In Profile:
Claire West Interior Design Ltd

How would you describe your personal design style? :
Claire’s design style is contemporary, considered, and quietly luxurious. She is drawn to clean lines, layered neutrals, and natural materials that bring a sense of calm and understated elegance to a space. Her work balances form and function, always tailored to the way her clients live. Claire believes that great design should feel effortless – refined yet relaxed, timeless yet personal. While each project is uniquely informed by the client and context, her interiors consistently reflect a harmonious blend of comfort, clarity, and modern sophistication.

Where does your design inspiration come from? :
Claire draws inspiration from a mix of architecture, travel, nature, and everyday life. She’s particularly influenced by materials and how they age, light and how it moves through space, and the subtle beauty of well-crafted details. Her travels often spark ideas – whether it’s the quiet elegance of a boutique hotel, the texture of a coastal landscape, or the rhythm of a historic city. She’s also inspired by her clients themselves – their lifestyle, the way they use space, and the stories they bring to a project. For Claire, inspiration isn’t about trends – it’s about observation, intuition, and connection.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense? :
Design is moving towards a more conscious and considered approach, one that prioritises longevity, authenticity, and meaningful connection. In an increasingly fast-paced and saturated world, there’s a desire to slow things down and create interiors that feel grounded, personal, and enduring. Aesthetics are becoming less about following fleeting trends and more about crafting spaces that reflect the people who live in them – their values, their routines, and the way they want to feel in their home.

This shift is encouraging a more timeless approach to design. Instead of designing for the moment, designers are thinking long-term – investing in quality materials, thoughtful details, and spaces that can evolve naturally over time. Clients are no longer just asking for beautiful rooms; they’re asking for homes that support their wellbeing, enhance their lifestyle, and offer a sense of calm and clarity in a busy world.

Wellbeing, in particular, has become a central theme – not just in terms of layout and functionality, but also in atmosphere. There’s a growing awareness of how colour, light, texture, and flow can influence mood, productivity, and rest. As a result, spaces are being designed with a softer, more nurturing sensibility, blending form and function in a way that feels intuitive and emotionally attuned.

Technology is also playing an increasingly important supporting role – not to dominate the design, but to enhance it. From energy efficiency and integrated smart systems to sustainable production methods and virtual collaboration, innovation is enabling designers to work more responsibly and intelligently. The focus is on solutions that are seamless and human-centred, allowing the end user to enjoy comfort, control, and sustainability without sacrificing beauty or simplicity.

Flexibility is another key theme. As the way we live and work continues to shift, so too must the spaces we inhabit. Design is moving toward greater adaptability, with multifunctional layouts, smart storage, and versatile furnishings that can respond to changing needs over time. This is particularly relevant in residential design, where clients increasingly want homes that work hard for them while still feeling elegant and effortless.

Ultimately, the future of design feels slower, more intentional, and emotionally intelligent. It’s about creating spaces that are as thoughtful as they are beautiful – environments that offer comfort, clarity, and a strong sense of identity. As clients become more design-literate and values-driven, designers have an opportunity to respond with creativity, care, and depth, ensuring the spaces we shape today continue to enrich the way we live tomorrow.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?
Claire works closely with lighting consultants to deliver integrated, layered lighting schemes that elevate each space – lighting is essential to the mood, functionality, and overall atmosphere of a room. She also collaborates with bespoke joinery workshops to bring her detailed CAD designs to life, ensuring a seamless transition from concept to installation. A trusted furniture agent plays a key role in supporting Claire’s projects, bringing deep knowledge of both current and iconic furniture design, and managing the often complex process of sourcing and importing pieces from abroad. Claire also relies on a carefully curated network of suppliers for natural stone, timber, artisan finishes, and beautifully textured fabrics, as well as specialist services such as curtain makers, upholsterers, and metalworkers. These relationships are fundamental to the quality, individuality, and smooth delivery of every project.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months? :
Claire’s focus over the next year is to continue building her studio’s portfolio of high-end residential work, developing strong client relationships, and capturing more completed projects through professional photography. With her new website launching soon, she’s also aiming to grow visibility and connect with clients who value her calm, design-led approach. Another key goal is to expand her trusted network of makers and suppliers to support the studio’s growing workload.

Your most treasured possession? :
My granny’s diamond earrings. I remember her wearing them every day, and they’ve become such a special connection to her. They’re elegant, understated, and full of sentiment – I love that they’ve been part of her daily life and are now part of mine.

Your favourite holiday destination? :
Italy. I was lucky enough to be taken to Venice, Verona, San Gimignano, and Florence as a teenager with my parents, and the architecture, food, and effortless sense of style made a lasting impression. Florence especially stood out – not just for its incredible art and design history, but for the elegant fashion and sense of refinement that seems to be woven into daily life. That early experience shaped my love for detail, beauty, and the idea that design can feel both timeless and personal.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar? :
Hotel: Grantley Hall (though I may be a little biased!) – it’s beautifully designed, blending period architecture with luxurious contemporary details. Set in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside, it’s a perfect example of understated British luxury. Every visit reminds me how powerful thoughtful design can be, not just visually but in how it makes you feel. The setting, the atmosphere, the attention to detail – it all comes together to create something truly special. Its heritage and the family’s passion for restoring and celebrating the building really come through in every space. The service is also impeccable – warm, attentive, and effortlessly polished. It’s elegant, calming, and incredibly inspiring – a perfect example of design with soul.

Restaurant: I’ve had some really special dining experiences over the years, but two stand out. One was at Vila Joya in the Algarve, Portugal – eating alfresco with the waves crashing below and the sun setting over the ocean. Everything about it was unforgettable: the setting, the food, the atmosphere. The other was Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s during Christmas, back when I was working at United Designers. It was such a formative time in my career, and that evening felt like the height of elegance – refined, festive, and full of theatre. In general, I love restaurants where the mood is as good as the menu – somewhere with confident but relaxed cooking, great lighting, and a feeling that you’re in the right place at exactly the right time.

Your favourite book, film & song? :
Book: I’m more of a visual person – I don’t read much, but I love design books and anything with strong imagery.
Film: House of Gucci (2021) – Ridley Scott
For fashion lovers, this film is a rich visual feast of Italian interiors, bold styling, and a darker kind of luxury.
Song: Joy by Bastille – it reminds me of a really special moment at Glastonbury with my husband and friends. It instantly takes me back.

Your favourite food and drink?
Anything Mediterranean – simple, seasonal ingredients done well. I love fresh pasta with lemon, herbs, and olive oil, or a beautifully cooked seafood dish by the sea. For drinks, it depends on the mood – a classic gin and tonic, a refreshing spritz, or an espresso martini to end the evening. It’s as much about the setting and ritual as the flavours. alfresco dining, natural light, and great company always elevate the experience.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? :
A long, late lunch with friends or family – preferably outdoors in the sunshine with good food, great conversation, and nowhere to rush off to. Alternatively, wandering around a beautiful town or city, stopping for coffee (and people-watching), taking in the architecture, and popping into a gallery or design shop along the way.

If you weren’t in this sector, what would you alternative profession be? :
Something creative with a strong visual or storytelling element – possibly set design, fashion buying, travel writing, or photography. I’ve always been drawn to beautiful places, good lighting, and the power of atmosphere – so anything that captures that would feel like a natural fit. I also love cooking and could easily imagine running a little food and lifestyle venture, where visual presentation, flavour, and experience all come together. For me, it’s always about creating something that makes people feel something.