In Profile:
by Zophia Scarlett Interiors

How would you describe your personal design style?:
I’d describe my style as timeless, personal and quietly confident. I design from how people live and want to feel first, then build the aesthetic to fit. My interiors do not focus on trends; rather they are about longevity, comfort and functionality.

I’m particularly drawn to neutral, earthy palettes, natural materials and layered textures, balanced with clean lines and considered detailing. There’s often a subtle mix of masculine structure softened with layers of textures and finishes, which creates spaces that feel grounded but inviting.

Strong spatial planning and bespoke joinery are key to my designs. I love unlocking the potential of a floor plan; when this is done right, you have the bones of a successful design. Ultimately, my aim is to create interiors that feel like they have soul, that are beautiful and practical, and exceed my client’s expectations.

Where does your design inspiration come from?:
For me, inspiration comes from everywhere. From nature, to restaurants, travel, and hotels I visit. Even on holiday, I am taking pictures of details I see that I think would be great to remember and store for inspiration.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?:
Personally, I believe design is moving towards more personalised and holistic living environments. We now spend more time indoors than ever before, which means interiors need to do far more than a beautiful aesthetic; they must also actively support wellbeing, flexibility, and the emotional needs of the people living and working in them.

Clients are increasingly seeking authenticity. There is a growing appreciation for sustainable choices, natural materials, the feeling of natural light and designs that feel meaningful rather than trend driven. Timelessness, functionality, and adaptability are becoming essential, as homes are expected to evolve alongside changing lifestyles rather than be redesigned every few years.

At the same time, the digital shift is reshaping how design is experienced and communicated. High quality visualisations, immersive presentations, and real time collaboration tools are now increasingly important to the process. They allow clients to understand, trust, and engage with a design long before it is built, making the journey more transparent and collaborative.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?:
One of my favourite projects to work on was a private residential scheme where the brief was both challenging and creatively exciting. The client placed complete trust in the design process from the outset and genuinely understood the value of working with an interior designer. That level of confidence allowed the project to evolve in a really authentic and collaborative way.

What made it particularly rewarding was the freedom to push beyond my comfort zone and create something bold and full of personality. The client encouraged exploration and trusted each design decision, which resulted in a home that not only exceeded their expectations but also allowed me to develop creatively as a designer.

A standout area was the home office, where the brief called for a strong, masculine and powerful atmosphere. One of the key finishes was a rich chocolate brown suede wallpaper, paired with custom LED artwork positioned behind the desk. It created a dramatic yet refined focal point and perfectly captured the client’s personality while remaining functional and sophisticated.

This project stands out because it was a true partnership. The trust, creative freedom and shared vision allowed the design to reach its full potential, resulting in a home that felt personal and unapologetically distinctive.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?:
One of my most challenging residential projects was a full-home renovation for a client who had previously experienced significant issues with contractors and had never worked with an interior designer. From the outset, this resulted in a high level of scepticism and low expectations, requiring me to invest considerable time in building trust and establishing confidence in both the process and the overall design vision.

The project demanded a careful balance of design leadership and emotional care. At times, I needed to act as a mediator between the client and contractors to ensure decisions were upheld, standards were met, and progress remained on track. Clear communication, consistency, and a calm approach to problem solving were essential to maintaining momentum.

Adding to the complexity, the client remained living in the property during much of the work. This made it difficult for him to see the overall progress and often led to uncertainty around decisions once work was already underway. Reassurance was key, and I had to remain confident in the design direction while being sensitive to his concerns, taking extra time to explain the rationale behind each decision and guide him through the process. Trust was built gradually through transparency, reliability, and delivering on promises. Over time, the client’s confidence in both the design and my role grew, allowing the project to progress smoothly. Despite the challenges, the result was a home that exceeded expectations and, most importantly, restored the client’s faith in the design process.

This project was challenging, but it was also defining. It strengthened my ability to manage complex client relationships, reinforced the importance of clear communication, and highlighted the value an interior designer brings beyond aesthetics.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?:
Andrew Martin is an absolute go to for me when specifying furniture and accessories. The collections are consistently high quality, well designed and versatile, and their customer service is exceptional, which is invaluable when delivering projects smoothly.

For textiles, I regularly work with Romo, James Hare and Chase Erwin. These fabric houses offer beautiful collections that are ideal for both bespoke upholstery and window treatments. Their support and product knowledge make the specification process seamless and allow me to create layered and tactile interiors.

When it comes to wall coverings, Omexco and Phillip Jeffries are key resources. I’m particularly drawn to their textured finishes, which add depth, warmth and character to a space.

Beyond physical products, I would be lost without project management software. I use Houzz Pro which plays a vital role in my workflow, allowing me to manage drawings, FF&E selections, procurement and project organisation all in one place, ensuring greater clarity, efficiency and consistency throughout the design process.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?:
My current strategy focuses on laying strong foundations for sustainable growth. In the short term, I plan to make my first permanent hire to support increased demand and free up more of my time for creative direction, client relationships and business development. I also intend to invest in professional photography and videography to build a high-quality portfolio and strengthen my brand presence across digital platforms. This content will allow me to market my services more effectively, showcase my aesthetic, and increase client trust and conversion rates.