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In Profile:
Nineteen Interiors

In Profile:

Nineteen Interiors

Shortlisted: City Space (Apartment/Penthouse) - London Award

The International Design & Architecture Awards 2026

Nineteen Interiors

Name : Alexandra Brown
Company Name: : Nineteen Interiors
Position Within Company: : CEO – Founder/ Owner
Website: : www.nineteeninteriors.com

Tell us a little about your background in design:
My love for interiors began at just nine years old. I knew early on that becoming an interior designer wasn’t just a dream, it was the plan. Straight from school, I went on to study Interior Architecture and Design at university in Bournemouth for three years.

Breaking into the industry wasn’t easy with only a degree, so I took a creative route — joining The White Company as a Lead Visual Merchandiser and Window Dressing Designer. I also oversaw press shows and magazine shoots, which allowed me to stay creatively fulfilled while continuing to pursue a role in interior design.

After a few years, I stepped into a designer position, working on high-end residential projects for four years and gaining invaluable experience along the way. Then Covid became the unexpected turning point. While furloughed, I took the leap and built my own studio.

Now, four years on, we’ve delivered high-end residential and commercial projects across London, Oxford, Buckinghamshire and Surrey, as well as internationally in Texas. With an exciting new project launching in Italy and several others planned for the year ahead, this journey is only just getting started.

How would you describe your personal design style?:
We create timeless, elegant interiors designed to stand the test of time spaces that feel as beautiful years from now as they do on day one.

Every project we undertake is entirely bespoke, carefully shaped around the individuality of our clients and their way of living.

We take the time to understand personal taste, lifestyle, and practical needs, while thoughtfully responding to the location, architectural context, and brief. The result is a home that feels considered and refined, deeply personal, and truly unique, designed not only to be admired, but to be lived in and loved.

Where does your design inspiration come from?:
Our design inspiration is drawn from the world around us. Nature is a constant reference point, from expansive landscapes to the subtle textures, tones, and colours found in natural materials. Weathered stone, soft woods, layered greens, and earthy neutrals all influence the palettes and finishes used, bringing a sense of balance, calm, and longevity into each space.

Architecture is another key source of inspiration. Buildings with character, strong proportions, and thoughtful detailing help inform how a space should feel as well as how it should function. The way light moves through a room, the relationship between old and new elements, and the craftsmanship within architectural features all play a role in shaping considered interiors.

We also use our experience from interiors through travel, particularly restaurants and hotels, also heavily influence the design process. These spaces are designed to be felt as much as they are seen, using layered materials, lighting, texture, and atmosphere to create a distinct mood. Observing how these elements come together helps inform spatial planning, material choices, and the finer details that elevate a space.

At the heart of every design is an understanding of how a space is used. Inspiration is translated into interiors that are not only visually refined but also functional, comfortable, and enduring. Rather than following trends, designs are informed by context, location, and brief, ensuring each scheme feels timeless and authentic.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?:
In a general sense, design is moving away from fast trends and towards a more timeless, considered approach. There is a growing focus on creating interiors that feel enduring rather than disposable, spaces designed to last both aesthetically and practically.

Character is becoming increasingly important. More traditional architectural details such as panelling, archways, and classic proportions are being reintroduced to add depth, craftsmanship, and a sense of permanence to interiors. These elements help create homes that feel layered and rich in detail, rather than overly minimal or trend-driven.

Materials are also playing a key role in this shift. Natural stones, particularly marbles, alongside panelled walls and more structured detailing, are being used to introduce a sense of grandeur and refinement. These materials bring weight and longevity to a space, elevating it beyond surface-level design.

Perhaps most importantly, there is a clear move towards individuality. Clients are increasingly seeking bespoke design solutions that reflect their personality, lifestyle, and the character of their home. Rather than following trends, there is a desire for interiors that feel personal, thoughtful, and unique homes that tell a story and feel truly their own.

Overall, the direction of design is becoming more intentional, more character-driven, and more bespoke focused on creating spaces with soul, longevity, and meaning.

Nineteen Interiors
Nineteen Interiors
Nineteen Interiors
Nineteen Interiors

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in the future. :
Character and architectural detail – A renewed appreciation for traditional features such as panelling, archways, ceiling details, and classic joinery. These elements add depth, craftsmanship, and a sense of heritage, helping spaces feel layered and considered.
Timelessness over trends – Designing spaces with longevity at their core focusing on quality, proportion, and enduring materials rather than short-lived trends. Interiors should feel relevant for years to come, not dated by the next season.
Bespoke and individuality – Clients are increasingly seeking homes that reflect their personality and lifestyle. Tailored layouts, custom joinery, and one-off details are becoming essential to creating interiors that feel unique rather than generic.
Materiality and craftsmanship – Greater emphasis on natural materials such as stone, marble, wood, and metal, alongside skilled craftsmanship. These materials bring texture, weight, and authenticity, elevating interiors and reinforcing a sense of quality and permanence.
Context-led design – Designs informed by location, architecture, and how a space is used. Understanding the setting and brief ensures interiors feel appropriate, cohesive, and meaningful rather than simply following a prescribed aesthetic.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to designing, what would it be?:
If there is one piece of advice when it comes to designing, it would be not to follow trends.

Trends particularly those seen on social media platforms such as Instagram or Pinterest, are often impactful in the moment but rarely designed to last. While they can be visually striking, they tend to date quickly and can leave spaces feeling out of place over time.

Design should prioritise longevity and comfort over short-term impact. What feels exciting today may not feel reassuring, functional, or relevant in a few years’ time. Interiors that rely heavily on trends often lose their sense of cohesion and can lack the warmth and familiarity that truly makes a space feel like home.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards? :
This marks our first design award, making it an incredibly important and exciting moment for us. It offers the opportunity to share our work on a wider platform and celebrate the projects we are deeply proud of. What started four years ago as a personal vision has grown into something far greater, and this recognition feels like a meaningful reflection of that journey.

What projects are you currently working on?:
We have an incredibly exciting year ahead, with a diverse portfolio of projects both in the UK and internationally.

One of our standout projects is a beautiful villa just outside the heart of Tuscany, set within 22 acres and complete with a swimming pool. This year, we will be undertaking a full renovation of the main house, with plans to design and develop two additional dependent buildings in the following year—creating a truly considered and cohesive estate.

Closer to home, we are working on two substantial residential properties in Buckinghamshire. Both homes require a complete redesign throughout, including kitchens and bathrooms, offering the opportunity to reimagine each space and create beautifully cohesive interiors.

In addition, we are currently in discussions with two developers on exciting new ventures. These include a large-scale commercial-to-residential scheme, transforming three office buildings into over 200 rental apartments, as well as the opportunity to design a number of show homes in London with a developer we successfully collaborated with last year.

It’s shaping up to be a year of growth, creativity, and exciting new opportunities.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?:
This is a difficult one, as each of our projects holds its own significance. However, the village we created in Texas, just outside Houston, will always stand out. Delivered over the course of two and a half years, the project involved designing a Cotswolds-inspired village comprising 16 cottages, a pub, and a gym for a theological library.

The project allowed for an extraordinary level of creative freedom. Extensive time was spent sourcing materials in the UK, working closely with reclamation yards and specialist suppliers to curate authentic architectural elements that could be shipped to the United States. All of the structural beams were locally sourced from the UK, ensuring the development retained the character, craftsmanship, and heritage of a true Cotswolds village despite its overseas location.

It was an incredibly rewarding experience, one defined by ambition, collaboration, and a shared vision, with very few creative limitations. The scale, originality, and attention to detail made it a truly memorable project and a defining moment for the studio.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?:
We recently completed the refurbishment of a 4,500 sq ft apartment in Kensington. From the outset, we recognised the project as a remarkable opportunity, both in terms of its scale and its potential as a standout portfolio piece. The programme, however, was extremely tight, with the entire renovation required to be delivered within just four months.

Partway through the project, the client made the decision to fully rewire the apartment to a Lutron system. This introduced significant additional complexity and pressure on the programme, requiring a complete pause to the design implementation while the apartment was handed over to the electrical team to allow the works to be carried out as efficiently as possible.

The project also presented a number of regulatory challenges. As a listed building, the apartment was subject to stringent constraints, alongside LTA requirements, all of which required careful coordination, detailed approvals, and a sensitive approach to the building’s fabric. Despite these challenges, the project demanded precision, adaptability, and close collaboration across all parties involved.

While not without its difficulties, the project stands as a strong example of delivering a complex, high-end refurbishment under intense time constraints, balancing technical requirements with design integrity throughout.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?:
Creating comfortable, considered living spaces is at the heart of everything we do, which is why our bespoke manufacturers play such a vital role in our designs. This is especially true when it comes to lighting, an essential element in setting the mood, atmosphere, and overall feel of a scheme. Carefully considered lighting transforms a space, adding depth, warmth, and balance.

We are drawn to sourcing unique pieces that are not readily available, whether bespoke or crafted by independent makers, ensuring each project feels distinctive and personal. Clients respond particularly well to these one-off details, which bring character and individuality to their homes.

Our independent joiners are equally integral to our process. Bespoke joinery allows us to create pieces that are entirely tailored to each client, designed specifically for their space, lifestyle, and brief, adding a level of craftsmanship and detail that cannot be achieved with off-the-shelf solutions. The result is interiors that feel truly unique, thoughtful, and effortlessly personal.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?:
We have a truly exciting year ahead, with a diverse range of projects that we are genuinely looking forward to bringing to life. Our aim is to continue pushing creative boundaries, exploring a variety of architectural styles and interiors, and demonstrating the breadth of what we can achieve across different types of homes.

Alongside our design work, we have been placing a strong focus on strengthening our marketing strategy and improving our SEO, ensuring our work reaches a wider audience and is positioned clearly within the industry. This year is about visibility as much as creativity.

Our key focus moving forward is to build our portfolio and client base while showcasing elements of design that we have yet to fully explore. We are excited to introduce new creative visions, experiment with fresh ideas, and further develop our design language, continuing to evolve while staying true to our core principles of timeless, considered design.

It’s a year of growth, exploration, and ambition, and we are excited to see where it takes us.

Nineteen Interiors
Nineteen Interiors

Interior Designer: Nineteen Interiors

Photography: Elayne Barre

Nineteen Interiors has been shortlisted for City Space (Apartment/Penthouse) – London Award in The International Design & Architecture Awards 2026.

Nineteen Interiors
Nineteen Interiors

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