Designing the Perfect London Home
- Hannah Ashe
- Mar 30
- 7 min read
An In-Depth Interview with South West London Interior Designer Hannah Ashe
For many homeowners, buying a property is just the beginning. The real journey starts when you begin shaping that space into a home that works for your lifestyle. For buyers across South West London, from Wimbledon to Putney and beyond, interior design plays a key role in how a property feels, functions, and even how it holds its value over time.
This blog post is an edited repost of an interview with Louis Mason, Marketing & Communications Director of Oportfolio Mortgages based in Putney. We discussed my career, my approach to designing London homes, and practical advice for homeowners navigating renovations, layouts, and interior choices.
Written by Louis Mason
A Creative Career Change
Q: How did your career in interior design begin?
Interestingly, I didn’t start out in design at all. I was a music teacher for 16 years and worked in secondary schools, eventually becoming Director of Music at a large school.
Creativity was always a big part of my life, I studied music at university, I’m a saxophonist, and I’ve always enjoyed creative disciplines. But alongside that, I’d always had an interest in interiors.
Over time, my husband and I completed three renovation projects together. Each one became progressively more ambitious, and by the time we renovated our current home, an Edwardian property with a full extension, I realised how much I genuinely loved the process.
After the pandemic, I reached a point where I wanted to do something different. I started transitioning gradually, doing some part-time teaching while building up design work, and eventually moved fully into interior design.
A lot of my experience has been hands-on, working on real homes, solving real problems, and I think that’s been incredibly valuable. It’s also a field where you’re constantly learning, which I love.
Designing in South West London
Q: What led you to focus on homes in South West London?
A lot of it is simply because I live here. I’m based near Wimbledon, and most of my projects are in areas like Wimbledon, Putney, and the surrounding parts of South London.
There aren’t strict limits on where I work, but being local helps, especially when clients want support sourcing trades like builders, carpenters, or decorators. The best tradespeople tend to work quite locally, so it’s easier to recommend trusted people when you’re operating within a defined area.
Word-of-mouth also plays a big role. Once you’ve completed a project in one area, it often leads to further work nearby.
A Style Built Around Confidence
Q: How would you describe your design style?
I’d describe it as calm, colourful, and confident.
I like to bring colour into spaces, not necessarily in an overwhelming way, but in a way that adds personality and warmth. At the same time, I aim to create spaces that feel calm and balanced.
Confidence is a big part of it too. Many clients feel unsure about their decisions, and part of my role is helping them trust their instincts and feel comfortable creating a home that reflects them, rather than worrying about trends or what others might think.
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Making Period Homes Work for Modern Living
Q: What are the biggest challenges when designing homes in London?
London has a huge number of period properties. Victorian, Edwardian, and while they’re beautiful, they’re not always designed for modern lifestyles.
They can often be:
• Quite dark
• Divided into smaller, separate rooms
• Limited in terms of layout flexibility
A lot of my work involves helping homeowners adapt these properties so they work better for contemporary living. That might involve rethinking layouts, improving flow between spaces, or opening up areas where appropriate.
Sometimes even relatively small changes, like adjusting the position of a wall or reconfiguring a room, can have a huge impact.
The Challenge of Space in London Homes
Q: What about smaller homes and flats?
Space is one of the biggest challenges in London.
Many people are living in compact flats or smaller houses, often with families, so it’s about making every inch count. Storage becomes absolutely critical.
That might include:
• Built-in storage solutions
• Making use of under-stairs areas
• Using the full height of rooms (especially in period homes with higher ceilings)
Storage might not sound exciting, but it can completely transform how a home functions day-to-day.
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make
Q: What mistakes do you see most often?
Two stand out:
1. Rushing decisions
People often want things done quickly, but good design takes time. Something as simple as choosing a paint colour needs careful consideration, how it looks in different lighting, at different times of day, and within the context of the whole room.
2. Overlooking lighting
Lighting is one of the most underestimated elements in a home.
Many people rely on a single ceiling light, but that rarely creates a comfortable or inviting atmosphere. What you really need is layered lighting, a combination of:
• Overhead lighting
• Lamps
• Task lighting
• Dimmers
Even just adding a few well-placed lamps can completely change how a room feels.
Interested in learning more about Hannah's Interior Design Services?
When Should You Start Designing?
Q: When do homeowners typically bring you in?
It really varies.
Some people contact me before they’ve even moved in, particularly first-time buyers who are excited and want to plan everything in advance. Others wait until they’ve lived in the property for a few months.
I usually advise people not to rush. Living in a space for a while helps you understand:
• How you use each room
• How light moves through the home
• What works and what doesn’t
That insight is incredibly valuable before making design decisions.
One key piece of advice I always give is:
Don’t buy furniture before you move in.
Even with a floor plan, it’s very hard to judge scale and layout accurately until you’re physically in the space.
Designing for Living, Not Just Resale
Q: From a design perspective, what adds value to a home?
It’s an interesting question, because I think there’s often too much focus on “adding value” in purely financial terms.
My view is that you should design your home to work for you. If a space is well thought out, functional, and enjoyable to live in, that will naturally appeal to future buyers as well.
Trying to design purely for resale can sometimes lead to compromises that don’t actually improve the home.
That said, features that tend to resonate with buyers include:
• Good layout and flow
• Well-designed kitchens and living spaces
• Thoughtful storage
• Bespoke elements like alcove shelving
Budget-Friendly Improvements That Make a Difference
Q: What are some simple ways to improve a home without spending a fortune?
A few things can make a big impact:
• Decluttering – particularly important in smaller homes
• Improving lighting – adding lamps is a quick win
• Creating a sense of flow between spaces
Ultimately, what you’re trying to create is a feeling. When a space feels right, comfortable, welcoming, cohesive, people notice.
Trends vs Timeless Design
Q: What trends are you seeing in London interiors?
I’m not particularly trend-driven, but I’ve noticed:
• Greens becoming very popular
• Warmer tones like plaster pink appearing more frequently
Q: Are there trends homeowners should avoid?
I’d say don’t design based on trends at all.
It’s fine to take inspiration from what you see, but your home should reflect what you genuinely like. Trends come and go, but a home that feels personal will always feel right.
Where Should Homeowners Invest First?
Q: If you could prioritise one area of a home, what would it be?
For most people, it’s the kitchen or main living space.
These are the areas where you spend the most time and where you host others. A well-designed kitchen or living space can completely change how a home feels.
That said, it always depends on the individual and design should reflect how you actually live.
Designing Around People and Their Stories
Q: What do you enjoy most about your work?
The people and their stories.
Every project is completely different because every client is different. Sometimes it’s a piece of artwork, a piece of furniture, or something with sentimental value that becomes the starting point for a design.
I worked with a client recently who had artwork from her father, who was an artist. Those pieces became central to the design, not just visually, but emotionally as well.
That’s what I love most - creating spaces that feel personal and meaningful.
Final Thoughts: Creating a Home That Works for You
For homeowners across South West London, the message is clear:
Interior design isn’t about following trends or copying what you see online. It’s about creating a home that works for your lifestyle, reflects your personality, and feels right every day.
Whether you’ve just bought your first flat, are renovating a period property, or simply looking to improve your current space, taking a thoughtful approach to design can make a lasting difference, both in how your home looks and how it feels to live in.
Thinking About Renovating Your Home?
At Oportfolio Mortgages, we help clients not only secure the right mortgage, but also navigate the wider journey of homeownership, including renovations and improvements with experts like Hannah Ashe.
If you’re planning your next move or looking to refinance for a home project, feel free to get in touch with our team at Oportfolio Mortgages. And if you are looking to design a property, make sure you contact Hannah.
A huge thanks to Louis for inviting me to the Oportfolio office and for publishing this interview. It was great to chat about the joys and challenges of homes in SW London.
Hannah Ashe is the founder of Hannah Ashe Interior Design, helping homeowners across London and Surrey create calm, characterful spaces with confidence. With a background in music and years of hands-on renovation experience, she approaches interiors with an intuitive sense of balance, rhythm and flow.
She offers in-person and virtual consultations, and will be at the Ideal Home Show on 16th and 17th April for bookable one-to-one sessions.
