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Taylor Howes Client Spotlight

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Taylor Howes Client Spotlight

Taylor Howes Client Spotlight

3 minute read time 

 

Setting out to bring a new wave of excellence to the world of interiors, Karen Howes established her eponymous studio in 1993. Now, with over a thousand projects under their belt and a prestigious reputation to match, the studio has more than exceeded their ambitions. 

 

An exemplary expression of luxurious living, the studio’s vast portfolio demonstrates not only their versatility but their comprehension of what it is to live functionally. With projects ranging from the world’s largest private residential yacht to Kensington Gardens homes and every enviable address in between, it is no surprise that Taylor Howes has earned its place as top of the list for in-demand interior designers.

 

We sat down with Karen to discuss the secret to her ongoing success and what the next chapter has in store for the ever-evolving studio.

 

 

Q: How would you describe Taylor Howes’ aesthetic?

We are driven to explore new ideas and push creative design solutions beyond the norm. We create beautifully curated interiors in the residential, commercial and boutique hotel sectors. We don’t have one set look, as all our clients are unique, but we do always strive to weave a narrative into every interior.

 

Q: If there was such a thing as a spirit interior, real or imagined, what would Taylor Howes’ be?

The spirit or “essence” of a Taylor Howes interior is really a home that enhances our client’s lives and enables them to live better. We truly believe in  pushing  creative design solutions beyond the norm and creating unforgettable moments for clients in their homes.

“There is no “one size fits all” cookie cutter approach to what we do, no two clients or two projects are ever the same, and so every interior we create for our clients is unique to them, tells their own personal story and is exceptional to them."

We love our work and care deeply about our clients, our team, and our planet, and with our core principles of kindness, honesty, and passion,  we provide an interior design service that is second to none.

Constantly looking to evolve, the studio has never been afraid to innovate when it comes to design. One of the first studios to embrace AI in an effort to reduce waste and increase sustainability, Taylor Howes artfully balances contemporary technology with the nuances and subtleties that only a human can provide. 

 

Here, Karen explains their next creative venture and the unexpected construction method they are employing for this unique project. 

 

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

We are currently working on three amazing duplex penthouse projects in London, each featuring unique design and construction elements. One standout project involves the creation of a two-story penthouse using 12 prefabricated 'pods,' complete with external cladding and glazing. These pods are being manufactured off-site and will be craned into place, allowing the internal fit-out to begin seamlessly once in position.

In September 2024, we proudly launched our new sister company, Howes & Landino. Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited to unveil a range of innovative products and collaborative ventures.

We are also expanding our projects to more remote and exclusive locations, such as Verbier, where the challenging logistics — including the need for helicopter transport due to the lack of road access — provide an exciting opportunity to showcase our ability to deliver creative, efficient solutions in the most demanding environments. 

 

Q: The studio’s design philosophy champions the desire to explore new ideas and push creativity. How do you do that within your projects?

We are continually out and about visiting suppliers’ workshops, attending events or visiting trade shows. We share ideas around the team through our monthly ‘creative meetings’ as a design team and continually challenge each other.

 

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

"We use many of our tried and tested suppliers who we have built relationships with over the past 30 years, such as Larkbury, where we can trust the quality and customer service. Any project is really only as good as sourcing the right product or material for the project – we are always looking to expand our little black book."

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

We are part of a health-conscious generation, where clients are increasingly mindful of the materials they choose for their homes and the impact these choices have on both their well-being and the environment. To guide our clients in creating healthier living spaces, we constantly seek knowledge about sustainable and beneficial finishes and designs. We prioritise elements with the greatest potential for impact, such as walls and ceilings, which account for significant square footage. After learning about the harmful toxins released by traditional paints, we made the decision to switch to Graphenstone’s toxin-free paints and even developed our own range in collaboration with them. By choosing sustainable paint options for large surface areas like walls and ceilings, we can significantly enhance both the health of the home and its environmental footprint.

Q: The studio’s design philosophy champions the desire to explore new ideas and push creativity. How do you do that within your projects?

We are continually out and about visiting suppliers’ workshops, attending events or visiting trade shows. We share ideas around the team through our monthly ‘creative meetings’ as a design team and continually challenge each other.

It might be their enthusiasm to embrace change that has led to such a prosperous client list, or perhaps their understanding that it is working creatively with suppliers that results in a truly spectacular space. Either way, the team’s insatiable desire to constantly improve has paid off in the form of a loyal client base and a list of projects that reflects their equally extensive expertise.