Design Insights:
Q&A with Rachel Winham
This month, we sit down with Rachel Winham, founder of the eponymous interior design studio based in Queen’s Park, London. The studio is home to a talented team of designers and interior architects, united by a passion for creating refined, liveable spaces with distinction and soul.
Let’s start at the beginning, what first inspired your journey into interior design, and how did Rachel Winham Interior Design come to life?
RW: I never grew up imagining I would become an interior designer, but in many ways the foundation was being laid quietly throughout my childhood. I was always rearranging my room, choosing home accessories instead of toys, and finding comfort in creating little havens wherever I lived. Growing up with my mum and sister, moving often between Kent and Devon, I naturally developed a deep appreciation for the feeling of “home.”
By 26, I had lived in 21 homes, and creating calm spaces had become instinctive. After studying Business Management at Bournemouth University, I settled in London and began working in property. In 2006, that path took me to the Caribbean, where I quickly realised estate agency didn’t fulfil me creatively. A chance opportunity to assist a local interior designer changed everything, it felt like stepping into the world I had been searching for.
Returning to London during the recession was challenging, and I couldn’t secure a design role straight away. I worked as a PA while studying at Chelsea College of Art & Design, and a short internship at Helen Green soon became a full-time position. Those two years were vital in shaping my understanding of luxury design.
In 2011, guided by instinct, passion, and an unwavering desire to create considered, comforting interiors, I founded Rachel Winham Interior Design. It felt like the natural evolution of all the places I had lived and everything I had learned about the emotional power of home.
Your work is known for its timeless elegance and effortless comfort. How would you describe your signature style?
RW: My signature style blends understated luxury with timeless refinement. I favour soft tonal palettes, layered textures and thoughtful detailing that create a sense of calm sophistication. The result is an interior that feels elegant yet effortless, curated, comfortable and designed to stand beautifully over time.
Can you tell us about a project that best represents your design philosophy, one that felt particularly meaningful or defining for your studio?
RW: Our award-winning family home in Beaconsfield is a defining project for the studio. We were appointed at the brick-shell stage and took full responsibility for the interior architecture and FF&E, allowing us to craft a truly cohesive and considered home. The aesthetic is very true to my own design sensibility, which makes the project especially significant. Despite its challenges, the team’s dedication and collaboration brought the scheme to life beautifully. It remains a project that encapsulates our philosophy: refined detailing and timeless elegance.
Your home accessories line reflects the same refined aesthetic seen throughout your interiors. What inspired its creation, and did you feel there was a gap in the market for the kind of pieces you wanted to design?
RW: Styling is such an essential part of our work as interior designers and truly what makes a house a home. I launched our home collection in 2017 after realising how difficult it was to find accessories that offered luxury at an affordable price point. Since then, I have focused on designing and sourcing a carefully crafted range that is accessible to both retail and trade. Our Shagreen Collection, which includes trays, photo frames, boxes and our newly launched mirror and bin, remains our best seller, followed closely by our vases. Our collections reflects the same refined, understated aesthetic that defines our interiors.
How do you balance the desire for beauty and luxury with the need for practicality and livability in your interiors?
RW: Balancing beauty with practicality is central to my design approach. As a mother of three children under the age of ten, I truly understand the importance of using durable materials without ever compromising on design. I love the look of a show home, but a house must also function as a lived-in space, one that can withstand the test of time. For me, real luxury is feeling completely at ease in your surroundings. I focus on creating elegant, refined interiors, but every choice, from fabrics to finishes to layout, is made with everyday life in mind. When beauty and functionality work together, a home becomes both timeless and effortlessly comfortable.
Your studio works with an incredible network of artisans and suppliers. How important is craftsmanship and collaboration to your creative process?
RW: Craftsmanship and collaboration are fundamental to our creative process. We rely on an exceptional network of suppliers whose expertise is essential in translating our design vision into pieces that can be beautifully and reliably manufactured.
Much of our work is bespoke, beginning with a concept or sketch and progressing into detailed shop drawings and renders, paired with thoughtfully chosen fabrics and finishes. We work closely with each supplier to ensure the final product is executed to the highest standard. This collaborative approach allows us to deliver interiors defined by precision, refinement and authenticity, with craftsmanship at their core.
You have featured many Chase Erwin fabrics within your interiors, are there any that you go to time and time again?
RW: Chase Erwin is a consistent go-to for our studio. The textured linens, boucles and tonal weaves feature often in our spaces because they offer refined simplicity and work beautifully within our calm palettes. Chase Erwin neutrals in particular have become true staples, delivering the subtle luxury and quality that define our interiors. We loved using the Chase Erwin Birch fabric in Chocolate on two curved stools for our Focus stand during September, they received many compliments throughout the week.
How has your design process evolved since founding the studio in 2011, and what key lessons have shaped your creative journey?
RW: Since launching the studio in 2011, our approach has evolved into a refined, structured and highly collaborative process. Process is central to our success, and we take great pride in maintaining strong systems across every area of the business. For bespoke pieces, our team visits the factory at key stages of production and again before installation to ensure absolute accuracy and to avoid any on-site surprises.
A key evolution has been recognising how important clarity is for clients. The creative journey can feel complex, so physical sign-off on the full design presentation and all materials has become an essential part of our process. These lessons, along with trusting my design instincts and valuing close collaboration with our suppliers, have shaped a process that delivers considered and impeccably executed interiors.
Finally, what’s next for Rachel Winham Interior Design, are there any upcoming projects or directions you’re particularly excited about?
RW: The studio is moving into an exciting period of growth. We are working on a number of upcoming residential projects, including several full-home refurbishments. We are also expanding our home collection with new designs and finishes, continuing to build on the success of our signature pieces. Looking ahead, the focus is on elevating our offering while remaining true to the calm, timeless style that defines Rachel Winham Interior Design.
To learn more about Rachel and her work, visit rachelwinham.com and follow on Instagram @rachelwinhaminteriordesign.
Image credit: Rachel Winham Interior Design.