Hello
Elaine Williams founded Interior Couture twenty years ago, having left the law to follow the eye she had never stopped trusting. A graduate of the Inchbald School of Design with a Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Interior Design, she brings a designer’s imagination and a lawyer’s rigour to every project, uniquely creative and highly organised in equal measure.
Elaine divides her time between London and Italy, now speaks Italian, and sources suppliers and antiques across both the UK and Europe. In her atelier among the Puglian olive groves, and inspired by ancient Mediterranean ceramics, she is developing a ceramics practice of her own.
We have the quiet conviction that luxury isn’t loud. It’s felt in the comfortable flow of daily life, in the ease of moving through your space, in the calm it brings you at the end of the day.
Practicality made poetic. Always.
Interiors with a European sensibility
What we believe in. And what we don’t.
Yes
Shapes borne of ancient Roman ruins and medieval palazzi as a backdrop to modern comfortable design, or Parisian Haussmann panelled bones, floor to ceiling French windows garlanded by age worn brass espagnolettes
The dynamism of contemporary art against antique finds from markets and fairs across the continent.
Contrasting the architectural bones of a building with antiques, vintage pieces, sculpture and art - bringing depth and a layering of eras that creates an instant sense of belonging. In London this can mean restoring the delicate panelling and cornicing of Georgian and Victorian properties and layering the schemes with antiques, contemporary art, modern pieces and timeless furnishings. In Italy it can mean juxtaposing modern furnishings against ancient plaster, frescoed walls and vaulted ceilings.
Faded grandeur, patina and industrial metals contrasting with soft linens; sumptuous velvet against hot rolled steel; veined marble against frayed linen. Our favourite colour is always the one that changes as the light falls on it throughout the day and you can never quite name. The magic is in the mix.
Craftsmanship and pride in one’s work from everyone involved in the project, from designer through to contractor.
Immediately, no
Cookie-cutter schemes, endlessly duplicated
Trends
Colour of the year
Soulless “‘luxury” schemes, swathed in shiny nylon greige velvet, and replicated ad nauseam
Orange wood
Everything being tagged with the word “‘designer”
Faux materials and cheap copies. Buy cheap buy twice
Not challenging the architect if the designer has a better idea for a way of living within the home. We approach every project from the inside out. Architects work from the exterior in. We work from how you live, outwards
Synthetic fabrics
Bulky padded curtains, ugly linings, and elaborate window treatments
Cushions being “chopped”
Anything the builder suggests!
Source the world
From our base in South Kensington, we work across the UK and Europe, developing an international network of exceptional contractors, craftsmen, trades and specialist finishers over two decades.
A love of European architecture, atmosphere and design influences everything we do, from concept ideas to sourcing items.
There is nothing more enjoyable than immersing oneself in new designs at the Salone del Mobile in Milan, the Maison et Objet fairs in Paris, wandering the antique markets in Arezzo, diving into the Parma Antiques Fair, meandering medieval streets behind the Vatican to uncover an extraordinary bronzista, or screeching to a halt at a roadside marble yard in Italy on glimpsing the perfect slab. From all of this, design magic is made.
Our approach is deeply personal and exactingly tailored. No formula, no fuss. The result is a home that feels considered, grounded in its locale, and unmistakably your own.
Shall we...?
So, whether you are embarking on a full renovation or reimagining a single space, and have a love of mixing antiques with modern comfort, contemporary art and European style - if what we have said speaks to you …
