29th April 2025 | IN DESIGN ADVICE | BY SBIDKatherine Briggs, Owner of Pomander Interiors, has given her insights into the industry.
Having studied Art and Design in Central London and assisted my at mother’s interior design studio based in London, I worked with two of the industry ‘Greats’ – Colefax & Fowler and John Stefanidis. Later, I worked under my mother’s studio brand in London. I worked for global advertising agencies and ran the Pan European sector of one of the largest Global brands – enabling project handling in a creative industry to be second nature to me. In 2011, my husband and I moved to Oxfordshire with our young children and I decided it was the right time to launch my own studio, Pomander Interiors. My work is predominantly for residential clients across Oxfordshire, Warwickshire (+ the Midlands region) and central London. My central studio is currently based in Warwickshire and I therefore have a strong team of trade in all three regions that I mainly cover across the UK.
Why did you want to work in the interior design profession?
I knew, in my teenage years, that I wanted my career to be within the creative industry. Having studied both Art and Design – it has always fascinated me how colour through fabrics, wall coverings, artwork and different textures across decorative products, flooring, fabrics, furniture – when one strikes the correct balance of each – can set such a specific tone and feel to a space and how the layer of natural versus artificial light can intensify such a mood. The eclectic combination of treasured heirlooms, partnered with collected pieces, sometimes from abroad – set within, sometimes a contemporary or even traditional space – fascinated me. To be able to convey a client’s personality and their ‘life story’, by creating a space that reflected them and made the space ‘home’ – was a skill I wanted to explore and master.
Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most?
Transforming my client’s houses into a place that illustrates their character, personality and where they feel completely at ease, happy and proud to call their home. Each client and property is so unique and therefore each project is completely different for me and my team – I love diversity! Some clients have a clear vision and style and others require more ‘hand holding’. Some properties require a complete renovation and others may need much needed ‘character’ to be injected into the property. It’s taking each client on an exciting journey through a trusted working relationship and creating wonderful interior spaces, as a result.
What has been your most memorable career highlight from the past year?
Creating an elegant and somewhat traditional style, whilst partnering this with a contemporary flair – is the core of my design style. Therefore, working with supply partners that create traditional products that fit within our contemporary lifestyles – epitomises the perfect partnership for the large majority of my projects. So, when, Lee Lovett, Co-Founder of Soho Lighting Company, invited me as one of a small party of privileged guests within the interior design and architectural industry, to a private launch party in Kensington Palace, I was very honoured.
The event took place in the State Apartments at the Palace in early March this year – where Lee and her husband, showcased their collaborative new ‘Historic Palace Collection’ of switches, at a champagne reception. Being in such historic and majestic interiors was totally surreal and wonderful. An opportunity to share in their exciting stage of their business and talking to so many of my industry peers, was such a wonderful experience. It was definitely the most surreal highlight of my career this year – an evening I will never forget!
What are your favourite types of projects to work on and why?
The ability to transform an interior space for a client that finds the whole concept of interior design totally alien – is so rewarding. To take a slightly apprehensive client on that creative journey and see the pleasure it brings when the project is completed – gives me immense joy. Interior design is not just about the creative element but, as important, it is the service that you provide for every client. The ability to make the journey a planned, calm, perfectly executed creative process.
Both ends of the design spectrum bring exciting challenges – a new development property that lacks any structural or internal character and how colour, texture and the right combination of well manufactured products – strike just the correct balance between classic style and the contemporary surroundings. An old Listed property that requires a much needed restoration – bringing it back to its’ former glory, whilst combining contemporary elements to sit sympathetically within it’s historic architectural origins. Both fascinate me.
What are the most challenging aspects of working in interior design?
When working across multiple projects at any one time – it is important to remember the individual and differing emotional requirements that each client requires. This is as important, and sometimes even more important at different stages of a project, than delivering the end creative result. Wearing various ‘hats’ when running your own design studio, whilst always staying one step ahead across all aspects of the business, is crucial – to keep the projects ticking over smoothly. Previous senior leadership and project management, on a global scale, has prepared me to tackle all of these areas, which gives me the time to enjoy creating and designing for my clients.
What do you wish you knew before working in the field?
That I should have set up my studio earlier than I did! To be able to truly ‘go to work’ every day and for it to not feel like ‘work’. I honestly enjoy and look forward to every moment when I am designing, creating and delivering what my clients wish for.
If you could give one tip to aspiring designers, what would it be?
Understand the industry and the multi faceted areas of running your own studio. It is not just about being passionate about design and service. You have to be a superb project manager, good at client relations, understand budgets and how to make sure the financials on a project are all in check. A networker, keeping ahead of trends and what will stand the test of time, quality controller and have a solid, trusted trade team partnering you. Running your own studio comes with a lot of responsibility and you have to be 100% committed and passionate, every day, to make a success of your business.
How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead?
Established and emerging brands are collaborating more and more with each other. I see these partnerships providing a unified and therefore simpler approach for designers to deliver what is needed for their client projects. With social media and other channels connecting brands globally with a more cost effective and streamlined logistical approach – we are able to offer our clients products that were difficult to sometimes unobtainable in the past. However, political restrictions in different countries might hinder import and exporting!
What does being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer mean to you?
Being accredited by SBID is an immense personal milestone for me and my business. It epitomises the top tier accreditation that my clients would expect when running a professional and successful design studio. On a personal note, it is the ultimate ‘seal of professional approval’ within the industry. I have worked very hard and passionately to build my interiors business to where it is today and to have this recognition from SBID, means everything to me – thank you.
About Pomander Interiors
Having worked for some of the ‘greats’ in the industry – Colefax & Fowler and John Stefanidis – Katherine established her own Interior Design Studio in 2011. The company is based in Warwickshire and primarily covers private client residential properties across London, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and The Midlands region. Katherine and her team pride themselves on a depth of knowledge when it comes to British properties. The team have worked across several listed country houses, city apartments, townhouses and new developments. Pomander Interiors work with local trusted building teams, architects and specific artisans from differing specialisms to meet exacting standards, ensuring a perfect finish is continuously met for every client project.
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