At home with Sophie Paterson
We’ve long admired the stylish portfolio of Sophie Paterson Interiors. Led by Surrey-based interior designer Sophie, her highly regarded design studio specialises in luxury residential interiors with clients covering both the UK and internationally. Showcasing a collection of homes in some of the most covetable locations, from townhouses in Chelsea and Mayfair to English countryside abodes, each project in her portfolio is brimming with sophistication. Sophie’s own family home takes inspiration from Georgian architecture and her love of elegant yet homely interiors. Featuring Armac Martin collections throughout, we caught up with Sophie on all things interior design, including her top style tips. Without further ado, here’s what we learnt at home with Sophie Paterson…
Featuring: Gaumont Pull in Satin Antique Satin Lacquered
Sophie, describe the style of your home…
It’s a contemporary classic meets rustic chic style - I wanted a home that was elegant and timeless but comfortable, inviting and practical all at the same time.
What mood did you look to create?
Each room has its own mood - for example my husband's study has lots of antiques against an inky blue wallpaper backdrop. The inspiration and ambience I wanted to create in here was that of a gentleman’s club.
In our entrance hall where we redesigned the lighting with John Cullen, I have gone for a very light colour palette with a huge oversized Eglomise mirror by the staircase to enhance the feeling of space and light.
Which room did you enjoy designing the most?
Designing both my kids rooms when I was pregnant with them was a wonderful experience. I had a surge of energy, creativity and inspiration and it’s been lovely watching my ‘clients’ use their rooms and enjoy them as I dreamt and hoped they would - albeit with a few more ‘homemade’ art pieces and toys than I had envisaged!
Featuring: Sutton Knob in Burnished Brass
Which is your favourite room to spend time in?
It depends on the time of day and time of year! I love my bedroom, it has such a cocooning feel with the deep burgundy chinoiserie walls and we have a huge oversized TV in here perfect for bundling into bed and having a movie night. In the summer, we live out on the terrace with multiple seating areas for comfort and the firepit on in the evenings.
Finish this sentence - ‘When it comes to interiors, it’s the details that…’
Determine whether an interior is successful or not. If you don’t think through the details of how a space will work, something will surely go wrong. On the aesthetic side, it’s the small details that will elevate a room from just nice to truly exceptional.
Featuring: MIX Diamond Knurled Single Finish Cabinet Pull & Backplate
Tell us about your utility room…
It’s my dream utility room - it has everything we need as a family including two washing machines, two tumble dryers, a built-in baby changing station with nappy bin, a candle cupboard and flower arranging cupboard too. I wanted a very classic look with painted cabinets and the Armac Martin brass handles from the Gaumont collection add further elegance.
Featuring: Gaumont Pull in Satin Antique Satin Lacquered
Featuring: Gaumont T-bar in Satin Antique Satin Lacquered
Featuring: Gaumont Pull in Satin Antique Satin Lacquered
Featuring: Gaumont T-bar in Satin Antique Satin Lacquered
Have you made any changes to your home during the UK lockdown?
A designer's home is never finished and so I’ve been making plans for our garden to be redesigned, changing our front door colour, window colour and I’m currently contemplating whether or not to install panelling in our entrance hall. Luckily my husband loves the constant changes and always humours my crazy designer ways!
What’s next on your design wish list?
Definitely panelling for my entrance halls.
Share three simple styling tips that bring big impact…
Cushions - go oversized (55x55cm), have monogrammed towels for added luxury and if you can't change your joinery but want to give your storage a lift, change your cabinet handles.
Featuring: Gaumont T-bar in Satin Antique Satin Lacquered
Featuring: Gaumont Pull in Satin Antique Satin Lacquered
Where are you currently finding new inspiration?
Through lockdown, my inspiration has been coming either through nature with time spent in my garden or on walks, or via Instagram and Pinterest.
Finally, please share one piece of advice to make a space feel like home...
Firstly, don’t have everything match and most importantly enjoy your interiors - if you relax in them everyone else will too!
Get Sophie’s cabinet style:
Bathroom:
Featuring: Gaumont Pull in Satin Antique Satin Lacquered
Bedroom:
Featuring: Sutton Knob in Burnished Brass
Utility Room:
