Our Designer of the Year Sophie Ashby on decorating her rented Georgian house | Design Notes

Just as the pandemic hit, Sophie Ashby and her husband, the fashion designer Charlie Casely-Hayford, moved into an early 19th-century house in Spitalfields. It was a rental-an opportunity to enjoy more space than they had in their small flat in West London, and a stop-gap before buying a house of their own. Rather than being frustrating as an interior designer-indeed, House & Garden’s current Interior Designer of the Year-and restricted by the limitations of what you can do to rental property.
‘Actually, I found it really liberating’, she says. ‘I didn’t have to worry about any of the architectural framework of the building. It had already been made beautiful so I was able to come in and fill it up with beautiful things.’
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[@MrMuddy22]

Had to stop the video many times to bask in all the details

[@bobbiepinto6183]

Me too!!!!!!

[@paulajf4205]

Wow, sometimes eclectic style gets too over-the-top, but this is not that. It's pitch perfect. It's a combination of stunningly beautiful, wildly creative and wonderfully personable. The art work is everything, with influences from other cultures, especially Africa and Black artists, and I want to live in this bathroom.

[@KJones-qs7ju]

so many up votes with so little commentary/engagement otherwise. seems LEGIT.

[@KeanusRandom36]

I’ve watched all the house and apartment tours on KZbin from hundreds of different channels and been watching for a very long time and this is MY FAVORITE EVERRRR wowww

[@angelaberni8873]

Far too many people are afraid of colour. Be daring, colour brings happiness into ones lives, especially if you live in a country that's cold and dreary. All the more reason to brighten things up ! Everything about this house is utterly scrumptious !!!

[@geemo4284]

I agree wholeheartedly! I’ve never been able to get my head around the British obsession with grey, dark blue, dark, dark drab…….. I think we, more than almost anyone need colour and vibrancy to lift our spirits, particularly during our long, wet, dark winters. I make a particular point of wearing hot, vibrant colours through the Winter as I find it the best medicine.

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Stunning house. Sometimes I think house restructuring is over-rated. At the end of all that expense and trauma, would a restructured house be any better or lovelier to live in than this one? Possibly not! Thank you for the video!

[@jenniferamaya6282]

I agree. I started to remodel my home and realized afterwards that I could have very easily make do with the house as it was originally… and saved myself lots of money.

[@dcoughla681]

Agree. Buying a room with the right layout can save you a fortune. If you can’t find a home with the ideal layout, try to work on the proportions and where the light falls.

[@dianemunson9698]

Agreed love everything in this house

[@juliehock6059]

“A backdrop for us to live our lives”. How beautifully expressed as that is what our homes are. Everything you have collected and so beautifully positioned has made my heart sing. I like that you encompass having children living in a gorgeous house, not being too precious about “things”. There’s an Australian artist called Margaret Olley who has the same perspective as Sophie Ashby, always paintings, vases of flowers, a home made for people.

[@edi5724]

This made me so happy I could cry right now. So many emotions combined in this space. One of the most beautiful homes ever. And all the art! Wow! Wow! Wow!

[@mrscindymargaret2736]

Agree❤️❤️❤️

[@NicolesNaturals]

OMG I'm obsessed with these videos. I love the soft jazzy music, the beautiful eclectic art, the feeling of the homes...everything. LOVE

[@janicerivera5570]

Not many interiors inspire my creativity these days. But THIS! Most definitely.

[@venuskaraitiana]

Gorgeous space! I'm trying to think of ways to bring my own culture into my home (I'm Maori, from New Zealand) and this has me so inspired. Thank you for sharing with us all!

[@gnarbeljo8980]

Maori culture is so beautiful and unique, GO FOR IT!

[@Monique-rn9lg]

Beautiful home. I love how personal it is. She didn't decorate it to show on Instagram, she decorated it for her and her family. I love it!

[@connemarahandcraftedglass4059]

Totally get you, Monique!!!

[@olenabi]

I'll probably watch it another 10 times to absorb all of this home's beauty and warmth.

[@innovassp2955]

Oh! Sophie Ashby!!! The moment I read about her being Designer of The Year, I looked upon her website and checked the portfolios. Not gonna lie the portfolios are little bit too minimalistic for my preference. But this is totally different! It's so rich, and I love her artwork collection! 🤤🤤❤️❤️❤️

[@seachange17]

Agree, minimalism feels a bit like an office lobby to me. Her home is the polar opposite. When we purchased a modern house in a woodland (built into a hill) my best friend thought I'd decorate it to be very modern. After 6 months she visited. As she entered the first thing she saw was an oval early 20th century burly maple table with fresh flowers (from our landscape) and books. This is so warm and interesting she said, nothing austere and too modern.

[@rneustel388]

I’m so blown away by everything about this home and the family that inhabits it. There’s so many treasures to be seen, no video would be long enough!

[@Rasheeda83]

I’m in awe over this space, how beautifully put together it is. I love that it’s so full of color and pattern and art, and yet nothing clashes, it all fits seamlessly in the space. Sophie’s personal and decor style is just 👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽 Loved this so much. Will watch probably 5 more times to fully absorb!

[@maomozart]

Now THIS is a designer. Love absolutely ALL her house and concepts. Thanks for this amazing piece.

[@Bellasand45]

Love how she decorated this rental. The house feels very warm and cozy.

[@makemepaper9749]

The most chic! Truly fabulous. Both bold and calm at the same time. Aspirational living.

[@nlbhaduri]

What an incredible home! I think Jocasta Innes was wonderful so it’s cool to see her home inhabited by another cool person/family. Sophie has a marvelous eye for colour and pattern. I was born in Africa so I thank her for working delightful African art into her home…what an inspiration!

[@buddhahoo1]

This woman's esthetic made my heart sing. Thank you for sharing this beauty.

[@itumelengnomlomo6518]

This house is like a ray of sunshine punching through the dreary beiges and greys suffocating the interiors of the world. It's delightful! It's elegant! May we be inspired.

[@suzanne3t]

Here-more than I see in many other designers' work-is a masterful integration of color, pattern, texture, and art. Brava!

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

No wonder she’s designer of the year. Her taste in artwork has me salivating. What a delightfully designed home.

[@michellepereira2328]

There is so much life in that house with all the patterns and colors. I agree that artwork is very special in a home. The redesigned ikea closets were a great idea.

[@terryarrow702]

I hope whoever owns the house appreciates what Sophie’s done & how wonderful she enjoys bringing up her family here. Sophie has some fabulous ideas.

[@RosangelaMorais-g3n]

So nice to hear people talk so eloquently. A good level of education will always be appreciated ❤

[@selloane6644]

I'm recognizing so many fellow SA artists on the walls. Gorgeous home 😍😍😍

[@josephinebrevig8748]

Where’s the love button when you need it. What a delightful, artful and cozy house!! Can’t stand homes that are overly designed. This home has such a soul. Love her too…we could be friends, her African heritage is one of many connections.

[@ginafriend1690]

I also like the white ceiling fixture in the banana yellow sofa room. Nice touch pulling out, Billie Holiday! 🙌

[@EricaNernie]

Agree with the other comments: stunning, pitch-perfect, not trendy or OTT, and very personal. Love it!

[@iluvzevon]

She obviously has impeccable style and an incredible eye. What a warm home, I feel like I could move in tomorrow!

[@lynnharrell9598]

That might be awkward.

[@emrald13]

I loved all these bold colors, textures, and patterns. Sophie has such an incredible collection of art and her design sense mixed with her husbands is just so beautiful. Very inspiring - I am also going to start with the art.

[@lenasin6867]

Love her style and attitude towards family living. Stunning, relaxed and warm at once!

[@dixiepena514]

Beautiful house ,very unique integration of cultural backgrounds.I love it;a testimony of how cultures can richly influence one another!

[@HR-re6mr]

This was absolutely a feast for the eyes!!! The artwork sets it all off!! It’s so elegant homey and spirited!

[@swicheroo1]

It's beautiful. But I especially love that it is Iocasta Innes's house. I still remember purchasing one of her books on house painting--all those effects and techniques. Full price. It was a much handled book.

[@vadusepoku]

I just fell in love! Amazing house, great taste and eye for colour.

[@NolanKurtz]

I love the idea of pulling colors from artwork. I never thought to try that in a room.

[@judyorourke2410]

I love how Sophie has created a cohesive world of vibrant disparate colors and patterns that is lived in and not too precious. Her house's love language exudes gentle beauty, plush comfort, and enduring connection.💛

[@littleItalyciao]

I 'm so taken by Sophie Ashby's sanctuary !

[@brigittesiegenthaler-ritsc3516]

Dear Sophie So beautiful, colorful and joyfull, it is a pleasure to look in Your home, thank-You... Lots of greetings from switzerland, Brigitte

[@DMAN-ey1nb]

One of my favourite videos so far. I love Sophie's frames for her artwork and how each artwork is a source of creativity for each room . Very inspiring :)

[@marciamoseleyyoga4953]

One of my favorites house ever

[@connemarahandcraftedglass4059]

It is not difficult to see how she became Designer of the Year. Each room has an ease to it.... and ithe style of Kitchen is something that I am longing for, before Islands became a thing.... a bit vintage. The energy the designer emanates and intermingles with the atmosphere of the home, the kitchen and bathroom pervades the film in very special way. Someday, maybe we as a team could get to meet her.... have that sense that our creative energies could collide beautifully.

[@JijjysMaison]

Gorgeous, gorgeous home. So cozy , inviting and stylish. So much of Sophie's character in the decor. It is lovely to see the owners individuality in their home decor..... xxx

[@soniaharrison1016]

This video almost made me cry, this home is so beautiful. I collect art it brings me such joy when some thing moves me, my one drawback is that I dont display them as I should, so thishas inspired me to get going.

[@c0987791]

Can’t get enough of this beautiful home full of diversity and inclusion. I will watch over and over❤

[@kermitthefrog3632]

😂

[@abeltootlejr.300]

Very welcoming spirit that entices the senses and imagination. It's so REFRESHING to see art from different countries and peoples in lieu of Europe! One would think there were no other artists in the world when viewing western interiors...THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR VERY CONCEPTUALLY ELEGANT HOME!!!

[@maxdominate2481]

Well, the art in other countries is not as good. Why would you deal with inferiority? There is a reason people from those countries flock to European countries. No one is trying to get into Africa.

[@abeltootlejr.300]

@@maxdominate2481 Another Ignoramus spewing bigotry. Please do your homework. I can suggest an introductory art history text for you. Speaking of facts, the BEST art in the world has been done by people OUTSIDE OF EUROPE and your EUROPEAN art museums have the EVIDENCE to prove it, albeit STOLEN artifacts... When they finish returning their "LOOTED ARTIFACTS" lets see what Europen museums have in stock then!!!!

[@danibaie]

@@maxdominate2481 lol don't be silly. Artists flock to the west cause that's where a lot of money is. Don't think your artists have a monopoly on talent.

[@katie8325]

@@maxdominate2481 ridiculous, ignorant comment

[@trueindian510]

I love the mix of the colors

[@jackieclark817]

Oh my God give us more of Sophie

[@michellegove]

This is eclectic done well. I often see a lot of these “maximalist” homes and even watching them via video gives me a headache. But I felt so calm and at peace watching this. Absolutely stunning and bursting with character and depth. Bravo!!!

[@pieterwolt1245]

Wow, what a marvellous and tasteful house , I love the colors, artwork and shapes, very very very well done.more please

[@midoann]

Speechless! Amazing! It was not my cup of tea bold colors or lot of typical items from a country but this house decor is a piece of art! 👏👏👏👏

[@FRASERMCGREGOR72]

I love LOVE LOVE her style!

[@carlaorlando4744]

I saw pictures of many of these rooms in the past and always saved them on my wall, now I now that I adore the whole house

[@amberpolk]

What an amazing space! I wish I could curate art at this level. So wonderful.

[@jennifersharp6624]

Wow. I'm obsessed with this decor.

[@CraigMatt-p1c]

love EVERYTHING about this place!

[@noavocadoanymore]

Love this house! A masterful balance between personality, simplicity, and function.

[@jow6845]

The pantry door did it for me...has my heart forever.

[@ILOVEPB121]

this is it. this is what i want.

[@lsamoa]

I've seen pictures of the living room with the "behind" portrait so many times on pinterest, it's great to see how the rest of the home looks like. Not disappointed!

[@bridgetkaufman1]

absolutely perfect in every way! a dream! the patterns, the colors, yet it’s peaceful. *chef’s kiss*

[@KennyFortaleza]

Phenomenal home and style! An Absolute perfect mix of her, style, design and still feeling like a home to live in.

[@sebtamgeospa]

Beautiful house! Loved all the pieces... from artwork to furniture. Bright and happy colors ❤️

[@ronniealex5523]

Quite possibly the single most beautiful sweet kind person in British interior design

[@dcoughla681]

Absolutely beautifully decorated home with a bold, confident use of colour and texture. I love her art works and that she based the colours of the rooms around the art. Some of the ideas in this room can be easily replicated eg the IKEA wardrobes and fabric on the dining chairs.

[@EvelynDHaene]

This has so much going on in this house

[@moonbeeps]

I love her home, it's vibrant and lived in. I adore the style.

[@Magarita810]

That house is amazing. RENTED😳. hate to think how much it costs but I hope they buy it eventually if they get the opportunity they have done so much to make it their home❤❤👏🏾

[@LolliPopCowGirl]

What a beautiful home and Design Notes is a great series But! House and Garden it would be so lovely to have a list paint colous used throughout the videos as standard in the show more section - I know some are mentioned but some are not eg bedroom

[@sasqrr]

Absolutely love this

[@d.w.1986]

love, love, love! The ease, uniqueness, colors, and original built ins are everything!

[@tommypsue]

Perfect, so lovely, "scrumptious" (someone said below), and just the kind of place to re-kindle interest in decor. & I could listen to her speak all day.

[@angi9512]

What a fantastic home. Stunning, vibrant, and enjoyable.

[@katmaskow3168]

What a wonderful home with such personality. I especially love her dressing room inspired by the kimona.

[@bluesky902]

Love Sophie Ashby!

[@mariabanholzer7942]

What a beautifull house, the decoration and the charming Sophie Ashby. So beautifull !!!!!!! Love from Paris

[@c.retana-holguin8318]

Stunning! What a creative nest of joy you have both built together.

[@annishilcock4587]

What a stunning house. Stylish, eclectic and totally personal. Thank you for sharing and inspiring.

[@mariaelenalicitra2715]

A wonderful home. You could feel the artistry

[@maddisonclose8728]

This is perfection, so inspiring

[@mariamarshall6116]

This is real design, it unites!

[@lindawentink2725]

Beautiful space, some quirky, some elegance and just so interesting 🥰

[@nancykahn4125]

A true original!

[@akkiwo]

So beautiful! Such a good taste! Effortless chic!!!

[@csmtcqueen]

I love her decorating style. I am going to steal some of her ideas.

[@amandak1360]

So inspiring ♥️ Greetings from South Africa 😊

[@vintagegal541]

This is a really enjoyable video. I love the house itself, and Sophie and Charlie have just added so much life to it.

[@OddWeird461]

One of my favorite house tours on YT. Incredible arr and style. Really cool.

[@kelly33SR]

Wow, breathtaking house, every room a piece of art!

[@beatricerights]

I love this home

[@fleurfleur5468]

Like the colours, make me feel warm and happy. Great

[@josephinebrevig8748]

Second time I’m watching this…such a delight!

[@ninam6206]

Every thing is just beautiful and inviting

[@raysville7256]

I am appalled by most things deemed 'designer', however, this Woman's command of visual information and the execution of her personal vision is astounding

[@philmaynard7691]

She's Beautiful just like her Home❤️

[@katcampbell9213]

Sophie has a soft and soothing asmr voice. She has the dreamy and rare combination of champagne money and champagne taste. Tried looking into some her items like the coffee table and swivel chairs and it’s all so high end and fancy you have to request the prices. How the other half live. Good for her though to enjoy such financial and creative blessings. Definitely an inspiring home !

[@maxdominate2481]

Can't be champagne if you are a renter and if you married a black as a white woman.

[@MAYK1NG]

Congratulations on your draping.

[@SandraCDavis]

Wow!!! Simply lovely!!! Glorious!!!