
The Best of Interior Design: A Chat with Sophie Paterson
I’ve been enamoured for quite some time now with British luxury interior design. Layered and sumptuous in quality, there is an attention to detail, craftsmanship, and an unabashed elegance that is inspiring.
My interest in this “type” of design has influenced my own interiors aesthetic and eventually lead me to the work of UK interior designer extraordinaire, Sophie Paterson, principal and founder of Sophie Paterson Interiors. I’ve been an avid follower of Sophie’s work from the early days of her practice and it’s been exciting to follow her design journey and learn from her creativity . Dually based in London and Surrey, Sophie and her talented team have produced without question some of the most beautiful, engaging and impeccably curated spaces in the industry. Her private clients and ever-growing social media following (soon to surpass 200K devotees) apparently agree.
It’s hard to not want to showcase all of her work, so choosing pictures for this article was what I would call a painfully pleasant task! That said, I hope it’s enough to give you a sense of her phenonmenal portfolio if you aren’t already familiar with her work.
Finally, I must say that I consider Sophie to be a “virtual” mentor on the art and practice of elevated design. From my earliest point of contact with her to present she has been nothing but generous with her time and answers to my questions – so I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to connect with her again recently to have a broad discussion around interior design. Enjoy!

Hello Sophie!
Since we last touched base you and your husband Kevin Paterson have welcomed your first child, Ava, into your lives. We have all delighted in the pictures and stories you share on social media about your beautiful girl. How has becoming a mother intersected with your role as a professional woman and director of your own business?
It’s a definite balancing act! I am happier than ever and feel more grounded since becoming a mother- it puts everything into perspective and I have a new ability to multitask and be efficient like never before!
Ava’s nursery: Image courtesy of Sophie Paterson Interiors
Your interior design aesthetic has clearly resonated with followers worldwide, and with a seemingly equal representation of male and female admirers. Have you been able to identify that special quality in your work and/or personal life that people respond to so enthusiastically?
I really don’t know! I can see which photos are more popular and it’s a real mix. I think the key thing is to be authentic – I don’t massively plan any of my posts, they reflect what I am doing or thinking about in that moment and I think that’s what social media should be about -a true insight into different worlds of the people you follow, albeit an edited snapshot!
Photography Credits: Ray Main
Images: Courtesy of Sophie Paterson Interiors
Your firm is an extremely busy yet highly organized one – what systems have you put in place to maintain this level of operation that other professionals may be able to learn from?
We have weekly meetings about each and every project, regular site visits, and above all I have an extremely dedicated, talented and organised team all of whom have an eye for detail. Sadly there is no software that can do that!

Images: Courtesy of Sophie Paterson Interiors
What does the SPI design process look like from client enquiry to the reveal of the finished project?
(Ha ha…next time!)
Image: Courtesy of Sophie Paterson Interiors
As designers we know that finding and working with one’s “ideal client” is often the key to a smooth and successful project. Who is your ideal client and what do you consider “red flags” that would cause you to decline a project?
We have a real mix of international clients from all over the world and I have loved the variety that brings to our job and work. Red flags might include a client who has already gone through several designers, it doesn’t always mean there is an issue but I like to understand what has gone wrong previously so I can fully understand the situation and how their expectations weren’t met before.
CGI Images: Courtesy of Sophie Paterson Interiors
Perhaps more so now than in generations past, professional men are taking a keen interest in interior design as they come to recognize its value to an elevated daily experience and to their personal brands. Is this something you have noticed in your own practice and if so does your design process change when you and your team design for a professional man vs. professional women vs. families?
Photography Credit: Ray Main
Kevin Paterson’s dressing room, Photography Credit : Ray Main
We’ve all heard the overused term “man-cave” to describe a masculine space. Your husband Kevin’s home office is a gorgeous space- masculine yet not formulaic. What is your advice for producing a luxury masculine interior devoid of the typical design clichés like overstuffed leather couches, dominating electronics or the use of only dark schemes?
Kevin Paterson’s home office, Photography Credit : Ray Main
Based in Britain you have the pleasure of living amongst some spectacular historical architecture. We have comparatively less of this architectural currency in North America. Do you think design aesthetics differ between European and a North –American clients or are we such a global society now that these differences are dulled?
Photography Credits: Ray Main
Sophie Paterson’s principle bath, Photography Credit: James Balston
Image Credit: Avenue Litho
I’d like to think it’s more about empowering others rather than micro managing but I am still very hands on in all areas of the business, purely because I love it and am interested in all areas. I have learnt to delegate the things that aren’t necessary for me to be involved in such as admin tasks or accounting so that I can focus on areas such as the design work with my designers and business development.
You are known for your grey, neutral and tailored interiors. Do you think there is a fundamental difference in design approach and personality amongst designers who embrace the use of a lot of pattern and bold colour vs. those who use more neutral soft palettes?
Haha! No I just think people have different tastes. We use a lot of varied colour but in a delicate way on a neutral base. I am friends with a lot of other interior designers who are known for using lots of bright colour and despite this we can really relate to and appreciate each others work. I think design is partly experience and partly intuitive and so your ingrained style and life experiences give each designer their own distinctive take on what any one interior might need.
Image: Courtesy of Sophie Paterson Interiors
Photography Credit: Ray Main
Photography Credit: Lauren Mitton
Muchas gracias Sophie! 🙂
The impeccably beautiful work of Sophie Paterson Interiors can be enjoyed on their new website at www.sophiepaterson.com, and be sure to follow her on the social media outlets as listed on her site.
Introductory post image : Credit: SheerLuxe
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