Designing The Perfect Holiday Home With Thorp’s Founder

What inspired you to establish Thorp, and how has your design philosophy evolved over the years?

I began my journey in the design world almost by accident. I initially pursued a degree in textile design and then took a secretarial course, which led to a serendipitous chapter in my life. I found myself temping at Citibank, where I was encouraged to stay on, eventually spending nearly five years there - a period I absolutely loved. This experience was crucial because it gave me the confidence and foundation to later start my own business, even though it was something I never expected to do. In 1984, a friend asked me if I’d use my business experience to help her set up a design studio, and suddenly, I realised that I’d always been envious of my roommate at university for studying interior design, so immediately I said, “I’m your man!” Soon after, I struck out on my own.

Next year marks the 40th anniversary of Thorp, and over these four decades, we’ve built a reputation for longevity. Our philosophy, ‘invest well, once’, has remained the same. I consider good design a form of asset management. Quite simply, you shouldn’t need to continue altering your home to keep pace with fashion. When you make sensible decisions with longevity in mind, you add value to your property. By taking this approach, we’ll often have repeat clients who, after moving to a new home, ask us to recreate exactly what we did years earlier in their previous property – just altering it to suit the new environment. We take pride in guiding our clients to make good design decisions that they’re confident they’ll look back on fondly. 

How do you balance functionality and aesthetics in your designs, especially for holiday homes?

 Balancing functionality and aesthetics is at the heart of what we do. We always consider how our clients will live in and enjoy the space, whether it’s their main residence or a holiday home.

 Functionality begins with understanding practical needs, from storage solutions to durable materials that can withstand frequent use. At the same time, aesthetics must evoke a sense of joy, relaxation, and, for holiday homes, escape. We achieve this by layering textures, colours, and bespoke details that reflect the home’s environment, be it urban, coastal, alpine, or countryside.

 Ultimately, the design should feel effortless - inviting yet robust, beautiful yet adaptable.

What are the unique challenges of designing homes for seasonal environments, such as ski chalets versus tropical villas?

Designing homes for seasonal environments presents distinct challenges, each requiring careful consideration of climate and lifestyle. For ski chalets, the extreme temperature shifts and heavy snowfall demand hardwearing materials like wood and stone. These not only complement the aesthetic of a mountain retreat but also endure heavy foot traffic and the wear-and-tear of sports gear - an essential consideration for spaces catering to an active lifestyle. Tropical villas, by contrast, must be resilient to extreme heat, humidity and seasonal monsoons. In both cases, climate change adds complexity, with increasingly unpredictable weather patterns amplifying the need for durable and sustainable materials. The goal is to always marry practicality with beauty, creating spaces that are not just functional but also effortlessly reflective of their surroundings.

Can you share a memorable project where the location strongly influenced the design?

 A few years ago, we designed a private property located in the exclusive Trisara resort in the northwestern region of Phuket, Thailand. The resort is nestled in the secluded bay of Nai Thon, offering its residents and guests a tranquil and private setting with breathtaking views over the Andaman Sea.

 The location certainly influenced the style of the property. The architectural style is an interpretation of a Thai vernacular, but it’s romancing Western necessities and sensibilities. When the property was built, it was most definitely designed to appeal to a global market. 

The interior was also heavily dictated by the property’s context, and by far, the weather was the biggest challenge. Every material used in the villa, whether it was a building material or furnishings, had to be carefully considered to ensure resilience against the relentless elements, including extreme humidity, scorching heat and seasonal monsoons. Even linen proved to be tricky to work with, as it sagged and creased in such extreme weather! Using natural materials that bounce back and don’t tend to be ruined, such as cotton, wool and wood, was key.

How do you ensure that a holiday home reflects the personality and lifestyle of its owner? 

Ensuring a holiday home reflects the personality and lifestyle of its owners begins with understanding them deeply. At Thorp, we approach each project by asking our clients detailed questions to gain insight into their lifestyle, their vision for the home, and how they want the space to make them feel. It’s about delving into the practicalities - how they plan to use the home - and the emotional connection they wish to have with it. 

Listening is at the heart of the process. Much of what we do as designers involves interpreting the owners’ desires and translating those into a space that feels authentic and personal. Whether it’s a tranquil retreat or a lively hub for entertaining, the home should become a true extension of its owners’ character and way of life.

Are there any design trends you’re particularly excited about for the coming year?

We are witnessing a return to traditional design with many clients requesting classic woodwork and decorative details. A shift from the recently favoured minimalist look, people are embracing warmth and personality by investing in impeccable craftsmanship. More than ever, they recognise the value in artisanal pieces and want to support talented makers with centuries-old skills – rather than buying mass-produced items. I couldn’t be more thrilled.

What’s a design mistake you often see that people should avoid?

Over the years, we’ve seen many trends come and go – some of which need to be put in the archives forever. We will never karate chop cushions – it’s a look you often see in photos, where they’ve sliced cushions down the middle so that the top corners stick up like bunny ears. It looks so contrived. We prefer to simply fluff up cushions and let them be.

The developer world is still stuck in this awful tone of drab, soul-destroying grey colour. It’s cold and draining. It may sell properties, making a home appear like a blank canvas – but no one actually wants to live in it.

One final thing - I absolutely hate the overuse of busy fabrics. The same pattern should not be used for curtains and cushions and a headboard – everywhere, on everything. It’s lazy decorating and gets very visually tiring for those who use the space. Really, you shouldn’t use the same fabric multiple times in the same room. It’s much more effective to create layers using different but complementary colours, patterns, and textures. 

How do you see the future of luxury interior design evolving, particularly for holiday homes?

The future of luxury interior design, including holiday homes, is leaning towards heightened comfort and thoughtful layering. Clients are seeking spaces that feel increasingly indulgent, with every detail contributing to an elevated experience. This includes incorporating features like saunas and wine cellars, which add both functionality and a sense of retreat.

Another significant trend is the desire for outdoor spaces that rival the comfort and style of indoor living areas. We recently designed an outdoor living room that mirrors an interior one, complete with sofas, armchairs, rugs, and even bookcases - all crafted from materials designed to withstand the elements.

 While luxury is evolving to include these beautiful touches, simplicity remains key. Clients are increasingly averse to overly complex tech systems, favouring intuitive solutions that enhance rather than complicate their experience.

Are there any exciting upcoming projects or collaborations you can share with us?

We have many exciting projects in the pipeline that truly showcase the breadth of what we do at Thorp. In Connecticut, we’re designing a lake house that perfectly balances natural beauty with modern comfort. In the south of France, we’re revisiting a property we originally designed years ago. It’s recently been sold to a new owner who adored the original design but wished to refresh it and add personal touches, making it uniquely their own. It’s always rewarding to see how our designs evolve with new perspectives. Closer to home, we’re working on a pied-à-terre in central London, just off Oxford Street. Each of these projects reflects our commitment to creating homes that feel authentic and deeply connected to the people who live in them.

Find out more about Thorp Design and its hotels here.