Interior design has long been linked with psychology, and it’s essentially proven that the spaces we inhabit can significantly impact how we feel. Space, colour, flow, ‘feng shui’, the list goes on. Our mood and productivity can all be affected by a combination of everything we encounter in the home. Never more so than today has this been the driver for getting it right: well-being is paramount, and thus the stock-in-trade of interior designers has never been higher - in certain cases, especially among the rich and famous, they can become celebrated stars in their own right, and hugely in demand. The beauty, too, is that - while there are common traits that make interior design really stand out and make a statement - what’s classified as engaging, effective and attractive is far from a science: it’s subjective. It’s an endless playground of exploration, as proven by an industry that continues to grow as the choice of materials widens and ambitions soar. Here is our pick of some of the world’s leading interior designers making waves today.
Ashe Leandro (New York)
Revered by a host of American celebrities, Ashe Leandro is a bold and incisive interior design and architecture firm that knows its own mind. Founded by Ariel Ashe (a former set designer for legendary TV comedy show Saturday Night Live) and Reinaldo Leandro, the latter declares: “We don’t ever use patterns, wallpapers, or fabrics; it’s just all about texture.” That guiding principle manifests in a style that blends minimalism with warmth: their design aesthetic is driven by an expert utilisation of natural materials like wood, stone, and earthy textiles to create intimate, livable spaces. Given their inclinations and instincts for creating naturalistic environments that dovetail with the personality of their clients, neutral colour palettes are often favoured for their overall look, with less-is-more splashes of colour introduced via carefully curated art pieces which draw the eye. Fans of this sophisticated meets relaxed and elegant look include Seth Meyers, Jake Gyllenhaal and Gwyneth Paltrow.
Charles & Co. (London)
‘In demand’ is a gross understatement: London-based interior designer Vicky Charles is one of the most sought after home and business stylists in the world. After spending two decades making her name as Head of Global Design at Soho House - brilliantly moulding their distinctively decadent-yet-calm aesthetic - Charles founded her own business with partner Julia Corden in 2016, and hasn’t looked back. Sprinkling a fusion of modern sensibilities with classic touches, Charles loves to blend eye-catching antique furniture with a story and natural elements like plants, organic materials, and plenty of light. A sense of tranquillity and a true connection to the environment around the home are always driving forces in her projects, which are highly personalised and client-centric. A-list power couples on both sides of the Atlantic have used Charles in recent years, including David and Victoria Beckham, George and Amal Clooney, Harry and Meghan, and Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis.
Axel Vervoordt Company (Antwerp)
Lauded Belgian interior designer, art collector and antique dealer Axel Vervoordt is no modern-day flash-in-the-pan. The alchemy and interplay between art, nature, and architecture has been Vervoordt’s guiding philosophy for more than 50 years, but he’s still utterly relevant and vital: always evolving a sharp style that manifests in largely minimalist interiors. Strongly influenced by the Japanese concept of ‘Wabi-Sabi’, which celebrates imperfection and transience, his first design project came in the 1970s - the total restoration of 11 mediaeval houses in Antwerp - and more recent work includes overhauling the homes of Kanye West and Kim Kardashian, Calvin Klein, and Robert De Niro. Verdooort’s chief skill is his rare ability to blend different periods and styles - using ancient artefacts and modern sculptures, for example - all the while creating a feeling of absolute continuity and cohesion.
Maddux Creative (London)
Confidently going against the ‘earthy and naturalistic’ grain, Peckham-based Maddux Creative are making a big splash with their dynamic style: a fearless use of colour, strong individuality, and bold textures. Founders Scott Maddux and Jo LeGleud have been working together for nearly 15 years and boast a pedigree that betrays their eclectic style - Scott was an architect who arrived in London in 1994; Jo trained in fine-art craft design in the UK. How ‘fearless’ can colour be? Well, their interiors will often feature jewel greens, vibrant blues, and vivid reds - in saturated tones. Yes, softer neutrals might ‘balance’ them out, but they are fiercely determined to concoct clever colour combinations - and are regularly coming up trumps with spaces that are unquestionably striking, yet satisfyingly harmonious. Velvet, silk and marble might add a sense of opulence and sophistication: in short, they will do what it takes to create an impact and make a home joyous. Their swashbuckling sense of dramatic comfort is sweeping across London townhouses and international residential projects.
Salvesen Graham (London)
Warmth, softness, and sense of tradition underpin the appealing design aesthetic of Salvesen Graham, who are heavily influenced by Georgian England and promise to bring “quintessentially British edge” to their clients’ projects. Nicole Salvesen and Mary Graham set up their company in 2013, and have made it a serious success with their ability to render out a sense of timeless elegance with a modern twist. Beloved family-friendly projects are a real specialism of their blossoming studio: they work hard to create spaces that feel lived-in and loved, and brimming with discernable character. A sense of escape from the outside world is also important, and the use of English florals and ‘chintz’ fabrics - in combination with more contemporary materials - expertly works to help to achieve that effect. Grand English country houses and high-end commercial projects are among the client list.
Taste is everything, and while trends can blaze a trail of imitation and spin offs, taste buds will always differ. “One man’s heaven is another man’s hell,” to slightly subvert the old saying. And so, ultimately, the world of interior design in the 21st century is a stellar form of modern self-expression - that of the homeowner and that of the interior designer - and it’s all the more joyful because of it.
