Reception

A Q&A with interior designer Angella Bligh

Written by
Mel Perrson

Angella Bligh, founder of Angella Bligh Interiors, shares how she builds layered, elegant spaces around her clients’ lives, balancing beautiful materials, thoughtful constraint, and a design process that leaves nothing to chance.

An elegant dining room from Angella’s project

Your interiors are always so layered and textural. How do you decide which materials, patterns and shapes to mix together to create that depth and interest, without the room feeling too busy?

I usually begin by looking at the shape, light and orientation of the room. What is the room used for and how would one move through the space? This will then give me parameters to consider when think of the scale and shape of furnishings and thus what fabrics and materials work best. Where to place feature pieces that attract the eye without over doing it. It requires thoughtful constraint as it is tempting to add a load of beautiful elements in a room but that just results in them completing and thus failing to achieve harmonious elegance.

Hallway featuring Antrax Android radiator designed Daniel Libeskind. Call showroom for details

Where do you usually start when pulling a scheme together and where do you find inspiration from?

That depends on the room and the client. In some cases my client may have a key piece of art or furniture that they want in the room. Or an aversion to particular colours or conversely a desire to use a particular colour. So everything else that I introduce into the scheme needs to be sympathetic to this. In the case where it is blank canvas I will try to draw out the styles the client has a preference towards and take inspiration from a particular genre but with a very personalised approach. I spend a lot of time researching new products and going to trade shows to keep abreast of new designs and materials so will always try to introduce fresh options to clients.

Your work blends elegance with warmth. How do you make sure a space feels stylish whilst still being liveable?

The liveability of a space is always the top priority when I am designing. There is no point having a home that looks stunning but is impractical and causes the inhabitant constant aggravation because the ergonomics are wrong and furniture or lighting are impractical. I will always begin with having a clear understanding of how my clients use the space. What are their routines and flow of activities, this gives me an understanding of the functionality they require. From this I can then design joinery and furniture that meets their requirements while including interesting and beautiful materials and decorative elements that elevate the room. I mix different textures, metals, stones, fabrics and lighting to bring out certain features of the joinery or furniture to create a sense of depth and interest.

Kitchen

You’ve incorporated Antrax radiators into several projects. What first drew you to the brand, and what makes their designs stand out from a designer’s perspective?

I was drawn to Antrax because of their sleek and interesting designs. I was frustrated by the limited choices on the market which are often dull or classic radiator designs. While radiators are a utility item they certainly should not have to look as such and Antrax offers some really beautiful design options.

Vault-bathroom-with-gold-radiato by Antrax for The Radiator Centre

Saturn bathroom radiator designed by Peter Rankin for Antrax. Call showroom for details

Many Antrax radiators are striking in their own right. How do you work them into a room so they enhance the overall design?

Absolutely and that is why I like to use them to add a layer of interest to the space but it is all about selecting the shape, scale and colour that works in the overall scheme. I do not think a radiator should be a feature piece but rather they should complement the overall scheme. In more casual rooms like family bathrooms and children’s bedrooms or playrooms they can also be used to add a touch of fun.

When you’re planning a room layout, how early in the design process do you think about elements like radiators and heating?

Heating, especially in this part of the world is essential so it is one of the primary elements to be considered. Especially where it is the only source of heating, the size and position of the radiator can influence the layout of a room.

How do you approach designing for someone else’s personality and lifestyle while still leaving your own signature on the space?

When designing for clients I think it is essential to start by understanding their lifestyles, objectives for undertaking a renovation project and their stylistic likes and dislikes. I strongly believe a designer is there to help a client achieve their vision. As part of the design process, I will of course make suggestions and at times challenge their thinking to tease out the best result or highlight technical constraints or opportunities that they may not have considered. So as part of this process I may sprinkle a little Angella Bligh Interiors influence into the scheme through thoughtful detailing, refined material selections or a cohesive spatial flow, but always in a way that feels authentic to the client rather than imposed.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a space that reflects the client’s personality and supports their day-to-day living, while subtly carrying a level of quality, balance and considered design that is my signature.

Looking ahead, we’re seeing more use of texture, softer curves and richer colours in interiors. Are there any design directions you’re particularly excited to explore in future projects?

I make a conscious effort to stay informed about new materials and products; however, I deliberately avoid following trends when designing. Trends evolve rapidly and can quickly make a space feel dated. Given that renovation projects are often a significant investment, the last thing a client wants is for their newly completed home to feel outdated within a short period of time.
For clients who are drawn to a particular colour or shape that is currently in vogue, I always encourage them to incorporate these elements in a considered way—focusing on items that are relatively easy and cost-effective to update, such as cushions, accessories, or smaller, more flexible furniture pieces.

Angella Bligh Interiors is a boutique architectural interior design studio based in Chelsea, London, with a singular focus on residential interiors. Founded by Angella Bligh in 2012, the studio takes on a deliberately small number of commissions at any one time, ensuring every project receives the close attention it deserves. Find out more at angellablighinteriors.com.

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