As an interior designer, I’m always going back to my initial inspirations and striking architectural retro features always crop up. This doesn’t necessarily mean reinventing the wheel as we always like to enhance the ideas and interesting pieces our clients have already. The era of ‘retro’ broadly encompassing styles from the 1950s onwards. This can take in (among other things) mid-century Scandinavian furniture, curvy mod Sixties styles, and the plush fabrics and bold earth-toned patterns of the 1970s. Warm, playful and fabulous while bringing an overall flair into everyday life.

With a current project in mind, full of mid-century furniture and lighting, brightened up by splashes of vivid colour, here are some of my favourite retro pieces.

1. Timourous Beasties – Seaweed Column Wallpaper: Noted for surreal and provocative textiles and wallpapers, Timorous Beasties is incredibly design-led and I just adore the new collection, ‘Oceana’. With its colourful crustaceans, feather-like corals and ever-so-slightly menacing eels I’m dying to use this in a project - super summary with intricate detailing. Their core values are extremely similar to how Sarah and I work, as they remain around drawing, with the fundamental design process that starts with pen and ink.

2. Elitis - Panoramique Initiation Monaco Wallpaper: Elitis always surprise me. Their dynamic and passion always allow for a modern and innovative personality to shine through their work merging the worlds of art and fashion. This beautiful embossed panoramic mural wallpaper is impressive; exploring the extraordinary botanical world in their own unique way, slightly naïve yet abstract.

3. Liberty - Faria Flowers Fabric: Rifling through Liberty’s beautiful fabric collections is a journey in itself. The Modern Archive Collection spotlights Liberty’s rich history of storytelling for every generation of modern interiors – with the vivid natural shades of the Lichen colour story inspired by Liberty’s early textiles of the Arts and Crafts era. Faria Flowers is a hand-drawn and hand-painted floral design, drawn from studies taken at the Royal Chelsea and Hampton Court by our Liberty Fabrics designers. It is expertly printed in Italy onto Vintage Velvet – a beautiful mixed-fibre base that’s suitable for both heavy domestic and contract use. Luxurious in feel and vibrant in colour, this velvet’s elegant drape also makes it ideal for heavier curtains with blackout or draft-excluding qualities. I have a project in mind for this in Mayfair, London for a very special international client.

4. Diedre Dyson - Looking Through Rug: This hand-knotted rug in wool and silk is inspired by ‘looking through’ a water-filled flask at boat rigging and blue cushions reflected on a shiny surface. Deirdre painted these distorted objects without drawing the outline of the flask. I love how involved Dierdre is with her pieces and the process is a fascinating blend of art and process, of ancient skill and new technology. I think I’ll keep this one for my own home – it feels utterly heavenly underfoot!

5. Elitis - Monaco Rug: Another beautiful rug which is an assembly of handmade jute braids and I love that the irregularities in appearance between different parts of the rug are visible. The bold, playful and colourful mint and green shapes really add a perfect contrast when juxtaposed to a more minimalist interior. Furthermore, jute is a natural fibre which adds a cosy, organic texture to a space.

6. 1^stdibs - Transversal Bookcase & Space Divider: What a cool room divide! This transversal is both a bookcase and space divider, created in solid wood and natural veneer boards. It is the result of the collaboration between FOAM design studio and Breuer carpenters. You can almost feel the lines and rhythms that detonate through this three-dimensional pattern. I’d definitely use this as space divider, given the current situation. I’m looking to separate my desk from the main living room, to unintrusively divide my work zone and an area of relaxation. I’ll also use it to display my much-loved books and favourite pieces within the lattice of attractive geometries that generate the niches. 

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If you’d like to talk to Sarah and Rosie about an interior design project, don’t hesitate to get in touch, by email: 

hello@wardandco.com or by phone:​ 

+44 (0)20 3667 7796.

Whatever the occasion, make your surroundings as delightful as the dishes you’re serving. With lockdown easing, we’re looking forward to hosting in style. We talk to our Founder and Creative Director, Sarah Ward, on how she loves to style, host, forage and cook.

STYLING

As we shift away from stuff and towards experiences, styling or tablescaping, which has been around for eons (it was popular back in the 18th century among aristocratic crowds), is having a major moment.

The Instagramification of anything and everything is definitely playing a role, as we show off our intimate dinners to hundreds, or even thousands, of followers. More than just a centrepiece, a tablescape is a mood, a way of dressing the table in a considered, stylish and personalised fashion. Some might even call the process - the opposite of our rushed, frenzied lives - effective self-care. It’s almost a meditation session for me – I adore hosting and having my family and friends together around a curated table.

Often, my tables are centred around a theme, whether that's rustic for a wonderfully relaxed summer luncheon, or more formal; designed to reflect a celebration. Luckily, being in lockdown in Suffolk has meant we’ve had the luxury of space. Inside, outside and socially distanced, under the government guidelines of course, hosting has occurred. Mostly informal in nature but my table is always ready to go - I’d rather eat dinner on my lap in front of the TV than an undressed table. Perhaps that is the interior designer in me!

No matter the theme or occasion, there are a few key ingredients I can suggest that help to make a tablescape one to remember - and one that you enjoy creating. This is one case where adopting a layered "more is more" approach can really pay off. 

I recommend starting with fresh foliage, either herbs or fern pots, or even faux lily of the valley works well. I absolutely love white Roses or Geberas — you can create dramatic displays with very few blooms. Use a mix of bud vases for a low-level floral display so as not to detract from all the chit-chatting and add greenery for texture. Choose a main colour - something natural like green and go from there. 

It’s all about layering and there is always lots of adding and removing, but that’s part of the fun. Use a plain rattan placemat (I’ll be launching the POSH Rattan Collection in 2021) then layer up the china and glasswear – I love Villeroy & Boch Grand Royal Collection. Extra tall tapered candles and napkins help to add an overall cosiness with touches of countryside aesthetic; a light colour palette really helps. If you would like a plainer look, a crisp linen napkin always looks fantastic.

The best tablescapes always complement the food they accompany. I always try to tailor the aesthetics of my table to the meal. Having a good quality set of chopsticks for Japanese cuisine and beautiful traditional ceramic rice bowls or frightfully British Wedgewood chinaware for my very well-regarded Sunday roasts!

HOSTING

Tablescaping is about curating your table, so unusual and humorous - yet still elegant - tableware can really help to set the mood, but it doesn’t stop there. Interaction is a huge reason I host. I love catching up with my children over a glass of champagne in the living room before we take our seats. And good nibbles go a long way. Occasionally, I’ll manage to persuade my husband to make some delectable homemade pre-dinner snacks.   

The “New Perennial” movement has meant I have been able to break boundaries in my garden and I have truly unleashed my painterly side. I’m extremely proud of my Wisteria and other flora – so many of my guests will also request a garden tour. I also have been, continuously, working on my allotment, more of those updates can be seen on my Instagram.

Weather dependent, I’ll try my best during the Summer months to host outside on our large, antique marble mosaic table which is positioned under the Wisteria Arber with beautiful up-lighting and outside speakers – which makes for a perfect post-dinner aperitif too. Inside, we have an impactful dining table; asymmetric glass on top of petrified timber columns with Bauhaus chairs. I always try to mirrors to enlarge the dining space.

Away from the table be sure to consider any areas that your guests will visit. Lower lighting light a scented candle in a bathroom and position a soft arrangement of freshly picked blooms in a hallway to create a real welcome and pull the overall look together.

COOKING

With the coronavirus lockdown, many of us have been unable to entertain as normal in our homes, but there's been no stopping me from slaving away in the kitchen. Having the time and space to cook in my own home has been a luxury. I’ve delved into more adventurous recipes and it’s been so fun to pop to the local fish markets in town. I don’t really enjoy the supermarket, so I can be usually be found in small, local food stores or in my garden/allotment foraging dinner requirements from ground directly to table. Below are a few of my favorite easy guides for you to enjoy.

Grow Fruit & Vegetables in Pots by Aaron Bertelsen

A must-read for urban kitchen gardeners, this is an in-depth and beautifully illustrated guide to growing glorious edibles in containers – complemented by 50 recipes to expand your plot-to-plate repertoire. 

The Salad Garden by Joy Larkcom

The queen of the organic kitchen garden published this book in 1984 but the 2017 re-edition is just as relevant today: everything you need to know about setting up a potager and growing 200 salad plants from scratch.  

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If you’d like to talk to Sarah and Rosie about an interior design project, don’t hesitate to get in touch, by email: 

hello@wardandco.com or by phone:​ 

+44 (0)20 3667 7796.

1. CAULINO CERAMICS

Caulino have the most gorgeous studio and workshop space in central Lisbon, founded by Catia Pessoa. Their online shop features an array of distinctive pieces in vibrant colours, hand-crafted by both the in-house design team and by young local artisans. There really is something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a cute breakfast bowl or a ceramic sea slug.

2. NATALIE WEINBERGER

The works of this young Brooklyn-based potter somehow manage to be both contemporary and still have the feeling of coming from some other, far-gone time. Natalie’s pieces are sturdy yet elegant; simple yet intricate. In addition to the more traditional kitchenware, she also crafts the most incredible statement lamps – all available from her online shop.

3. JOHN BOOTH

If you’re looking for a statement piece to add to a design project – look no further. After starting out as an illustrator, John Booth looked to transfer his abstract designs to new materials. These colourful handmade vases are playful and vibrant, and while they are impressive stand-alone sculptures, they really take on new life when bursting with fresh flowers.

4. JENNIFER LEE

Scottish ceramicist Jennifer Lee began studying at Edinburgh College of Art in 1975 and has since gone on to receive global acclaim. Her textured pieces are crafted with an appreciation for ancient techniques, and an almost mathematical approach to achieving a meticulous, unpredictable asymmetry. Lee uses neither glazes nor a wheel, just age-old craft processes and basic elemental materials: clay, water & oxides.

5. EWEN HENDERSON

Hailed a ‘pioneer of clay’, Henderson’s work still provides a masterclass in freehand sculpting and experimentation through form. Ewen’s work lives on in a number of exhibitions worldwide and continues to inspire and spark conversation on the limits of structure and the sensory nature of ceramics. Critic David Whiting’s beautiful obituary to the sculptor can be found here on the Oxford Ceramics Gallery website.

6. JUNE RIDGWAY

Ridgway’s intricate process sees each piece burnished before drying, bisque fired, sometimes fractured and re-formed, and finally saggar fired to achieve a satin finish; a technique that originated in the Ottoman Empire. The resulting ceramics are emblazoned with unique, intricate patterning and dusky fiery colouring.

7. STUDIO POTTERY LONDON

Studio Pottery is simultaneously a working studio as well as a shop and gallery. They hold ceramics workshops as well as workspaces for members, and their online shop features a number of London-based artist potters with a diverse catalogue of works. Co-Founder, Lucy Attwood, recently joined our panel on The Connected Series. Watch the recording HERE.

If you’d like to talk to Sarah and Rosie about an interior design project, don’t hesitate to get in touch, by email: 

hello@wardandco.com or by phone:​ 

+44 (0)20 3667 7796.

Those of us who aren't used to working solely from home have been getting to know our four walls inside-and-out over the past weeks. With staying in becoming the new normal, how would we design our spaces differently if we had the chance? Has the home proved as fully-functional as we would have liked, or has this extra time spent under our own roof made us re-think our priorities?

There’s nothing quite like spending months in your home to really get to know the space. As interior designers, we know the importance of valuing the functional aspects of a property just as highly as the aesthetics - but has it proved to be enough? What would we do differently if we started afresh with a blank canvas? 

Rosie has been dreaming up her ideal lockdown space, and this moment in time has left many of us craving more relaxing corners of the home; a quiet room or an outdoor paradise that really allows you to switch off and breathe.

We have designed our luxury homes down to the finest details, but perhaps the office that we previously only spent a handful of hours in per week hasn’t done wonders for our productivity full-time, or the living room that was perfect for having a drink with friends hasn’t also provided a calming space to read a book. Looking to the future of interior design, it’s going to be important to adjust to and stay on top of the shifting needs of our clients. 

This may begin with re-thinking the purpose of each room and what we want to feel as we move through the property. It’s highly possible that we’ll be spending less time eating out and more time entertaining friends at home once this lockdown is over; for many this slower pace of life has reignited a passion for experimenting in the kitchen rather than rushing to whip something up. Open-plan kitchens are a great way to be able to entertain and still take your time cooking; if we have the luxury of space, let’s differentiate between cooking and having drinks around the kitchen island, and dining and late-night wine-ing around the table area. 

When it comes to larger properties, there is often a danger of ‘giving up’ on valuable space if it doesn’t serve a particular function, be it a spare room, a basement, or a formal dining room that may only see company at Christmas. This time is the perfect opportunity to consider what you are craving - a book haven with natural light, soft tones and house plants; a ‘games’ room to play after-dinner cards with friends and family; a relaxed creative space to let your hair down and put some music on, or paint just for the fun of it? Working from home often makes it tricky to separate business from pleasure unless we really make the effort to be mindful of this distinction. Carefully crafting certain areas that we cannot wait to dive into come Friday night could be invaluable in the long run. 

It’s also looking likely that we’re going to be working from home for the foreseeable future, and whilst many of our clients do have home offices, they have a tendency to function more like storage spaces than as areas for seeing out a full week’s work. In place of meetings, Zoom has become the app du jour, and almost acts as a small, nosey window into people’s homes. Rather than having to green-screen yourself onto the Eiffel Tower, let’s begin to curate a videoconferencing corner that is also reflective of your business or brand. Positioning interesting paintings or prints can provide personality, while plants and books might soften the atmosphere. Good lighting is key - both for quality of call and for general focus - and table lamps provide nice ambient light where natural light isn’t available. Also, a beautifully hand-crafted desk lamp acts as a much more pleasant point of focus while you’re typing away.

Thinking ergonomically has also become significantly more of a priority. Many clients are looking to swap their lighter, more decorative office furniture for sturdier, more supportive options as the hours at the desk start to tally up. Classic, hard-wearing desk chairs from Knoll and Herman Miller have spiked in sales, and it’s clear that these pieces are a worthwhile investment both for their own longevity and for that of one’s spinal column. I have a new-found level of respect for smart office storage solutions, as keeping everything orderly is exponentially better for a working frame of mind - as is keeping the sound level to a minimum. For our London clients in particular with more of a hustle and bustle outdoors, considering the acoustics of a working space is ever-important. For smaller home offices this shouldn’t be too tricky; while the phrase ‘absorptive solutions’ might sound hideous, the reality could simply be a new set of luxurious, handmade curtains, or a bespoke rug with softer fibers. 

Work aside, it’s only fair that ‘play’ gets equal consideration when it comes to post-lockdown design. It’s impossible to tell how long it will be until we’re all sat around a dinner table or in the garden of a pub again, as social distancing and ‘bubbles’ look set to continue for the foreseeable future. Spending our Saturday nights at home has given rise to some brilliant creativity when it comes to getting social, and has seen off-license alcohol sales soar by 31.4%! Whether it’s virtual dinner parties or 2-metre picnics in the garden this summer, a home bar is definitely looking to become more of a permanent fixture. It could be an antique drinks cabinet or a DIY garden feature with a built-in spirit optics; whatever is substituting your local, it’s a lovely way to continue the tradition of post-work drinks online or to treat an intimate group of friends to a newly-perfected cocktail.

If interacting with people isn’t on the cards for you, why not try interacting with plants? I’ve been taking care of my elderly parents’ allotment since it became too much for them, and as someone who could once merely look at a plant and make it wither, this has been quite a learning curve! Gardening has been proven time and time again to be invaluable for our mental health, and at £11 a year, an allotment is the best value therapy. We dived in at the deep end and planted an array of things, just learning as we went: lettuce, squash, rhubarb, asparagus, strawberries, gooseberries… you name it! 

This isolation period has given a whole new value to maintaining an element of self-sufficiency when it comes to food. As well as giving you a wholesome break from your usual routine, it can be so rewarding to grow what you eat - think of every new stem or leaf as a small, personal triumph! Not to mention the lovely, supportive “allotment friends” I have made and learned so much from. There is certainly reason to incorporate elements of urban farming into future design projects - be it growing vegetables in a larger country garden, or micro-herbs from a city balcony. We often talk about sustainability in a wider global context, but these smaller personal projects are tiny, environmental victories that we could all be a part of. So much pleasure from something so simple.

If you’d like to talk to Sarah and Rosie about an interior design project, don’t hesitate to get in touch, by email:

hello@wardandco.com or by phone:​

+44 (0)20 3667 7796.

Beautiful finds, names you might not know and some of our favourite small, independent brands. Everyone needs a helping hand at this time. Keep them on your radar – they’re really special.

1. GARDECO - REGINA MEDEIROS CERAMICS

Gardeco is such a great place to find unique pieces from lesser-known designers around the world. I really love this collection of ceramics by Brazilian artist Regina Medeiros - the shapes and details are really beautiful.

2. MARTIN HUXFORD STUDIO - LIGHTING

These guys design truly outstanding lighting fixtures. We recently used this Reflect light for our Academy Gardens project and not only did it look stunning, but the team were truly lovely to work with.

3. NAOMI PAUL - CROCHET LAMP

I love the versatility of this crochet lamp. Their style is consistently elegant and sustainable - I'm looking forward to using this piece in our upcoming Antigua project. Watch this space!

4. SILK-KA - FLOWERS FOR LIFE

Silk-ka are a Dutch company who hand-craft the most beautiful silk flower arrangements. I came across them at the Maison&Objet expo and fell in love with the vibrant colours and the creativity of their displays. 

5. TIMOROUS BEASTIES

This design-led company makes the most exquisite and unique fabrics and wallpapers. Their creativity and mix of colours make for some really stunning pieces - definitely one to bookmark for when you're looking to make a statement. 

6. ABBOTT & BOYD

The range of different luxury fabrics available from A&B is huge and yet they all compliment each other so well. Their showroom is also well worth a visit - the displays make it delightfully easy to explore the colourways you are going for.

7. D'ARTS - LUXURY WALLPAPER

This brand designs the most beautiful bespoke printed wallpaper. Inspired by traditional Chinoiserie, each panel really gives the effect of being hand-painted. We worked with D'Arts on our recent Academy Gardens Project and were so thrilled with the results.

8. TOM FAULKNER - BESPOKE FURNITURE

From their studio in Wiltshire, Tom Faulkner's team hand-make some of the most eye-catching bespoke furniture. Often simple forms are used to create the most beautiful pieces. This stool is from their new California-inspired 'Papillon' collection - definitely worth checking out. 

9. TOM RAFFIELD - FURNITURE

The level of innovation and craftsmanship that goes into these pieces is really extraordinary. They use steam-bending to create incredible shapes (like this Amble Hanging Seat) and more importantly do all of this while keeping sustainability at the very heart of their work. Bravo.

10. DEIRDRE DYSON

These hand-crafted carpets and rugs really are works of art. I spotted this hand-knotted wool and silk rug from the 'Slivers' collection at an exhibition recently and can't wait to find a home for it in a future project.

If you’d like to talk to Sarah and Rosie about an interior design project, don’t hesitate to get in touch, by email: 

hello@wardandco.com or by phone:​ 

+44 (0)20 3667 7796.

DESIGNATE SOME SPACE

Don’t let the boundaries begin to blur and temptation allow you to set up your office in bed. Do assign an area designated for working. Be territorial if you must! Even if you have a small space and do not have the luxury of separate floors, this can still be achieved with some clever storage, spatial planning and revised layouts. I love creating zones to establish division between work and play. I find there are certain areas in my home where I cannot focus, and others where I can. Natural light is a big thing for me and I’m not comfortable with a desk facing a wall as I tend to feel claustrophobic. I know my focus is enhanced when I limit the background noise to a bare minimum. Work out what makes you comfortable and calm and arrange your space to work for you.

CREATE HARMONY, PEACE AND COHESIVENESS

Generally, there should be a perfect balance of calm and loud within design. Warm undertones, with lots of light and uncluttered symmetry instantly help to make a space feel balanced, interwoven with unique details, ornate patterns and sculptural aesthetics. It can mean bringing order to a living room or kitchen that may feel a little chaotic, while still keeping the space looking interesting. I love to travel [when the universe allows!] and always brin finds and objects home with me. Travelling creates important memories and inspiration, and integrating these memories add interesting layers to any interior. This also creates a sense of being surrounded by one’s favourite things and so brings security, fond memories and joy.

MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME

Do set yourself up properly so you can relax into a proper routine; you need to have your calm and relaxation spaces to make sure work doesn’t take over your life. Away from your place of work, the possibilities for self-expression extend well beyond a small pot plant on your desk. With no colleagues to consider, you have the ability to relax and get comfy. Relish the freedom to open windows and allow fresh air in or crank up the heating; wear comfy, loose clothing and cosy cashmere socks; listen, or sing to your heart’s content, to your favourite 80s band or, like me, work in silence.

LET IN THE LIGHT

As much as you possibly can. If you are able to, try and position your desk next to a window for some much-required vitamin D. Light really is one of the most important aspects; it stimulates the mind and can completely transform the look and feel of a space.

THE GARDEN IS YOUR TIMEOUT AND A PLACE TO REFLECT

Schedule time in your day to get outside and connect intentionally to your mind, body and spirit: mindfulness, yoga, a workout or just a simple move-about. This breaks up the day and fresh air is so good for the soul – try and add this structure and routine to your day. If you are limited with outdoor space, do make a conscious effort to move away from your desk from time to time; it’ll help you to manage your energy which is important to keep the mind fresh and productive. Get up and take a walk, take the stairs, or take a lunch break away from screens. When outside temperatures become more favourable and it becomes more conducive to spending time outside, I’m going to move my workspace al fresco - I love to watch the flora and fauna go by.

ENJOY THE ENDLESS CULINARY POSSIBILITIES OF YOUR KITCHEN

Away from the office, unshackled from the tyranny of the same supermarket sandwich, enjoy the endless culinary possibilities being at home affords. Pick up those dusty cookbooks and plan healthy lunches to pick you up for an afternoon at your desk. I'm currently working my way through A Love of Eating: Recipes from Tart London; colourful, fresh and wholesome meals.

I tend to compare the design process to preparing a sumptuous meal. Each scheme is personal and unique to meet the client’s brief - combining different colours, layers and textures - so it’s just a question of gathering the specific ingredients for that particular palate, or palette, and away we go…

If you’d like to talk to Sarah and Rosie about an interior design project, don’t hesitate to get in touch, by email: 

hello@wardandco.com or by phone:​ 

+44 (0)20 3667 7796.

A few promises I made, skills to learn, things to watch, books to read... now is the time and no more excuses.

• Vera G. & O. Buratti Armchair

I love the solid canaletta walnut – this chair will work in most nooks and is a perfect spot to nestle into a good book for the afternoon. Put a beautifully scented candle on and feel enveloped in goodness.

• How to Fail by Elizabeth Day

I’m about to dive into How to Fail. I’ve listened to her incredible podcast where she shares lessons from the challenges in her own life and those of famous interviewees. It’s a necessary staging post on a journey towards greater success. I’ll let you know my thoughts…

• Byredo Rose Rinse Free Hand Sanitiser

Very much like how my mother and I operate, the Byredo founder draws inspiration from his exotic travels to create the label’s cult perfumes. Formulated using a select number of raw ingredients, each fragrance tells a story. This rose hand wash gently washes and cleanses the hands while divinely scenting them – Clears away bacteria and rinse free, so you’ll not need to touch tap!

• Raey Oversized Knitted Cashmere Hooded Sweatshirt

This heavenly knit will keep my spirits up whilst I work from home. I love the minimalist aesthetic, shaped to an oversized silhouette. It’s crafted from purl-knitted cashmere, then finished with dropped shoulders and rolled edges. I’m planning on dressing it up with leather trousers…soon!

• A Love of Eating: Tart London

Lucy Carr-Ellison and Jemima Jones are the inimitable pair behind Tart London. I’m working my way through this and I can honestly say, everyone’s a winner! It’s absolutely fuss-free and I’m on the 11th recipe, a different one each time. Colourful, fresh and wholesome meals to share and enjoy, always with a fun and fuss-free attitude. The Summer butter bean stew with almond sourdough breadcrumbs and feta is glorious.

• We Are Tea: Protect

Two of my friends founded this ethically sourced brand on a holiday in Budapest. The Echinacea tea is my favourite - it’s extremely cleansing and the best pick me up if you’re feeling groggy. This brand takes a refreshingly no-nonsense, need-state-led approach to health and wellbeing.

• Glass Gardens by Green Factory

Green Factory offers innovative plants to bring beautiful nature into your home. Their wonderful glass gardens require very little maintenance. No green thumb? No problem! Each plant object is handmade, an ecosystem capable of blossoming almost independently, with only a few waterings per year. Each creation is unique. 

• Shona Vertue: The Vertue Method

Exercise offers so many important benefits that it should always be part of your weekly routine. Exercise helps me to stay slim and fit, but whilst working from home daily physical activity definitely reduces stress and really does help me sleep better – these two things are especially beneficial for my creativity and productivity.

• Linen Bedding by Piglet

When considering factors that contribute to a relaxing sleep, linen is highly overlooked. Come to think of it; you are going to spend a third of your lifetime in bed so investing in quality bed linen would be an easy and quick way of improving the quality of your life!

• Sarah Chapman Mist Steamer

This is meant to be fantastic. It's on my list as everyone says it’s brilliant. It’s all about bringing the outside in so will start home skincare regime.

If you’d like to talk to Sarah and Rosie about an interior design project, don’t hesitate to get in touch, by email: hello@wardandco.com or by phone:​ +44 (0)20 3667 7796.

Like all businesses, Interiors by Sarah Ward has evolved over time. When Sarah began her interior design career over 30 years ago it was just her, working solo. The business quickly flourished, at one time with a staff of 26. But, although this was a fantastic experience, Sarah decided to reset the company with a smaller core team as she wanted to stay closer to the creative detail, which is her passion. Now, there are eight people, with Sarah’s daughter Rosie as Associate Director. Rosie is an integral part of the design process, her own flare shining through. The company also has a little black book bursting with specialist partners from bespoke furniture makers to luxury lighting designers.

‘I’m delighted that Interiors by Sarah Ward is now a family business,’ says Sarah. ‘I began being interested in interior design as a child growing up in the Far East, with the good fortune to spend time in amazing and inspiring places. And Rosie has always been interested, too, ever since she was about 12. It feels like a natural evolution for us to work together now.’

Rosie says, ‘I was always happy to come along to installations in the school holidays and help at the final stages, unpacking everything and setting up accessories and artworks. We found a photo of me recently among some old work files, showing me at an install in a wonderful chalet in the Alps; I must have been about 15.’

But Rosie embarked on a career in TV production before working as a designer. Looking back now, she sees she was gradually drawn back to interior design, assisting on projects with Sarah whenever she had spare time. She learned the trade partly by osmosis from being immersed in it from childhood, but has also trained in CAD tools and other technical specifics. But her eye for interior design has always been a natural talent. Sarah says, ‘When we made the decision for Rosie to come onboard as a full-time designer, I made her ask me – I didn’t want her to say I’d coerced her into the family business.’

Sarah and Rosie say it feels very natural working together. They both inherently understand the Interiors by Sarah Ward design ethos of creating superb comfortable interiors, which exudes from all their projects. Sarah says, ‘We are very respectful of each other and the things that are important to each of us in our designs, which is essential.’ 

They also both recognise that the client is the most important person in the room. Their design process involves getting to know each client, really drawing out their preferences, desires and needs for the project, then tailoring a bespoke interior design for them. Rosie says, ‘Our style is very much related to the client we have in front of us. But of course we are drawn to certain elements, too. I love mixing colours and textures for an earthy and eclectic result. Sarah’s natural tendency has slightly more glamour. We both love metallic finishes.’ And of course when designing hotel interiors, they have additional considerations, and often more than one stakeholder to think about.

‘Every project is individual and needs a fresh approach,’ says Sarah. ‘It would be very dull if we just replicated ideas from one project to the next.’ Sarah and Rosie make a very conscious effort not to use the same items in different projects – everything is bespoke. They spend time at international shows such as Maison et Objet in Paris and Milan’s Salone del Mobile furniture fair to gather new ideas, and both travel the world, too, picking up inspiration. 

Sarah says, ‘My favourite part of the job is when we get to know each new client and begin to imagine a whole new space. I also love the challenge of coming up with ideas and communicating them to the client.’ Both Sarah and Rosie stress that their interior design is about perfecting the feel and flow of a space as much as it is about final details such as fabrics and furnishings. 

Rosie agrees, saying, ‘What I love most about working in luxury interior design is the diversity. Each interior design project has a different look and feel due to the different tastes of our clients, making every job exciting and creative. The beginning and the end are the best, coming up with the ideas for the space, then fulfilling the design story, and finally seeing it come to fruition.’

The difference that using a specialist luxury interior design company such as Interiors by Sarah Ward brings is in the approach to the complete space. With in-house interior architecture specialists, and lighting design partners, no element is left without thought. Sarah says, ‘A space comes alive with specialist lighting and attention to every single detail – from cornicing to panelling, wall colours to flooring and of course wonderful furniture and fittings.’ Interiors by Sarah Ward can design bespoke furniture to divide rooms differently or tuck away clever storage spaces. The whole approach covers ergonomics, practicality and aesthetics. It’s always about far more than decoration. 

As for working together, Sarah says, ‘Rosie adds a new dimension, which is great for the business. I have a lot of experience to offer – and we’re both very enthusiastic.’ Rosie agrees, and says, ‘We bounce off each other very well. We will look at a project in different ways which gives us the best results, especially when it comes to planning the space and finding clever solutions for tricky elements.’

If you’d like to talk to Sarah and Rosie about an interior design project, don’t hesitate to get in touch, by email: hello@wardandco.com or by phone:​ +44 (0)20 3667 7796.

We’d love to hear your ideas.

Latest Project

We are so excited to reveal more about our most recent endeavour, project Allegra, a large, vibrant two-storey apartment based in the busy hub of Central London. This generously proportioned residential family home doesn’t hold back when it comes to colour. Boasting an eclectic mix of contemporary with hints of classical interiors, Allegra is both extremely vivacious and incredibly memorable. We loved taking on this development as the original brief from the client allowed us to be very explorative with colour and pattern, and we were able to come up with innovative ideas to use the open space imaginatively. This image is a sneak peek into just one of the three large scale joinery units designed by our team for the apartment. The intricate detailing and precise dimensions of each plinth did not allow for any mistakes. We can’t wait to reveal more about this elegant and striking project which will be on our website shortly.

Hamburg – David Hockney Exhibition

A trip to Hamburg by Lucy from our team confirmed it to be a city full of beautiful architecture, great restaurants and innovative modern art galleries. The highlight of the weekend was definitely the David Hockney exhibition at the Bucerius Kunst Forum in the centre of Hamburg, which showed works from the Tate collection. As usual, Hockney’s work did not fail to impress and the show revealed the vast breadth of the Artists craft with artworks ranging from his iconic My Parents (1977) to newer works not seen by many but equally as impressive. If you’re in Hamburg soon this is definitely not one to miss.

The exhibition is running until 10 May 2020 and general admission is 9 Euros on the door and 6 Euros for students.

Exciting trip to Dubai

The POSH Team was excited to be in Dubai last week meeting with clients and partnering with luxury lighting expert, John Cullen. The launch was held at John Cullen’s latest lighting villa showroom, located on 125 Al Manara Road, Dubai. POSH supported the event by showcasing their latest range of products, including the exclusive new Bathroom Collection soon to be launching in early summer this year. The new range will continue to feature the bespoke Silver and Gold Leaf finishes, along with the unique Faux Skin designs. 

Cirque du Soleil

After the post-South and Central America blues kicked in, Sarah and a couple of our team decided to recapture the essence of the beautiful area and go to see Cirque Du Soleil’s Luiza at The Royal Albert Hall. It certainly did not disappoint. We absolutely loved the set design which included a 50ft onstage waterfall with light projection that produced amazing patterns as the water fell, and a life-sized metallic horse where the puppeteers created an incredibly lifelike performance. The cast of the show provided a much needed and faultless narrative in response to Trump’s scaremongering of alleged threats from Mexico. This vibrant and electrifying performance celebrated a nation whose name has recently been tarnished. An opulent incorporation of spectacular visuals coupled with evocative music and faultless performances made this year’s Cirque Du Soleil one to remember.

Cirque Du Soleil is running at the Albert Hall until 1^st March 2020. The perfect activity for a family day out.

Maison Objet

Our annual trip to Maison Objet in Paris this year was fabulous. This year our director Rosie Ward went along and noticed some trends forming. There was far greater emphasis on sustainability and natural products, in theme with the drive for a more environmentally friendly world. A whole range of natural products, highlighting textures and mixed materials was a focus this year. Stunning and complex lighting created a rustic and original feel throughout the exhibition. A more artistic and homemade stance has clearly been adopted by many designers and we absolutely love it here in the studio. Maison Objet never fails to bring tasteful, elegant and cultural design through its doors.

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Le Coupe Chou

Well of course we couldn’t go to Paris and not indulge in what the French do best – food and wine! One evening we went to a hidden gem in the heart of Paris, a divine boutique restaurant called Le Coupe Chou. This historic marvel of three buildings each from different centuries makes for a dining experience like no other. Think spacious fireplaces fit for a king, and traditional interiors that only get better with age. The beef was cooked to perfection and the quirky restaurant boasted ambience that was second to none. This place is appropriate for any mood, with various rooms from a salon full of antique sofas to a tasteful dining experience, there is something for everyone. If you’re in Paris.

We asked Carole Annett, Interiors Editor at Country & Townhouse magazine, and host of the magazine’s popular House Guest podcast, featuring Sarah Ward in 2020, what key advantages she thinks an interior designer offers 

What I’ve learned by using an interior designer

I actually used an interior designer on my home almost by accident. Even though I compile and write a monthly section on beautiful homes and interiors for a lifestyle magazine, I hadn’t really considered using an interior designer myself. As much as I love interviewing designers and fully appreciate their skills, employing one was something other people did. 

But I’d just got stuck on what to do with a couple of spaces in our home. Our property is part of a Victorian mansion, which has been jig-sawed into four sections. Our part includes the original front door, so we have a small entrance hall then another room with main staircase, which the previous owners used as a dining room. I couldn’t visualise what to do with the space, as we use our kitchen for entertaining. I’d literally painted this hallway three times and still wasn’t happy. Eventually, a designer friend helped us see that the issue wasn’t just the hallway, but how the whole house worked. We ended up rethinking the whole interior, to bring harmony to the entire house. It was going through this process, more than my everyday job, that taught me the value of an interior designer.

Creative skills 

A lot of creative people take for granted the fact that they can walk into a home and go: “That table needs to be moved there, and you need a lamp here, and why haven’t you done this or that”. I recently spent time with the renowned hotelier Olga Polizzi, who admitted that she finds it hard to stay in other people’s hotels because she just wants to start moving the furniture.  

But what I realised when using a designer in my home is that interior design is far less about pretty curtains and cushions, and much more about space planning, measurements and layout. The isolated details I had been looking at in my home – paint colours, sofa coverings and so on – were actually the final details, and sorting out key elements such as lighting, layout and cohesion were what I had missed.

Although I love working in interiors and with beautiful fabrics and am very nosey and like asking people about their wonderful homes, I’m not an interior designer. I know what image is going to look right on the page for our magazine, but give me a blank room and I go slightly panicky. It’s a different skill. That’s why I know how useful they are. 

Visualising the whole space

I learned that interior design works best if you look at the whole space. It’s hard to look at one room in isolation, or one piece of furniture. When you work in the industry and see all these beautiful fabrics and wallpapers every day, as I do, it’s hard to edit what you actually want. I think the problem a lot of people have is not being able to see the wood for the trees. An interior designer helps separate them. Having someone else state what does and doesn’t work alleviates that indecision. They help you formulate a clear strategy. 

Alleviating stress

A good interior designer saves their clients so much stress and, crucially, time. Most people don’t want to have to choose between 25 doorknobs. An interior designer will whittle choices like that down to two, then let the client decide between those. They will already have assessed what the client likes by getting to know them, using mood boards, and discussing ideas. I think the interior design process has to be fun, and if you haven’t got the time or inclination to visit multiple showrooms and shops, a skilled designer can make the right initial decisions for you.

It’s your home, but better

A lot of people worry that the design won’t end up feeling like their personal style. But if your interior designer is good, it really is you, it’s just a much better you than if you’d done it yourself! It’s not about handing over all the decisions to the professional – they adjust each design for each client. 

I feel like I already had a lovely home, but there were niggles. Now, I have a harmonious home where the colours and themes work throughout, not just room by room. Untidy details such as wiring are hidden away using clever and stylish panelling, and the scale of the furniture and lighting really fits the building. We completely rewired, adding wall lighting and other lighting design features to warm up the atmosphere, which has made a huge difference.

Design details and know-how 

I think so much of what a really good interior designer does involves things a client hasn’t even thought about. If you see a lamp or a chandelier you like, how on earth do you know what size to buy? I’d never thought about that properly before – and ended up with pieces that didn’t fit the space properly. An expert interior designer can visualise scale. Particularly in very large or very small rooms scale is so important. 

Details such as knowing how high to put a skirting board, or whether door frames should be a different shade to doors, make a huge difference to the final look and feel. And letting a skilled professional guide you through the details allows a weight to be lifted off the client. It’s almost impossible for a client to get all these things right without a skilled interior design professional.

Sourcing beautiful things

The other advantage of a great interior designer is that they have access to bespoke pieces that are worth investing in. Skimping on quality is rarely the way to a successful design. There are craftspeople out there creating beautiful things, and often an interior designer is the route to them.  

Don’t be scared

A lot of people are scared to speak to an interior designer. Just go for it. I’ve worked with so many designers in my job, and they’re honestly a lovely bunch of people. You literally just need to pick up the phone. An interior designer’s job is to help people, and they’re coming into your house looking for solutions. The best interior designers are interested in getting to know you, so that they can come up with a design you like. It’s honestly the best decision we made, and I’d advise anyone to go for it, whatever size project they’re looking at doing. 

The other thing is to get a designer along when you’re house-hunting. The sooner you get an interior designer to look at a property, the quicker you’ll have an idea of what can be done, and of costs. There are designers working at all budgets and scales. 

Money matters

I believe in the longterm, using an interior designer can save money. Fiddling about with a single bathroom, multiple hall paint colours, or reupholstering a chair or two can actually be a waste of money if these don’t improve the whole. 

For me, using an interior designer on my home means now, I absolutely love my home, and any little niggles have gone. We opted for a timeless English country design, so apart from a lick of paint it won’t need updating.

We have also added value to the house. But the real benefit is that my husband and I truly love it. 

An interior designer will make your home ten times more beautiful, functional and workable than it was before, and just good to be in. For me, having this wonderful design has curbed me being a serial dreamer or serial desirer of new things! I’m now totally 100% happy with what we’ve got. I think that’s the key point really – using a professional means much greater satisfaction. 

Does your home need a professional interior design eye? Contact Interiors by Sarah Ward to start the conversation.

Dora Maar at the Tate

One of our team recently visited the Dora Maar exhibition at the Tate Modern and returned with raving reviews. Her later photographic surrealist work merged the normal with the strange and recreated a usual day to day image to make it something entirely different. Although a lot of her paint work was influenced by her muse Picasso, Maar’s exhibition demonstrated that she was far more than just his mistress as people have previously assumed and was a successful woman in her own right. This exhibition is running until March 2020 and general admission is £13, with members able to go for free.

South America

By now, you may know that we are a team that like to travel. Nothing is more inspiring than exploring other cultures. Sarah recently had a trip to South America where she visited numerous countries. If it’s not the culture you’re interested in, there is always the cuisine and art. Sarah states that “Medellin is developing well since Pablo Escobar died and there is much graffiti art by international artists. Both The progress and terrible history are expressed in the form of graffiti art”. There are so many reasons this continent should be on your bucket list.

Tattu Restaurant Leeds

Tattu Restaurant Leeds

Our Associate Director Rosie was wowed by the interiors when she visited Tattu, an Asian fusion restaurant in Leeds. You don’t need to go outside to experience nature here or wait until summer as they have multiple large blossom trees there all year round, surrounding you while you eat. The fabulous décor really adds to the buzzing ambience, giving customers a great meal with great views. If you’re in the north it’s definitely worth a visit, they also have one in Manchester.