How Katharine Pooley Is Inspiring a New Era of Exquisite Interiors

Katharine Pooley is an entry in our Interiors Book 2023.

Katharine Pooley: Country & Town Interiors Book 2023

Established over 19 years ago, Katharine Pooley’s London-based interior design studio creates innovative products and award-winning spaces. Leading from the front, Katharine has a reputation for taking on the impossible, and always with a smile. Overseeing a team of 49 interior designers, interior architects and architects, her personal approach ensures every detail of every project and product is exquisitely realised and impeccably finished. Interiors range in scale and style, from traditional country estates to contemporary homes, hotels, luxury spas, modernist beach villas, historical palaces, traditional castles, ski chalets, planes and motor yachts.

Crucial to the work of the studio is Katharine’s passion for British artistry and workmanship, which she promotes and exports worldwide. Her intuitive interiors have changed the face of British design, creating a global aesthetic that has, at its heart, the finest historical craftship. Inspired by travel, the natural world, architecture, fashion, literature and art, Katharine views nature as her greatest inspiration, although philanthropy and sustainability are equally important. She applies the same drive, determination, and charm to her charitable work, as she does to her design projects. This includes being a key partner with The Childhood Trust on its ‘Decorate a Child’s Life’ programme, sitting on the Board of Trustees for King’s College Hospital, being a trustee for the British Forces Foundation, and acting as an advocate for the Campaign for Wool.

Katharine is currently working on many international projects, such as the magnificent Château de la Croix des Gardes overlooking the Bay of Cannes; a private residence in the Bahamas; a renowned US Hotel; a penthouse in the luxurious Chelsea Barracks development; a beautiful English country estate; a beach villa in Sardinia; a contemporary residence overlooking Central Park in New York; a large private home in St Tropez; and ground-breaking developments and private residences in Monaco, Kuwait and Dubai.

Tips, Tricks & Tools

1. ‘Measure twice, cut once: the best way to avoid waste is to check your quantities
   every time.’
2. ‘You can always tell if a designer has used an inexpensive curtain or lampshade maker. Never cut corners in these areas.’
3. ‘Use an art shipper for storing and installing treasured works. Companies like Gander &
   White are meticulously detailed and well trained.’
4. ‘When selecting fabrics, it is important to take final options to the site itself. The colours and textures will change dramatically in different spaces.’
5. ‘I like to order cushion feather inner at a slightly bigger size to the cover to ensure it always stays plump.’

Secret Address Book

• Antiques: I love the dining chairs at Mackinnon Fine Furniture (mackinnonfineart.com).
• Glass: William Yeoward has some lovely glass pieces (williamyeoward.com).
• Woodwork: Halstock’s marquetry and inlays are the best in the country (halstock.com).

KATHARINE POOLEY
160 Walton Street London SW3 2JL
+44 (0)20 7584 3223
katharinepooley.com; [email protected]
katharinepooleyltd@ninacampbellltd