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Taylor Howes Client Spotlight

Hamilford Design Client Spotlight

 3 minute read time

 

Elegance, thoughtful functionality, and a commitment to creating spaces that resonate with the individual are hallmarks of Hamilford Design. Established in 2000 under the visionary leadership of Manuela Hamilford, the studio has grown to encompass an impressive portfolio from local residences and townhouses to large country estates and hotels.

 

Celebrated for their meticulous attention to detail, Hamilford Design curates interiors as distinctive as those who inhabit them. Rejecting the constraints of a predefined ‘house style,’ the studio artfully customises each project, ensuring every space is a harmonious blend of character, practicality and refined sophistication.

 

We sat down with Manuela to delve into the philosophies that shape her designs.  From bespoke residential havens to an exciting venture into high-end commercial spaces, Hamilford Design continues to push the boundaries of creativity while maintaining an unwavering commitment to lasting luxury.

Q: How would you describe Hamilford’s aesthetic? 

We focus on creating spaces that are elegant, functional and reflect of our clients' personalities. We don't adhere to a strict 'house style' or simply copy and paste designs, instead, we tailor each project individually, ensuring every space is highly personalised and completely unique. Creating elegant, luxurious, and warm interiors is what truly reflects the essence of Hamilford Design. 

 

Q: When creating a space or a home, it is as much about what the design looks like as it is about how it makes the client feel. What is your approach to creating this multi-sensory, emotional feeling in a space? 

"I believe that a successful space engages all the senses. I prioritise using textures, colours, and lighting that evoke the desired mood. A space needs to be aesthetically beautiful, but also functional."

We spend a lot of time discovering how the space will be used. For example, is it a country retreat to escape a busy London life? If so, we use natural materials and palettes to connect with nature and create a grounded feel. We also design calming reading nooks or relaxation areas for reflection.  

Q: What is the studio working on at the moment? 

While our focus has traditionally been on designing luxury residential homes, we’ve recently been approached by a respected high-end restaurateur to create a flagship restaurant within an iconic London hotel. This project marks an exciting expansion into the commercial sector, which presents a different set of challenges and opportunities. 

Designing for commercial spaces, particularly in hospitality, requires a keen understanding of not only aesthetic appeal but also customer experience, operational flow, and brand identity. The high-end nature of the restaurant demands a thoughtful balance between opulence and functionality, ensuring that every element of the design serves a purpose while providing an exceptional atmosphere for guests. 

To tackle this, we’ve expanded our team to include specialists with extensive experience in high-end commercial projects. We’re collaborating closely with the hotel’s management and the restaurateur to ensure the space aligns with the hotel’s prestigious reputation while also delivering a contemporary and luxurious dining experience. 

This project is a great opportunity for us to apply our expertise in a new context and we’re thrilled to be part of bringing such a prestigious space to life. 

 

Q: What is the studio’s design philosophy? How do you push creativity within your projects? 

We push creativity by encouraging a collaborative approach, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques, and continuously exploring new materials and concepts. Our philosophy centres around the client, ensuring their vision and needs remain at the heart of every project. 

 

Q: Thinking of Hamilford’s formula for a successful design, are there pieces or elements that are always incorporated into your projects? What are they? 

"Layering textures and playing with scale and proportions are central to creating a balanced and harmonious space. In terms of recurring elements, we often use curved pieces. Since we essentially live in boxy spaces, we introduce arches, curved sofas, and softer edges to promote flow and create a sense of movement."

Q: Thinking back to your projects, I am sure each one is as special as the next. Have there been any standout moments or perhaps a bespoke piece that really stood out for you? 

One standout project was Westcott Lodge, a beautiful Grade II listed home on the Thames in West London. Built in 1746 as St. Paul’s Vicarage, it had undergone remodelling and restoration after WWII. We had to respect the history and heritage of the building while integrating contemporary design elements. 

In terms of commercial projects, we were honoured to be asked to design the interiors for Sale e Pepe restaurant in Knightsbridge. The interiors hadn’t been updated for almost fifty years, and we were tasked with restoring this iconic restaurant to its former glory. It was a labour of love, particularly as I had been a regular customer at Sale e Pepe for years. Being half-Italian and raised in Italy, the project allowed me to draw on my deep familiarity with Italian culture and culinary traditions to create a sophisticated Italian dining experience in London. 

Q: How is your approach to design changing in today’s industry? 

Sustainability is at the forefront of our design approach. We're increasingly focusing on eco-friendly materials and considering the long-term impact of each design decision. At the same time, we're embracing new technologies that enhance both functionality and creativity. 

Q: How does your trade account improve your work? 

It provides us with access to high-quality, bespoke furniture and reupholstery services in a fabric of our choice. This enables us to offer our clients tailored, luxurious pieces that are unique to them and perfectly complement their spaces.