INTERVIEW WITH
KATHERINE POOLEY As a former banker and a world-travelling addict, Katharine Pooley is a
an intrepid traveller and has visited more than 150 countries. However,
certainty when it comes to creating the most sumptuous yet comfortable
what may come as a surprise is that she has summited many of the worlds
interiors where glamorous and exotic influences mix with each other.
highest mountains, driven a team of dogs on a sledge to the north pole,
The owner of one of the most sought-after interior design studios in
and crossed the Sahara on horseback, so one begins to form a picture of a
London, United Kingdom, the designer can provide an excellent service,
tenacious and gutsy businesswoman & a truly original and adventurous
meeting the tastes and needs of every client in the world. With a “keen
interior designer. Katharine works tirelessly in her philanthropic
eye for design” Katharine is an inspirational designer. CovetED had the
pursuits. Notable recent campaigns have included partnering with
pleasure of interviewing this designer we happily call one of the most
The Childhood Trust to aid London’s disadvantaged children in their
CovetED “World’s Inspirational Designers”.
‘Decorate a Child’s Life’ program. As a former banker and a world-
“No dream is too big. Clients often come to me with an incredible,
travelling addict, Katharine Pooley is a certainty when it comes
completely unique and groundbreaking idea. I believe nothing is
to creating the most sumptuous yet comfortable interiors where
impossible and immediately set to work with my supremely talented
glamorous and exotic influences mix with each other. “Each interior
team to realise their dreams.”, said Katharine when asked about her
comes from a kaleidoscope of inspirations; from the natural world,
mantra in design. The British designer loves to be diverse and adores a
fashion, architecture, art, but most of all from my travels. There are very few corners of the world I have
challenge: “We are currently working on one of the largest Chateau’s in Cannes, it was the backdrop to Hitchcock’s ‘To Catch a Thief’ and is quite simply
“NO DREAM IS TOO
mesmerising. I am proud to be the leading British
BIG. CLIENTS OFTEN
Designer in the field of Luxury International
COME TO ME WITH
Interior Design.”, she concluded. Katharine Pooley is one of the most sought-after award-winning interior designers in London and internationally. She creates sumptuous and inspiring interiors for the most discerning clients. Her refined yet eclectic aesthetic has earned her
AN INCREDIBLE, COMPLETELY UNIQUE AND GROUNDBREAKING IDEA. I BELIEVE NOTHING IS
not worked or travelled in now and it is an absolute joy to travel so much. I have always been inspired by my surroundings and my extensive travels are the seed of every design idea.”, Katharine told us. “I love the variety of styles across every project and every client brief. For example in the next year, as well as the biggest Chateau in Cannes, we are also working on a truly extraordinary property new-build in Monaco, a collection
many recognitions and commissions for landmark
IMPOSSIBLE AND
of villas overlooking Hong Kong’s Discovery
commercial and residential projects around
IMMEDIATELY SET
Bay, a really exciting yacht, a contemporary
the world. The designer was named designer of
TO WORK WITH MY
and very luxurious redesign of a chalet in
the decade and believes that this is the biggest
SUPREMELY TALENTED
Zermatt, Switzerland and various other projects
highlight of her career so far. “we work so hard to create some extraordinary design, it was fabulous to pause for a moment and feel appreciated for
TEAM TO REALISE THEIR DREAMS.”
all that we do to introduce the best of British
in London, the English countryside, as well as ongoing work Kuwait, Qatar and further afield. It is a busy time but the variety of all the projects makes it incredibly rewarding and stimulating!”
craftsmanship, manufacturing and artistry to the wider world. To be
Katharine Pooley’s team is as diverse as their design services; well-travelled,
named a Great British Brand and leading British Interior Designer,
trained and highly motivated to bring only the best to their clients. Whatever
specialising in luxurious projects, this year was then the cherry on the
you can envisage, they can bring to life. “Invest in your team – no business is
cake!”, she added. Her eponymous Knightsbridge design studio was
a success without a great team- Divide and conquer is my motto. The studio
established over 15 years ago and continues to create unmatched luxury
has grown over the years to be one of the biggest in Europe and they are an
interior designs for the most discerning clients. Overseeing her team of
incredibly diverse, multicultural and talented team. I often say to designers
47 interior designers and architects, she immerses herself in every detail
who are facing challenges on a project ‘I chose you, have faith. Remember I
of her client’s complex projects and thus ensures a loyal international
picked you for a reason.’ It helps remind them that I trust them and believe in
client base for her impressive designs. An innate sense of adventure has
them and that in turn motivates them to be the best designers they can be.”,
defined Katharine’s life and shaped her design philosophy. Katharine is
she told us when asked about advice to the interior design world.
