Women Who Launch: Meet Interior Designer Rebecca Hughes

You previously worked in advertising, what prompted you to pivot and move across to interior design?

After graduating from university, I felt dissatisfied working in advertising. I longed for a career that felt more creatively fulfilling, so I began to consider a change. I married relatively young, and my husband was a musician at the time. While his career was incredibly challenging, I was inspired by the way he followed his dream and pursued something he genuinely loved.

Additionally, as a child, I would often rearrange my room, experimenting with different colours and layouts. Over time, I began to realise just how important my surroundings were to my sense of well-being. Interior design felt like a natural progression. I love receiving a brief, getting to know a client, understanding a building – its limitations as well as its potential – and then starting to build a vision.

How would you describe your overall design style?

I believe that interiors should reflect the personalities of those who inhabit them. As a studio, we enjoy getting to know our clients deeply – understanding what motivates their choices and their personal style. My approach tends to embrace classic English influences with a relaxed, layered aesthetic, creating spaces that feel effortless and comfortable, yet beautifully curated.

I often mix a variety of periods, materials, textures, and patterns to create a layered, evolved feel, as though the space has grown organically over time. I am a firm believer in designing for longevity rather than chasing fleeting trends. Ultimately, my goal is always to create a home that feels authentic to its owner.

You take an intuitive approach to your work – please can you talk us through what this looks like?

At the heart of my work is curiosity. Designing a home isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about capturing the essence of the people who live there and creating a space that feels both beautiful and deeply personal. To do this, I ask many questions, often beyond the obvious ones.

I want to know how a client lives day-to-day: Do they host large gatherings or prefer intimate evenings? Is the kitchen the hub of family life, or is it the drawing room? Do they travel frequently and bring back treasured pieces, or do they prefer calm continuity at home?

These insights guide the layout, flow, and functionality of the space. I also explore their preferences in colour, texture, and mood, asking how certain hues make them feel, which materials they instinctively gravitate towards, and what environments inspire them – whether hotels, restaurants, or even landscapes. Their answers form a palette as unique as their fingerprint.

Above all, my process is about listening carefully and reading between the lines. The more I understand about a client’s lifestyle, passions, and quirks, the more authentically I can translate their personality into a home layered with comfort, elegance, and a touch of the unexpected.

Where do you seek inspiration for your projects?

I often look to stately homes such as Hatfield House and Kenwood House, which embody a sense of permanence and artistry that is rare today – every room is considered, every detail purposeful. What fascinates me most is the layering: the interplay of grand architecture, exquisite craftsmanship, and evolving styles accumulated over centuries.

These spaces teach the importance of contrast – opulence balanced with intimacy, bold gestures softened by subtle details. I am particularly drawn to how colour, texture, and proportion are used to create atmosphere, whether it’s the drama of a formal dining room or the quiet elegance of a library.

When I design, I am not seeking to replicate these interiors, but to translate their timeless qualities into a contemporary context. Craftsmanship, confidence in scale, and storytelling through materials are principles I bring into every project, ensuring homes feel enduring, characterful, and deeply personal.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome as a female founder?

I’m not sure whether it’s because I’m a woman or simply part of the founder experience, but one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced has been building confidence in my own voice and vision. In the early days, I was just grateful to have work – I often found myself swept up in my clients’ visions and timelines instead of taking a moment to pause, reflect, and assert my own perspective.

Over time, I realised that my voice and expertise are what truly set my work apart. I don’t get offended easily, which has helped me build strong, collaborative relationships with clients – but I’ve also learnt the importance of speaking up and leading the project with clarity and confidence.

Looking back at your milestone achievements, which one stands out the most?

One milestone that stands out is establishing my namesake studio and building a reputation for creating thoughtful spaces that marry form and function. No project is ever the same! It’s always incredibly rewarding to see clients respond to my work in such a personal and enthusiastic way, and to know that we are creating homes that will endure – and spark joy –  for years to come.

Is there one project that you've particularly enjoyed working on?

One recent project that stands out is a sophisticated yet welcoming pied-à-terre located in Chelsea Barracks. We designed it for a young family, aiming to create a calm retreat that still carried personality and warmth.

We introduced bespoke joinery throughout, not only to conceal practical elements like air conditioning and integrated televisions but also to maximise storage and bring architectural detail to each room. This level of craftsmanship transformed the apartment, turning functional solutions into design features that gave the home its character.

Materiality was key. We collaborated with a curated network of British and international suppliers – de Le Cuona, Hector Finch, Turnell & Gigon, Robert Stephenson Rugs, Schumacher, GP & J Baker – ensuring every texture, fabric, and finish was carefully considered. Much of the furniture, from the dining table to the cabinetry and sofa, was designed in-house and made to measure, so the craftsmanship felt intrinsic to the apartment rather than applied. Ultimately, it was this dedication to bespoke detail and British craftsmanship that gave the project its soul – elevating it from a city base into a truly personal sanctuary for the family.

You’re a mother-of-three. How do you balance work with family life?

I have three wild, energetic, and loveable boys, so the juggle between motherhood and work – let alone creativity – is very real. I believe homes should be both elegant and practical. I love creating spaces that are visually stunning yet unpretentious, comfortable, and suited to modern living.

Since becoming a mum, I’ve become more open to inspiration from unexpected sources – often in moments when I am least expecting it. Motherhood has given me permission to be interrupted if an idea strikes, and it has made me more adaptable and resourceful in my design process.

Can you share three simple interior design tips for people looking to freshen up their living room?

• Layer textures – Introduce a mix of fabrics such as velvet, linen, wool, or silk through cushions, throws, and rugs to add depth and tactile interest.

• Play with pattern – Layering patterns with purpose can create movement and rhythm, turning an otherwise simple space into something characterful and dynamic. A well-mixed room might pair bold stripes with ditsy florals or even throw in an animal print or two. The key is sticking to a cohesive colour palette, varying your pattern scales, and allowing space for the eye to rest. Think large florals next to fine stripes, grounded by solid expanses of colour.

• Add personal touches – Incorporate objects that tell a story, whether it’s a treasured travel or antique find, a family heirloom, or bespoke artwork.

What are three of the biggest interior design mistakes you see people make when decorating their homes?

• Over-focusing on trends – This can make a space feel temporary rather than timeless.

• Neglecting scale and proportion – Furniture that’s too large or small for a room can disrupt balance and flow.

• Ignoring personal lifestyle – A beautiful room that doesn’t suit how a client lives or functions day-to-day will never feel fully successful.

What is your favourite room to design in a home and why?

I’ve always loved designing kitchens – they’re the true heart of the home. It’s where families gather, conversations unfold, and memories are made. The creative possibilities are endless, from bespoke joinery and thoughtful layouts to the layering of textures and materials. Striking the perfect balance between functionality, warmth, and beauty is always a deeply rewarding challenge.

For more information, visit: www.rebeccahughesinteriors.com