What an extraordinary year 2023 was! The Katharine Pooley Studio was buzzing with activity over the past 12 months – we introduced new concepts, participated in exciting talks, hosted wonderful events, launched partnerships, engaged in charity work, and celebrated the completion of a suite of gorgeous projects for clients worldwide.
Among the many highlights of last year, one of the most memorable moments has been the unveiling of our captivating new wallpaper collection created in collaboration with Fromental. But that’s not all – our journey also took us to enchanting places like Verona, Miami, Rome, and New York. We were thrilled to announce two upcoming supplier partnerships in 2024, and our commitment to philanthropy is reflected in the completion of numerous Childhood Trust projects throughout the past year.
As we reflect on our accomplishments last year, we take pride in successfully wrapping up 12 large-scale projects, each contributing to our growing portfolio. Additionally, our design exploration led us to sourcing trips to fascinating destinations such as Japan, the Hamptons, Florence, and Austria.
2023 was an incredible adventure and we can’t wait to share more about our future endeavours very soon.
Let us take a moment to reflect on 2023 and manifest kindness and peace for all in the coming year ahead.
Highlights
Andrew Martin Interior Design Review
Andrew Martin’s annual review is not just a celebration of individual achievements but a collective nod to the evolving tapestry of design. It is wonderful once again to be a part of the vibrant dialogue that defines the Interior Design Review. We are thrilled to feature our Château de la Croix des Gardes project, which is currently the largest property on the coast of the South of France with 360-degree views over the Lérins Islands, the Mediterranean Sea, and the snow-capped mountains.
Growing our Yacht and Aviation Department
From the sleek lines of modern yacht interior design to the sophisticated elegance of aviation design, our team is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of creativity and engineering. Our vision is to seamlessly blend opulence with functionality, offering clients a personalised sanctuary that mirrors their taste and lifestyle, ensuring that each journey becomes unforgettable, through meticulously crafted, tailor-made superyacht interiors.
New International Office 2024 – New York
The bustling energy of New York City provides an inspiring backdrop for KPL to showcase its signature style, marrying timeless elegance with contemporary flair. This strategic move not only underscores our commitment to meeting the growing demands of its international clientele but also signifies a new era of design innovation and collaboration. As we launch our New York office, the expansion is poised to bring a fresh perspective to luxury interiors across the Atlantic.
Millbank
A truly extraordinary development at one of London’s most exclusive addresses, the Millbank project boasts beautiful views and richly detailed original features. Having worked with our favourite British artists and makers to create ‘The Gainsborough’, we have ensured every detail is exquisite. To see this marvellous building of national importance, rise up anew, is very exciting.
We hosted an exclusive lunch at the Coach House to celebrate our new range of luxury wall coverings created in collaboration with Fromental and the charity Butterfly Conservation. We were joined by wonderful friends, clients and writers in celebrating this wonderful partnership.
Boutique Artist Spotlight
We were thrilled to showcase a collection of the talented artist Brendan Boyd’s work at the KP Boutique. Brendan’s large-scale, evocative, paintings in wax, oil, and linen, are inspired by the raw beauty of the natural world, and have an abstract, ethereal quality. As can be seen in our Hyde Park project, they are the perfect focal point to complete a luxurious interior design.
House and Garden ‘Design for Positive Change’ Award
We were thrilled be named in their Top 100 Interior Designers for 2023 list, but House and Garden also awarded us the ‘Design for Positive Change Award‘ for our work over the last eight years with the Childhood Trust on their housing support programme – Decorate a Child’s Life. Every child deserves a happy and safe home. Hundreds of thousands of children are living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions in London. The work we do is a small part of ensuring every young person feels valued and has every opportunity to succeed.
English Home – New Years Honours List
The Jan 2024 issue of English Home includes their anticipated NY Honours shortlist, reflecting on innovative and inventive designs, excellent craftsmanship and remarkable achievements. We are so pleased to announce our inclusion in the Craftsmanship category for ‘An English Butterfly Garden’ wallcovering collection with Fromental.
LuxDeco 100
The LuxDeco 100 list is a comprehensive selection of global visionaries, icons and innovators, hailing from home and abroad. Each entry has a unique design language, and the studio is thrilled to be alongside some wonderful stars of the industry and worldwide leading interior designers.
Country & Town House 50 Finest Interior Designers 2023/2024
We were delighted to be featured in Country & Town House’s annual curated list of those lighting up the British design world in 2023/24. Awards were decided by a panel of pioneers from the worlds of eco design and sustainability, fashion, tech and architecture: Jacu Strauss, Hazel Gardiner and Pearl Lowe.
The Yacht and Aviation Awards 2023
Our team’s timeless, serenely elegant design of a 32m Custom Line 106 yacht was awarded the Interior Design Award (Under 40 Metres) in The International Yacht & Aviation Awards 2023. Inspired by the sea’s graceful flow and balmy Mediterranean nights, the team has created a yacht interior like no other – one that places opulence and functionality at the heart of its impeccably designed interiors.
Best Chalet Interior
This summer our Alpine Chalet project has been shortlisted for the exciting Ski Chalet Award at The International Design and Architecture Awards 2023 hosted by Design et al Magazine. Exuding luxury in its use of soft, sumptuous fabrics and warm, natural finishes, this private residential Swiss chalet is the embodiment of luxury Alpine living.
Recently won projects
Doha
A palette reflective of the desert’s warm hues and the interplay of intricate Islamic geometric patterns creates a harmonious fusion honouring the region’s artistic legacy. This project embraces the client’s vision but also pays homage to the city’s dynamic cultural tapestry, crafting a space that stands as a testament to the timeless allure of Doha’s interior charm.
Kuwait
Situated against the backdrop of the city’s evolving skyline, from the iconic Kuwait Towers to the historic markets, every nuance has been meticulously curated to resonate with the spirit of Kuwait City. This project not only embraces the client’s vision but also stands as a testament to the dynamic synergy between tradition and contemporary design.
Sardinia Coastal Retreat
With its secluded beaches, breathtaking cliffs and nestled along the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea, our coastal retreat project in Sardinia offers an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Embracing raw textures and natural tones, complemented by vibrant pops of colour and ethereal fabrics, the team is crafting a unique and intimate space that beautifully weaves together tranquillity and heritage.
Penthouse Hyde Park
Our Hyde Park project is located in the heart of London and is a quintessential symbol of the city’s grandeur and charm. We are delighted to be back in the Lancasters development in Bayswater, which is set behind a white stucco-fronted Grade II listed period façade that dates back to the mid-1850’s. Once one of the largest terraces of its kind in Europe, the French Renaissance-inspired exterior is the perfect inspiration for our regal and opulent interiors.
Cannes Chateau
A majestic property, the design and renovation of this ‘heart-stoppingly’ beautiful French Riviera chateau embodies the luxury and glamour of its movie-star history. We are entering the second phase of the project, including a spa tennis complex and garden landscaping. Situated high on the lush Crois des Gardes hill, the chateau rose to fame in 1955 as the set of Hitchcock’s ‘To Catch a Thief’, starring Grace Kelly and Cary Grant. The interior design and interior architecture is by Katharine Pooley London, the landscape and garden design was undertaken by Atelier François Navarro, and architecture by Guilhem and Guilhem.
Our team is constantly evolving and 2023 was truly exceptional – we welcomed several talented professionals, as well as progressing the careers of those who have remained loyal over the years. Our diverse group includes a fantastic blend of interior designers, interior architects, furniture designers, business development directors, marketing experts, and project managers – each contributing their unique expertise to our range of projects.
We are so excited to share more details of our upcoming projects – one of which includes a collaboration with a large hotelier in a very wonderful location. There are 16 due to be completed in 2024 and numerous in the coming years – watch this space!
Hope you have had a peaceful start to the New Year!
“Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children.”
