crafts from around the world.

Anouska Hempel

New Zealand born Anouska Hempel arrived in the UK in England in 1962, with only £10 in her pocket. After her brief but eventful acting career, she became a hotelier, then turned her hand to her first-love – interior design. Her success is built on a foundation of sheer determination and hard work, starting with the legendary Blakes Hotel in South Kensington. Once a run-down and neglected building, she transformed it into a spectacular mix of east meets west opulence. It is regarded as the world’s first boutique hotel, attracting the rich and famous from around the world.

Hempel has also created interiors for two yachts (one being her own), stores for Louis Vuitton and Van Cleef & Arpels, Henry Cottons, and Lokum. She has also worked on many private commissions, including a memorial garden for Princess Margaret. Anouska Hempel’s grit and determination are awe inspiring, and are most certainly the secret to her continued success.

Maddux Creative

Tennessee native Scott Maddux and Brit Jo Le Gleud met on a dancefloor in 1996. Maddux is an architect who spent his early career experimenting with maximalism and minimalism, which informs his current eclectic style. Le Gleud is a craft expert who previously worked as an embroiderer – she takes the lead in making unique pieces for Maddux Creative projects. Elegant and varied, their style is strikingly unique. Among the duo’s inspirations are neoclassical architecture and the colourful fashion of Dries Van Noten; coaxing clients to be ‘unafraid of colour and texture’ is a core element of their process.

Yellow London

Headed up by duo Cath Beckett and Liv Wallers, Yellow London is a British Interior Design studio. The pair met at a leading London Interior Design firm where they trained and gained vast experience in high end residential, development and commercial projects. Cath and Liv share a passion for creating unique designs for each individual project with emphasis on detail, colour, texture and practicality. They pride themselves on their ability to work together to achieve a look that suits both the building and the client, whether they are classic or contemporary. Their unique feature is a brave use of colour with absolute comfort.

The London School of Fashion and Design at Istituto Marangoni

In the heart of one of the most cosmopolitan capitals of the world, The London School of Fashion and Design at Istituto Marangoni embodies excellence, creativity and innovative thinking, and we pride ourselves on nurturing the creativity of our students to help them bring their ideas to life. Istituto Marangoni places particular emphasis on ethics, design research and business innovation. Sustainability is a current buzzword in the design world, one that we intend to ensure never goes out of style, and we encourage responsible design and business innovation, seeking to help nurture this in our fledgeling creatives. Helping future designers to truly make their mark, Istituto Marangoni is the perfect launchpad for a career in Interior Design.

BA 3 Year Course

Istituto Marangoni offers several BA courses in interior design and lighting design. These undergraduate programmes are designed for participants looking to enter the design world, and provide a complete education that enables participants to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue a career in their chosen field. The three year Interior Design course covers a complex mix of technical design skills (CAD), combined with a contemporary approach, teaching students how to tell a story that evokes a specific style and mood in the main areas of contemporary lifestyle interiors: residential, commercial, retail, public spaces, and exhibition design.

The three year full time lighting course investigates lighting for contemporary lifestyle and luxury interiors including architectural spaces (residential, commercial, retail, public), and for entertainment, events and art installations.

If you are thinking about a career in the exciting field of interior design, and aspire to be educated in an Institute with the highest standards, led by industry experts who will help guide and nurture your talent, please get in touch with us and we will be happy to help you choose the most suitable path.

Master's Degree in Interior Design

So you love what you do and you want to fine tune your skills? Then it’s time to think about a post graduate course. At Istituto Marangoni we offer a wide range of postgraduate courses for those who are looking to achieve levels of excellence. In the race to employment, having a postgrad will give you a head start over other graduates, and the preparation offered at Marangoni is known for its excellence. Whether you choose surface and textile design, contemporary interior design, or contract interior design, we have the right course, and the finest industry experts to nurture and guide your unique talent. 

Join our virtual open day, visit us in person, or give us a call, and we will be happy to help you find the path most suitable for your individual talents and ambitions.