Katharine Pooley

INTERVIEW WITH

KATHERINE POOLEY

As a former banker and a world-travelling addict, Katharine Pooley is a certainty when it comes to creating the most sumptuous yet comfortable interiors where glamorous and exotic influences mix with each other. The owner of one of the most sought-after interior design studios in London, United Kingdom, the designer can provide an excellent service, meeting the tastes and needs of every client in the world. With a “keen eye for design” Katharine is an inspirational designer. CovetED had the pleasure of interviewing this designer we happily call one of the most CovetED “World’s Inspirational Designers”. “No dream is too big. Clients often come to me with an incredible, completely unique and groundbreaking idea. I believe nothing is impossible and immediately set to work with my supremely talented team to realise their dreams.”, said Katharine when asked about her mantra in design. The British designer loves to be diverse and adores a 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 mesmerising. I am proud to be the leading British Designer in the field of Luxury International 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 many recognitions and commissions for landmark commercial and residential projects around the world. The designer was named designer of the decade and believes that this is the biggest 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 all that we do to introduce the best of British craftsmanship, manufacturing and artistry to the wider world. To be named a Great British Brand and leading British Interior Designer, specialising in luxurious projects, this year was then the cherry on the cake!”, she added. Her eponymous Knightsbridge design studio was established over 15 years ago and continues to create unmatched luxury interior designs for the most discerning clients. Overseeing her team of 47 interior designers and architects, she immerses herself in every detail of her client’s complex projects and thus ensures a loyal international client base for her impressive designs. An innate sense of adventure has defined Katharine’s life and shaped her design philosophy. Katharine is an intrepid traveller and has visited more than 150 countries. However, what may come as a surprise is that she has summited many of the worlds highest mountains, driven a team of dogs on a sledge to the north pole, and crossed the Sahara on horseback, so one begins to form a picture of a tenacious and gutsy businesswoman & a truly original and adventurous interior designer. Katharine works tirelessly in her philanthropic pursuits. Notable recent campaigns have included partnering with The Childhood Trust to aid London’s disadvantaged children in their ‘Decorate a Child’s Life’ program. As a former banker and a worldtravelling addict, Katharine Pooley is a certainty when it comes to creating the most sumptuous yet comfortable interiors where glamorous and exotic influences mix with each other. “Each interior comes from a kaleidoscope of inspirations; from the natural world, fashion, architecture, art, but most of all from my travels. There are very few corners of the world I have not worked or travelled in now and it is an

“NO DREAM IS TOO absolute joy to travel so much. I have always

BIG. CLIENTS OFTEN been inspired by my surroundings and my

COME TO ME WITH extensive travels are the seed of every design

AN INCREDIBLE, idea.”, Katharine told us. COMPLETELY UNIQUE “I love the variety of styles across every project AND GROUNDBREAKING and every client brief. For example in the next year, as well as the biggest Chateau in Cannes,

IDEA. I BELIEVE we are also working on a truly extraordinary

NOTHING IS property new-build in Monaco, a collection

IMPOSSIBLE AND of villas overlooking Hong Kong’s Discovery

IMMEDIATELY SET Bay, a really exciting yacht, a contemporary

TO WORK WITH MY and very luxurious redesign of a chalet in SUPREMELY TALENTED Zermatt, Switzerland and various other projects in London, the English countryside, as well as

TEAM TO REALISE ongoing work Kuwait, Qatar and further afield. It

THEIR DREAMS.” is a busy time but the variety of all the projects makes it incredibly rewarding and stimulating!” Katharine Pooley’s team is as diverse as their design services; well-travelled, trained and highly motivated to bring only the best to their clients. Whatever you can envisage, they can bring to life. “Invest in your team – no business is a success without a great team- Divide and conquer is my motto. The studio has grown over the years to be one of the biggest in Europe and they are an incredibly diverse, multicultural and talented team. I often say to designers who are facing challenges on a project ‘I chose you, have faith. Remember I picked you for a reason.’ It helps remind them that I trust them and believe in them and that in turn motivates them to be the best designers they can be.”, she told us when asked about advice to the interior design world.

“IT’S GOING TO BE ELEGANT AND CHIC AND VERY LUXURIOUS, MY HOME DRESSING TEAM ARE ENSURING THAT EVERY ACCESSORY IS CONSIDERED AND ADDS TO THE OVERALL DESIGN.”

“My relationship with my clients is often one of complete privacy. Many of them are public figures, Royalty or leading businessmen and woman and they prefer to live discreetly in their personal lives. I receive most commissions through private referrals and word of mouth, I have never advertised and I am not sure it is something I will ever be interested in. However, I have enjoyed introducing projects, the design process and my life through social media, and Instagram in particular, it is inspiring to share insights, collaborate and connect personally with other designers and creatives.” The designer is currently working on a new yacht’s design, with a unique spirit and decoration. “It’s going to be elegant and chic and very luxurious, my Home Dressing team are ensuring that every accessory is considered and adds to the overall design.”, she concluded. “European craftsmanship is still the best in the world, it balances artistry with a completely unique viewpoint and generations of inherited knowledge. The upholstery and cabinetry work in Britain is faultless, the tradition of glassmaking and crystal in Italy and the Czech Republic sublime and in France the creative usage of specialist finishes like straw marquetry, stingray and sculpted metals is unsurpassed. It’s an exciting time to be a designer, I find myself surrounded by inspiration and inspiring makers and artists.”