In Conversation with Rebecca Hughes Interiors
Richard Taylor spoke to Rebecca Hughes, creative director and founder of Rebecca Hughes Interiors.
We’ve worked with Rebecca and her team on various projects for several years.
Rebecca Hughes photographed by Astrid Templier.
What is your earliest recollection of an interest in interior design?
As a child, I would often rearrange my room, and I began to realise just how important my surroundings are to me. Interior design felt like a natural progression of that.
I love receiving a brief, really getting to know a client, understanding a building and its limitations as well as its potential, and then starting to dream. I find that parameters in design actually fuel my creativity – each project is an exciting challenge that is incredibly rewarding in return.
What was your first job in the professional design world?
My first job was as an interior design assistant for Louise Jones, founder of Fairfax Jones. I worked my way up, and my time with Louise was invaluable. She first introduced me to Richard Taylor Designs.
A custom square Onion Leg Coffee Table in gilt finish at a townhouse in Islington. Interior designed by Rebecca Hughes Interiors.
How would you describe the style you have evolved?
As a studio, our style is constantly growing and evolving. I tend to embrace classic English influences with a relaxed, layered approach – creating spaces that feel effortless and comfortable yet still beautifully curated.
I often mix a variety of periods, materials, textures, and patterns making a space feel like it has organically evolved over time. I’m a firm believer that design should have longevity, rather than feeling too trend driven. This juxtaposition offers the best of both worlds – the cosiness of traditional style and the crispness of contemporary design all in one harmonious space.
In what way does a client influence the outcome of a particular project?
I am passionate that interiors should authentically reflect those that inhabit them – as a studio, we really enjoy getting to understand our clients and what motivates their lifestyle choices and personal style.
I don’t get offended easily and find that the best client relationships are based on honesty, clear communication, and collaboration. My end goal is always to create a space that feels authentic to its owner and brings them joy.
Crillon Chandelier 6-Arm in interior designed by Rebecca Hughes Interiors.
“I’m a firm believer that natural materials are timeless – they possess an inherent beauty that transcends temporary trends.”
Do you build a room scheme around an inspirational element such as a piece of furniture, lighting or rug?
Adding statement pieces to a home is a wonderful way of bringing personality and character into a space. Whether it is a striking light, statement rug, or distinctive piece of furniture, by making bolder choices, these pieces can go a long way and completely transform a space.
Do you have any key colours or materials that you like to work with?
In my own home, I love soft and earthy neutrals with an injection of rich, moody hues, such as chocolate and oxblood red. But for our projects, we’re always led by the client’s preferences and the setting. We’re currently working on a wonderful project in Norfolk, and nearly every room has some brown or green tones embracing the lush, leafy surroundings of the estate.
I love pattern mixing and playing with varying scales in a scheme, whether that be large prints, small ditsy florals, bold stripes, or solid expanses of colour. Currently, we are using a lot of hand-blocked prints and vintage floral wallpapers, creating a playful look. We often mix eye-catching printed fabrics with plain linens, velvets, or wools to prevent the space from feeling too busy.
I also love to mix a range of materials to create engaging, tactile spaces – such as polished plaster, silk wall coverings, and gilded antique mirrors. I’m a firm believer that natural materials are timeless – they possess an inherent beauty that transcends temporary trends. Aged timber, antique brass, linen, and wool, for example, create refined and understated luxurious schemes.
We’ve had the pleasure of featuring in some of your projects. If you could have one piece from Richard Taylor Designs what would it be?
I love all of the items you produce – I find that they are a contemporary twist on classical designs, each one perfectly considered.
I am particularly drawn to your metal work coffee tables and have used both your Twisted Leg and Onion Leg a number of times. I love how you can make them bespoke both in terms of size, finish or legs and marble top, making each one unique.
Find out more about Rebecca Hughes Interiors here.
Exceptional, innovative, playful & timeless
Richard Taylor Designs is well known for its original range of high-quality decorative, lighting, furniture, mirrors and accessories.