A glimpse into the home of a celebrated architect or interior designer is always exciting.
More than seeing a mastery of form and design, it’s an opportunity to observe the manifestation of their aesthetic in their personal sanctuary.
London-based interior designer Katharine Pooley has designed homes all over the world, with many of her studio’s projects in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Her summer home in Oxfordshire features pieces as diverse as her professional portfolio — she called Hong Kong and Singapore home for many years in her former life as an investment banker. “I visualised an interior that was peaceful, layered with detail and interesting personal objects, art, and antiques from my travels,” Pooley notes.
Looking at the pieces that are assiduously dispersed throughout the home, it’s evident that Pooley still holds objects from Asia close to her heart. “By combining the interest of Far Eastern objects with European soft furnishings and the timeless proportions of the classical architecture, I have tried to create an effortless balance of new meets old that is very personal to my life,” she says. “I now travel extensively in China, Indonesia, and Malaysia for my studio’s design projects.”
Large arched windows fill every room with natural light — particularly in the living room, where the designer and her family spend time together and entertain guests. “I created a soft tonal scheme in gentle colours for a graceful, elegant aesthetic,” Pooley says. “The views from every room are also quite breathtaking, so I’ve tried to keep the window treatments as simple and uncluttered as possible so that nothing breaks the view of the exterior vistas.”
In the dining room, traditional marble fireplace holds court in the centre of the space, decorated with Pooley’s favourite antique crystalware. “Perfect for intimate entertaining by candlelight on a summer’s evening,” the designer notes.
Outside, lush gardens are proof of meticulous care and attention. “I’ve worked on them over the years, and now the all-organic vegetable patch and outdoor dining area with formal box hedging and surrounding flowerbeds are a glorious haze of colour in summer and the perfect backdrop for idyllic family life.”
A "shepherd's hut" separate from the main house serves as a guest bedroom and private retreat for Pooley.
Asked about which part of the home brings her the most pleasure, Katharine says, “The garden is a complete joy and a total escape and peaceful retreat from the frenetic pace of my working life travelling the world and undertaking important and complicated projects for my clients.”
Photography courtesy of Katharine Pooley
See also: Inside 3 Lavish Hong Kong Homes
