How interior designer Sophie Paterson is empowering the next generation of talent

Peter Martin

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Sophie Paterson is a London-based interior designer with a rare ability to connect with her audience. Cultural Union talks to the talented design entrepreneur about her studio’s global projects and her groundbreaking new masterclass – the Sophie Paterson Academy.

“I know first-hand how difficult it is to gain a foothold in this industry,” says Sophie Paterson, who herself had no special connections to call on. Paterson has since built a top-flight design studio with an enviable list of projects and a large global following, and she is now launching an academy programme to help others gain a foothold.

Interior view of an elegant hallway with arched ceilings, white walls, and a marble floor featuring decorative insets.
A modern and elegantly designed living room featuring two gray armchairs, a glass coffee table with a decorative horse sculpture, and large windows overlooking a lush garden.
Two spaces by Sophie Paterson that demonstrate her use of marble and stone, a calming neutral palette, and a blend of classic and contemporary pieces

While she has established a recognisable aesthetic that combines refinement, harmony and practicality, what sets Paterson apart from many is her ability to connect with people. She has built the studio’s profile not just through her increasingly global design projects, but with a series of astute collaborations that include Fromental and Andrew Martin. Perhaps most importantly, her work connects with the wider design community, including hundreds of thousands of loyal Instagram followers.

We recently sat down with the impressive designer and entrepreneur to find out more about the studio’s projects and her groundbreaking academy programme. Here’s what she had to say:

How would you describe the studio’s aesthetic?

A stylish living room featuring a white sofa with colorful pillows, a glass coffee table, an elegant chandelier, and large windows with floral views. The walls are adorned with decorative mirrors and bookshelves displaying various decorative items.
A townhouse in Chelsea by Sophie Paterson Interiors demonstrates the studio’s signature blend of textures and periods

It is a refined blend of classic and contemporary design, rooted in a calm, neutral palette with soft taupes, warm greys, ivory, and layers of texture rather than loud colour – though this doesn’t mean that I don’t love colour. I like spaces to feel calm, balanced, and embracing, offering a sense of serene elegance.

“Clients are far more conscious of the materials used in their homes – they want to invest in finishes and furnishings that stand the test of time.”

Sophie Paterson

I favour a thoughtful mix of materials and textures to bring depth and dimension to a space, such as textured wallpaper, a variety of fabrics for cushions and upholstery, and layered window treatments – all within a consistent, harmonious colour palette. This approach adds visual interest without overwhelming a space, resulting in a cosy yet refined atmosphere.

What was the client’s brief for your recent Georgian Townhouse project?

View of an elegant living room featuring a black chandelier, a white fireplace with a painting above it, and a round coffee table with books, floral arrangement, and two stylish chairs.
(Top and above): Sophie Paterson remodelled and transformed a 6,000-square-foot Georgian townhouse near Hyde Park

Our client was relocating back to the UK and required a comprehensive turn-key service to ensure a smooth transition for their young family. The property, a Grade II-listed Georgian house, required a sensitive design approach that honoured its historic character while introducing contemporary elements for modern living.

Preserving original architectural details was paramount, and our challenge lay in integrating contemporary furniture, storage solutions, technology and lighting to achieve a careful balance between architectural heritage and modern functionality. 

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Additionally, designing for a growing family meant incorporating durability – such as in the playroom, where we used wipeable vinyl wallcoverings and hard-wearing upholstery to ensure the space remained both stylish and family-friendly.

What is the greatest change you have seen since establishing the studio in 2008?

Cozy bedroom featuring leopard print wallpaper, a pink bed with decorative pillows, a vintage Cinderella poster, and warm lighting.
A modern living room featuring a neutral color palette with a comfortable sofa, decorative pillows, a round coffee table, and a stylish lamp. Large windows are adorned with elegant shades, while a bookshelf displays decorative items.
(left) A child’s bedroom, created for durability as well as cosiness and style. (right) A study in a London townhouse, both by Sophie Paterson Interiors

I’ve observed a growing desire among clients for interiors that are not only beautiful but built to last, both in terms of quality and style. There has been a marked shift away from trend-led design, with many clients instead opting for spaces that feel timeless, functional, and enduring. Clients are far more conscious of the materials used in their homes – they want to invest in finishes and furnishings that stand the test of time. For example, marble has always been a popular choice in kitchens and bathrooms, but we’re now seeing it used more widely throughout the home – from flooring to statement furniture and surfaces. Its durability makes it practical, while the natural variation makes each piece truly unique. Marble helps to bring drama and texture to a space, whether classic or contemporary.

Are there any interior shifts you feel emerging over the coming year?

I think we will see a return to more structured, linear forms in furniture and architectural detailing. Over the past few years, there’s been a strong focus on modular furniture with low, oversized seating and soft curves, creating overly relaxed, informal spaces that often lend themselves to more open-plan living. While that’s been incredibly popular and well-suited to current living trends, I sense a growing appetite for more tailored, refined silhouettes. Families, for example, favour rooms that serve a function, allowing them to sleep, eat, cook, work and play in separate rooms without interruption.

A smiling woman with long dark hair sits next to a window, wearing a cream-colored sweater and white pants, with her knees drawn up and a relaxed demeanor.
Luxurious entryway featuring a grand spiral staircase, decorative wall art, a round table with modern chairs, and intricate flooring designs.
(left) Sophie Paterson, founder of Sophie Paterson Interiors, and (right) a staircase in a London townhouse designed by the studio

How have you created your strong social media connection with your audience, and what advice would you have for other creatives establishing themselves online?

Social media has become an incredibly powerful tool for connecting with a wider audience and showcasing the depth of what we do beyond just images of finished interiors. We’ve built a connection with our audience by being consistent with content across all our platforms and offering a new insight into the processes behind each project, which interiors enthusiasts don’t often get to see.

People are drawn to honesty and authenticity, especially in the luxury space, where design can sometimes feel inaccessible. I make a conscious effort to share both the polished results and the behind-the-scenes moments. Whether we’re sourcing materials or developing mood boards, followers feel part of the journey.

A stylish living room featuring elegant furnishings, a crystal chandelier, a fireplace, and large windows with green views outside.
Drawing room of a Knightsbridge townhouse by Sophie Paterson Interiors

How did your design masterclass – the Sophie Paterson Academy – come about, and how did you prepare for it?

Over the years, I’ve seen genuine enthusiasm for design tips and guidance across social media. The consistent engagement made it clear there is a real appetite for further insight into the design process.

“My aim is to empower students with the skills, confidence, and discernment to create beautiful, functional spaces.”

Sophie Paterson

Many of the courses that exist don’t really prepare you for designing in the real world, so I see people repeatedly making the same mistakes. I’ve come to recognise how difficult it is to get into our industry, and how closely guarded trade secrets really are. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to share my knowledge, and I wish I’d had this guidance when first starting out. 

A modern interior design studio featuring display shelves with various materials, a large work counter, and a dining area. The branding 'Sophie Paterson Interiors' is prominently displayed on the wall.
The Sophie Paterson Interiors design studio

Preparing for the course was both rewarding and reflective. It meant distilling nearly 20 years of interior design experience and knowledge into an accessible, informative, and inspiring format. I focused on the core principles and practical insights that have guided me through a wide range of projects, ensuring that the content is as valuable for beginners as it is for those looking to refine their approach.

The course consists of 40 lessons, but if there was a single core message you would like to get across to your students, what would that be?

My aim is to empower students with the skills, confidence, and discernment to create beautiful, functional spaces, whether they’re designing for their own home or considering a professional path in the industry. Whether they’re selecting materials, crafting a joint, or approaching a new project, the goal is for students to make these decisions with clarity, purpose, and a strong sense of their own creative identity.

The Sophie Paterson Academy launches June 26, 2025