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In Profile:
Alexandra Henry Interiors

In Profile:

by Alexandra Henry Interiors

Shortlisted: Interior Design Scheme - Europe Award

The International Design & Architecture Awards 2025

Name: Alexandra Henry
Company Name: Alexandra Henry Interiors
Position Within Company: Founder and Interior Designer
Website: https://alexandrahenryinteriors.com/

Tell us a little about your background in design:
I studied Fine Arts, which gave me a strong foundation in visual composition, colour, and artistic expression – something that continues to influence my design approach today. My early career began in advertising, where I became very comfortable working with briefs and understanding the importance of aligning creativity with a clear set of objectives.

Eventually, I transitioned fully into interior design, where I could apply my creative skills more personally and meaningfully. Over the years, I’ve worked on a wide variety of residential and commercial projects, many of which involve complex renovations, custom-made furniture and detailed design. I often draw on art exhibitions, museum visits, and trade shows for inspiration, but every project is ultimately tailored to the client, their personality, their story, and the way they live.

I’ve been fortunate to build long-term relationships with many clients, some of whom I’ve continued working with for over 18 years. Each project is unique and collaborative, and I aim to blend timeless elements with carefully selected current trends to create spaces that feel both personal and lasting.

How would you describe your personal design style?
I wouldn’t say I have a signature style in the traditional sense, because everything I create is tailored to the client, their space, and the way they live. What you will notice across all my projects, though, is a strong focus on natural light, I always prioritise how light moves through a space, and that’s probably the most consistent thread in my work.

I’ve worked across a wide spectrum of styles, from highly minimalist to more layered and expressive interiors, and while I appreciate the elegance of traditional design, I don’t naturally gravitate toward it. What I really love is working with bold colours, rich textures, and custom elements. Almost every project includes bespoke pieces, furniture we’ve designed ourselves or items we’ve customised, because I believe that level of uniqueness gives a space soul.

In essence, my style is guided by collaboration, individuality, and a desire to create something deeply personal and lasting.

Where does your design inspiration come from?
My inspiration comes from a mix of places. I studied Fine Arts, so I naturally draw a lot from art, visiting museums and exhibitions often sparks ideas, whether it’s a colour combination, a composition, or a mood. I also keep a close eye on what’s happening in the design world through newsletters, trend reports, and trade shows like PAD, Decorex and Milan Design Week, which is always a huge source of visual and material inspiration.

But honestly, some of my best ideas come through conversations with clients. When I’m listening to someone describe how they want to live or how they want a space to feel, it often triggers something creative. The space itself is also a big influence, its natural light, its history, the atmosphere. It’s a very intuitive and collaborative process.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Design is becoming more expressive again. We’re moving away from overly minimal, safe interiors and seeing a return to bolder colours, richer textures, and more curated, personality-driven spaces. At events like Milan Design Week, you can really see this shift, deep burgundies, bright greens, chrome accents, and 70s influences are coming back, but with a refreshed and modern twist.

At the same time, there’s a growing appreciation for sustainability and quality, clients are becoming more thoughtful about longevity and investing in pieces that feel meaningful rather than disposable. So I think the direction is a blend of bold self-expression and conscious curation, spaces that tell a story, reflect identity, and stand the test of time.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in the future. :
Personalisation Over Trends
Design is becoming increasingly client-led. The focus is on creating spaces that reflect the individual’s personality, lifestyle, and emotional connection, not just following the latest Pinterest trend.

Sustainability and Longevity
From repurposing existing pieces to choosing local and durable materials, sustainability is more than a buzzword, it’s about creating spaces that last, both stylistically and physically.

Emotional Connection to Space
A home should represent the people who live there. Design that lacks emotional resonance can actually create stress. Future design must prioritise how a space makes people feel, not just how it looks.

Layered, Expressive Interiors
We’re moving towards richer interiors, bold colours, mixed textures, and thoughtful detail. Minimalism is giving way to warmth, individuality, and storytelling through design.

Light as a Design Anchor
Natural light continues to be essential, not just for aesthetics, but for wellbeing. Future design will need to prioritise how light interacts with space, colour, and materiality throughout the day.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to designing, what would it be?
Design for how you want to feel in the space, not just how you want it to look. It’s easy to get swept up in trends or Instagram perfection, but the most successful interiors are the ones that feel like you. Start with emotion and atmosphere, then build from there with pieces that truly resonate, whether they’re new, bespoke, or lovingly repurposed.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
The International Design & Architecture Awards are incredibly important, not just for the recognition, but for the sense of community and connection they create within the industry. Being shortlisted is a meaningful moment; it affirms the creativity, care, and detail that go into every project.

It’s also a chance to celebrate design that goes beyond aesthetics, spaces that are deeply personal, thoughtfully executed, and made to last. For clients, it’s a reassurance that they’re working with a studio whose work stands out on an international level. And for us, it’s a proud reminder of why we do what we do.

What projects are you currently working on?
We’re currently working on an exciting residential project, that features a hand-painted ceiling by a contemporary British artist, a truly bespoke collaboration that blurs the line between art and interior design. That’s something I’m really passionate about: bringing unique, handcrafted elements into a space to give it soul.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?
One of my favourite projects was a home where the client had a deep emotional connection to her grandmother’s house. She wanted to recreate some of that feeling, but in a completely new, modern space. The property itself was originally three apartments that we merged into one, and it was a total mess at the beginning, so it was a real transformation.

What made it so special was how collaborative it became. The clients loved bold colours, layered textures, and detailed finishes, but many of the pieces they envisioned didn’t exist. So we designed and custom-made much of the furniture to stay true to the concept and give the space a unique, personal character.

It was a very emotional journey. It’s a perfect example of how design can hold memory, meaning, and a sense of identity, all while feeling fresh and functional.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?
Every project brings its own challenges, but one of the most consistent and complex aspects is when clients don’t know what they want, or think they do, but their vision evolves along the way. That’s actually more common than people realise.

The real challenge lies in helping them discover their preferences and building trust through the process. It requires deep listening, lots of discussion, and a very collaborative approach. I always start with mood boards, because it’s much easier to respond to images than to abstract ideas. From there, we refine and adjust until it clicks.

Designing for two people who don’t share the same taste can also be tricky. It’s often about finding a balance, or sometimes one partner lets the other take the lead entirely. But ultimately, the goal is the same: to create a space that feels right for them both. That complexity is what makes the work so rewarding.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?
Lighting is absolutely essential, I could never design without it. It’s the first thing I consider in any project, because light transforms how we experience a space. I always prioritise natural light, but the right artificial lighting can completely elevate a room.

I also couldn’t live without the incredible artisans and makers we collaborate with. So many of our projects involve custom furniture or bespoke finishes, and having a trusted network of craftspeople makes that possible. Whether it’s a tailor-made wardrobe, a unique fabric, or a hand-painted ceiling, these collaborations bring the client’s vision to life in a way that mass-produced pieces simply can’t.

And of course, I rely on my go-to trade shows and suppliers to keep discovering new materials, furniture, and ideas. That constant inspiration is part of what keeps the work evolving.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
Over the next twelve months, one of my key goals is to continue positioning the studio for larger, more ambitious residential projects, full-home renovations where we can have a real impact from concept to completion and a boutique hotel project, something that blends the emotional warmth of residential design with the creativity and storytelling of hospitality.

Another focus is on deepening our collaborations with artists and makers. We’ve just completed a project featuring a hand-painted ceiling by a contemporary British artist, and I’d love to push that kind of artistic integration even further.

And finally, we’re refining our brand presence, making sure our work is seen in the right spaces, by the right people. That includes being more selective with the projects we take on, entering key design awards, and continuing to build meaningful relationships with clients who value thoughtful, timeless design.

Your most treasured possession?
The Art Deco furniture that I have inherited from my grandmother, not only it has emotional value but I also resonate with the style’s geometric shapes.

Your favourite holiday destination?
The mountains and the lakes in Switzerland.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
Hotel: Aman
Restaurant: Anouch, Geneva
Bar: The Botanist in Bath

Your favourite book, film & song?
Book: “Just kids” by Patty Smith
Film: I like biographical movies
Song: “Gypsy” Fleetwood Mac

Your favourite food and drink?
Food: Middle-East inspired recipes
Drink: Tea

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
With my family, whether we choose to go for a bike ride, explore another city or just to relax at home.

If you weren’t in this sector, what would you alternative profession be?
An artist – I would like to start painting again one day.

Anything else interesting?
I have a holiday home in Transylvania which I am currently renovating and I love to spend time there, it’s a very special part of the world.

Interior Designer: Alexandra Henry

Photography: Ambroise Tezenas

Alexandra Henry Interiors has been shortlisted for Interior Design Scheme – Europe Award in The International Design & Architecture Awards 2025.

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In Profile: Alexandra Henry Interiors

In Profile:

by Alexandra Henry Interiors

The International Design & Architecture Awards 2025 are organised by design et al

Contact Us

In Profile:
Alexandra Henry Interiors

The International Design & Architecture Awards 2025
are organised by design et al