RL: Describe your signature style.

SS: My style is constantly evolving. I’ve always had a love for furniture with character. The Invisible Collection is one of my favourite suppliers that stock an array of designer pieces. Every item is brimming with personality, and I find that just adding one piece can make a significant impact in a room.

RL: Where do you go for creative inspiration?

SS: There is so much creative inspiration out there. I’ve collected design books and magazines and signed up for numerous newsletters – (one of my online favourites is Dezeen.) But whenever I can, I’ll get off the island to visit art galleries, furniture showrooms and design exhibitions. Seeing these things in person is far more stimulating.

RL: How much do design trends influence your schemes?

SS: I don’t agree with design trends; by definition, they are transient, so you can age your design and make it passé very quickly. I think a design should be tailored to a client, not a trend, and reflect their personality and lifestyle.

RL: Functionality or appeal?

SS: Both! A design has failed if it has only considered one.

RL: What makes people feel comfortable in a space?

SS: Many design techniques transform a house into a welcoming home. Some obvious ones include thoughtful spatial planning, natural materials (like wood and linen), and personal collections of art and accessories.

But my main tip would be ambient lighting. Warm and soft decorative lighting is far more flattering and calming than glaring downlights. You don’t want your home to look like an airport runway!

RL: What field of design are you most interested in?

SS: Anything bespoke – whether that is furniture, millwork, commissioned art or sculpture. There is something extraordinary about designing a unique piece for your client. It’s a real creative challenge, allowing me to work more closely with some fantastic craftsmen.

RL: What is your favourite space to design?

SS: A dry bar. It’s a space that lends itself well to maximalist design treatment. I would always encourage clients to step out of their comfort zone and be daring (no matter how large or small the bar is!).

RL: Have you had any unusual design requests?

SS: Absolutely! My top three are a giant spiral slide connecting the children’s bedrooms to the ground floor, a fully functioning nightclub in a home, and an auditorium to seat 100 people in a house.

RL: What has been your favourite project?

SS: I’ve worked on some amazing projects, both here and in London. But the most rewarding one to date would be volunteering for the charitable initiative Rest Nest. It is a charity set up by interior designers that transform doctors’ and nurses’ rest rooms in selected London hospitals. I got involved during the Covid-19 pandemic and led a design team that transformed 20+ rooms.

RL: What are you currently working on?

SS: I’m currently working across a range of projects – a few condominium units on Seven Mile Beach, exciting house renovations and new builds, and a couple of commercial projects that will come to life in 2023.