A Q&A with our Founder and Designer Director Alexandra Young

How would you describe your style as an interior designer?

My design style is timeless country classic with a contemporary twist (if that doesn’t sound too much like a cocktail!). I love finding antique pieces that add depth of character to a room. I am in touch with fresh trends, but I often notice I have discovered a new way to do something before it has become fashionable. I trained in set lighting and costume design at The Wimbledon College of Arts in London - it gave me an understanding of how to use light and impact space from every angle. 

Nature influences my style, and I have worked with many country houses over the years. I want a room for people to look out from and enjoy the changing colours of the seasons. I like to choose lovely wood finishes and calm green and pastel colours that draw in the views outside at any time of day or year. 

My work will always feel honest. I want my interior design to connect the history of a house with the people who live there. 

Do you have a colour scheme you are known for in your homes?

My calm personality draws me to tranquil tones and pastel colour schemes. I like to add pops of colour and texture with carefully chosen patterns that reflect the character of my clients.

Are there any interior design trends that you are excited about?

I am intrigued by the retro paint finishes and crafts from the 1980s we are seeing more and more of. All that stippling, swirling and swooping adds a whimsical depth to an interior, and it can be a fun technique to use.

How does your passion for gardening and nature influence you as an interior designer?

I always have the outside space in mind when designing a room. I love the kitchen design project I worked on recently. My client was a foodie, and she loved cooking and growing produce. I wanted a natural flow between the kitchen and her productive garden. We created a temperature-controlled room to keep fruit and vegetables fresh when they come inside and bespoke shelving to display them. The garden produce looks beautiful, and it is also practical. 

I researched every aspect of the project. We designed an open fire in the kitchen and a fire pit outside for cooking traditional recipes. I added a seating area in the orchard to rest amongst the fruit trees and feel inspired by what is growing.

Can you tell us about a design project that you particularly enjoyed?

I rarely work with clients only once, and many will come back time and again. I was on my third project for clients during the covid pandemic, but my driven nature would not let that stop me from achieving my four-month deadline. It was a turn-key project for a new-build holiday home given to me as a blank canvas. Their brief was to add character to the house and make it feel like a family home that reflected the seaside location and softened the clean lines of a modern house. 

Against all the odds, we delivered that project on time with no shortcuts taken to get there. They arrived to find a home with every detail taken care of, from beds made with fresh luxury linens to perfect outdoor furniture and a fun box of matches to light the BBQ. I also advised on their sailboat interiors and made sure everything was ready for them to enjoy their family holiday right away. 

How do you work with your clients to define their needs and make the design process feel personal?

First and foremost, I listen. I give space and time for them to explain their vision, and I get to know each client in a relaxed and informal way. They tell me how they live; how they use space in their homes, and I pick up on little details and cues as we go along.

I put my spin on my clients' dreams, and I want them to feel involved in the fun part, but I will take all the stress and overwhelm out of the process for them. I will bend over backwards to make the experience feel positive, and I will NEVER take shortcuts. I think they would be amazed if they knew the depth of detail I go into behind the scenes. 

My clients often comment on my calm manner. I am not a designer who will stamp my feet when leading a team on a large-scale project. 

Where do you find your everyday inspiration outside of a project?

I am curious about everything everywhere! We have nature all around us at our office in Hampshire. I love to ride my horse and walk the dogs and take in the colours and seasons around me. My daughter is creative like me, and she influences some of my thinking from a younger perspective. Our family loves to travel, and I always pay attention to architecture when we do. I gather inspiration from grand palazzos in Italy, Moroccan riads, Indian Raj tents and South American fincas. I am drawn instinctively to anything that makes me feel serene, peaceful and calm. 

Where is your favourite public space in the UK?

I love the V&A in London. My daughter has an eye for fashion. It is a joy to explore the museum with her and learn new ideas and ways of thinking. I used to make clothes when I was her age, and we will often combine the V&A with a visit to Liberty, spending hours looking at fabrics. 

What do you love most about your work as an interior designer?

The best thing is knowing you have helped people. I build close relationships with my clients because I care deeply about what I do. I will work tirelessly behind the scenes, so I know the result will be just what they want. I want my clients to feel house-proud, and it is always fun watching children reacting with joy when they run up to see their new bedrooms. Nothing beats that feeling of pride when you see them all so happy.  

What’s next for Alexandra Young Design? 

I am so proud of my team, and I want to share what we do with our community. I would love to design a space where people can come and gather inspiration. I have my eye on an old building in our garden begging for a barn renovation project!