A Catch Up with Interior Designer & Aller Dorset Owner Cat Earp

We caught up with Cat Earp, the founder of Aller Dorset & The Aller Studio, to talk about her top interior tips, favourite rich colour palettes, whilst sharing some advice on how to maximise style and functionality in small spaces. Plus, find out which Issy Granger pieces are her go-to picks for adding a playful yet elegant touch to the spaces she designs.

Describe your design style in three words.

Colourful, timeless, inviting.

What inspired you to create Aller Dorset and start your shepherd hut business?

Aller Dorset began as a way to share the beauty of our surroundings with others. After moving from London to the family farm, we wanted to create something truly special in rural hospitality – spaces that felt thoughtful, personal, and cosy, yet unlike the typical shepherd hut experience. Each detail, from the welcome hamper to the curated interiors, is designed to help guests relax and indulge in their time away from everyday life.

How does interior design for a shepherd hut differ from designing a room in a house?

Designing a shepherd hut is about making every inch work hard while still feeling beautiful. I start with a colour or fabric I love, often in the kitchen, and build the design from there. The small scale means everything needs to serve a purpose, but it’s also an opportunity to create a jewel-box feel – cosy, layered, and full of personality.

 
What colours have you enjoyed incorporating in recent projects?

I absolutely adore colour and love to work with rich tones like ruby reds, emerald greens, and deep ocean blues. I’m not an “all-white interiors” kind of designer – I want a room to feel warm and inviting, using colour with smart finishes and traditional, natural materials where possible.

When designing a small space, like a shepherd hut, what are your top three tips for creating both comfort and style?

Start with a strong colour palette: Build the design around a key colour or fabric you love.
Maximise functionality: Built-in furniture or multi-purpose pieces are essential.
Layer textures: Use wood, linen, and soft furnishings to add warmth and interest without cluttering the space.

Is there a book, film, art exhibition or fashion trend that you're loving at the moment?

Fashion is a huge love of mine – my background is in it – and even though I live on a farm in rural Dorset with small children, I still like to have fun with what I wear. I’m drawn to comfortable yet stylish blouses with a modern romantic appeal: oversized collars, puffy sleeves, ruffled details, or a bow. They’re practical but still make me feel pulled together.

And finally, we know you have a few Issy Granger pieces already! Which are your top three favourites?

The glass candlesticks are a firm favourite – they add such timeless elegance to a table. I also adore the colourful glass pom water tumblers for their playful charm and the vibrant, jewel-toned trimmed lampshades, which subtly tie together a broader room scheme in a very contemporary way.  

Make sure to follow Cat to learn more about her wonderful ventures! Check out @allerdorset and @thestudioaller