A catch up with interior designer Emma Ainscough

Autumn has arrived in a flash, and with October in full swing, we've caught up with interior designer Emma Ainscough to discuss her signature design style, current colour obsessions, and why bedrooms are her favourite spaces to design. She also shared some top tips for home projects—and, of course, a few of her favourite picks from the Issy Granger collection too. Read on to get all the insider tips and inspiration you need for your home this season.

DESCRIBE YOUR DESIGN STYLE IN THREE WORDS?

Uplifting, fresh, characterful.

WHAT COLOURS HAVE YOU ENJOYED INCORPORATING IN RECENT PROJECTS? 

I’ve been working with a lot of blue at the moment. It’s a forever favourite colour but I have enjoyed mixing different tones together and have used a lot of blue mohair in my upholstery, it gives a really fresh approach particularly when renewing antiques. I’ve also done a few pink kitchens! It's a Really nice way of knocking back the typically heavy built in cabinetry with a soft, more feminine tone to keep it all feeling fresh. 

WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE ROOM TO DESIGN?

I think it has to be bedrooms. It's a really fine balance between a scheme which is colourful / exciting but also serene and calming - I believe you can achieve all of this with a holistic approach, considering the light in the space and also always ensuring storage solutions have been successfully considered to keep clutter at bay!

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE TIPS FOR SOMEONE ABOUT TO START THEIR OWN HOME DESIGN PROJECT?

1. Consider your budget in advance. Create an inventory of everything you need and try to assign budget costs to those, that way you can anticipate any over-spend and claw back from elsewhere before it all gets out of hand!

2. Try not to put all your budget & funds into the bulky renovation (even though a builder will push you to!) - make sure there is something left in the pot for the smaller items which allow your home to feel personal & full of character, and ultimately, comfortable.

3.  Don’t rush and try to create something ‘finished’ and ‘lived in’ from the get-go - the layering up of a scheme takes time and it can feel forced if done too quickly. Inevitably you will collect pieces in time so make sure you leave a few gaps (and pennies!) for your home to evolve in time.

IS THERE A BOOK/FILM/ART EXHIBITION ETC THAT YOU ARE LOVING AT THE MOMENT?

The Dot Project are currently exhibiting Clare Dudeney’s work at And Objects - such a great collaboration, I just love the joyful colours in the work and the added element of texture is so lovely & soft. It's a great excuse to visit the amazing And Objects space too.

AND FINALLY... WE ASKED YOU TO PICK A FEW OF YOUR FAVOURITE ISSY GRANGER ITEMS TO STYLE IN YOUR OWN HOME. WHICH DID YOU CHOOSE AND WHY? 

VELA CERAMIC CANDLESTICK

I’ve been admiring the Vela Ceramic Candlesticks since you brought them out, they are so beautiful! I love the simple white as you can bring them into so many different schemes, I think they’ll be wonderful down a table of colourful linen and flowers for a lunch party.

PEBBLE GLASS CANDLESTICK

I love the Pebble Glass Candlesticks - so simple and versatile, great on coffee tables / dining tables / bedsides.

BLUE DOUBLE PIPED LINEN NAPKINS 

I’ve been admiring these napkins since you brought them out, they are so beautiful! I love the simple white as you can bring them into so many different schemes, I think they’ll be wonderful down a table of colourful linen and flowers for a lunch party.