Designing With Roots: Coming Home to Edinburgh

3 Oct

After years of living and working in London, I’ve found myself back in Edinburgh — the city where I grew up, and now the place I’m proud to call home again. The move has been both a personal and professional reset, and as I’ve settled in, I’ve realised how much the character of a city shapes not only our lifestyle but also the way we design our homes.

As an interior designer based now based in Edinburgh, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to blend the sophistication and pace of London with the warmth and heritage of Scottish living.

London Influence: Sleek and Space-Savvy

London taught me the art of working with limitations. Flats with compact footprints, the need for clever storage, and the demand for versatile, multi-use spaces meant every design decision had to be intentional. The result? A love for clean lines, thoughtful planning, and a certain polish that comes from big-city living.

Edinburgh Influence: Character and Comfort

Coming back to Edinburgh has been like opening the door to homes with soul. Georgian proportions, Victorian details, generous ceiling heights, and the ever-present need to make spaces feel cosy against long Scottish winters all play a part. Here, design isn’t just about function — it’s about embracing tradition while making homes feel warm, inviting, and lived-in.

Blending the Two: A Modern Scottish Style

My design philosophy now sits somewhere in between. I believe the most inspiring interiors come from mixing influences: the sophistication of London design — layered lighting, refined finishes, and a sense of modernity — paired with the comfort and character of Edinburgh homes. Think original cornicing and sash windows, styled with contemporary furniture, playful colour palettes, and modern craftsmanship.

It’s this balance of past and present, heritage and innovation, that makes designing Scottish homes so exciting.