Katharine Pooley

Katharine Pooley is one of the most in demand designers in the UK. With two prestigious Decorex International Awards and appearances at at the Andrew Martin Design Awards as one of the worlds top interior designers, Katharine is a designer for discerning clients for whom luxury, quality, and style is not for compromise. Prior to opening her boutique on Walton Street Katharine spent 14 years living in Hong Kong where she worked for Morgan Stanley and Barclays Bank. She has also lived in Vietnam, Singapore and Bahrain. Travel is an important aspect of Katharine's life - she has visited over 200 countries. This experience of different cultures has inspired Katharine's love for interiors, luxury home furnishings and design. Coupled with her exquisite taste, this results in the most breathtaking interiors, seamlessly matching the contemporary with the traditional, incorporating artefacts and rarities from the world over. It says something about Katharine's work ethic and drive that in a self confessed 'year off' she bought and refurbished four properties on three different continents. Or that the interior design business that sprang from that same momentous year's work has gone from one to over twelve staff in less than four years. The Chelsea boutique that Katharine opened in 2004 has stock ranging from practical lighting that adapts to almost any scheme to irresistible antique ornamental gold inlaid chopsticks or lacquered boxes embraced by silver dragons but the one thing that they all have in common is that Katharine finds everything herself on sourcing trips that span the globe. The first four properties that Katharine designed could not be a better showcase of her skill and adaptability in the world of interiors. From the enveloping cosiness of the Colorado ski lodge to the airy tranquillity of the Thai beach villa they show an acute sensitivity to place, yet have a sense of luxury and comfort. Katharine says "London is cosmopolitan, design can be truly eclectic to echo the sensibilities of a globally minded city: here a classical gilt chair can meet a modest wooden Buddha in a way that is both vibrant and perfectly understood". Her projects encompass all types of property and client specification and each one presents something new. But for someone who thrives on new challenges as much as Katharine that is a blessing.