Creating timeless interiors with a playful touch, the depth of colour and charming details that Uns Hobbs cleverly weaves ensures this design studio has a wealth of decor inspiration for us to dive into.
Uns, we’re delighted to welcome you to the Style Journal! Have you always wanted to work in interior design?
I have an interesting career story. Although I’ve always wanted to be an interior designer, it took me a while to set up my business. At 16, I knew that design was my passion and spent my work experience in Wimbledon Village with an interior decorating firm. I later pursued an art foundation course followed by a degree in Interior Architecture at Brighton University.
After graduation, I joined a Design-Build Ltd for about ten months. While it was a valuable experience, the work wasn’t quite the right fit—I spent all my time designing toilet cubicles, which didn’t challenge my creativity. I eventually moved into marketing and advertising, which broadened my professional skills.
Over the years, I kept my passion for design alive through two personal home renovations and by helping friends and family with their interiors. In January 2022, I finally set up my own practice, and I haven’t looked back since. I feel so fortunate to be living my dream job and am endlessly grateful to my clients for trusting me with their homes.
Can you describe your ethos in three words?Timeless, vibrant, and playful.
You say you are unswayed by interior trends. How do you maintain a sense of timeless design while still providing fresh ideas?I always begin by looking at my clients’ home and its
heritage. If they live in a Victorian property, for example, I try to reintroduce any original architectural features that might have been removed. My designs aim to stand the test of time, so I always make sure they feel
classic and timeless.
That said, every client is unique. I like to dive into their
personalities and quirks, which allows me to dial up the playfulness and vibrancy to match how bold they want to be with their space.
We must mention your repeat styling of our Nayland lamp. What do you love about it, and how can a statement piece like this help define a room?I absolutely love the
Nayland lamp! You’ve noticed it in many of my projects because it’s such a beautiful lighting piece—elegant and timeless. It’s ideal for elevating a reading corner; a
freestanding lamp like this doesn’t just provide soft, beautiful light but also creates a focal point, transforming a small nook into a cosy corner. It’s a perfectly designed piece and incredibly
affordable, which my clients really appreciate.
We adore your bold use of colour and pattern. Where do you find inspiration for your palettes?We start each design with the feeling we want to create. If it’s meant to feel ‘cosy,’ we use a
warm and inviting colour palette. If a client wants something more energising, we might start with vibrant colours.
We often layer various textures and fabrics to create depth and interest in a space. Sometimes, we even take
cues from the surrounding area. For our Cotswolds Cottage project, for instance, we were inspired by the local countryside. We brought the outside in with leaf-patterned wallpaper in the
bedroom and
hallway, and a warm,
autumnal palette in the living room that echoes the colours of
falling leaves.
What advice would you give to readers who are tentative about using colour in their homes but want to add more depth and interest?A great way to introduce bolder colours is by applying them to
window frames or pieces of joinery, giving you pops of colour against a neutral base. I always say your home should reflect your personality, so if you love colour, don’t be afraid to express it. And if you prefer a more muted palette, there are beautiful colours in
browns and
greys that offer a refined, pared-back look.
The homes you design often feature both vintage and contemporary pieces. What role do vintage items play in your work?Vintage pieces add such charm to a home—they bring a sense of history and often look like they’ve been passed down for generations. Antique furniture or art can be a real conversation starter when friends and family visit. Some clients come to me with little to no furniture, so we spend hours sourcing the
perfect piece to fit just the right spot. It’s always worth it.
For those unable to undertake a full renovation or room re-style, what small changes do you recommend that will make a big impact?If a full renovation isn’t possible, I always suggest tackling one room at a time. It’s much better to complete one room well than to attempt a whole house and end up with unfinished spaces. Never underestimate the power of colour—a simple lick of paint can completely transform a room. So just go for it!
Finally, a few quick-fire questions.What are your top tips for making a house feel like a home?Good lighting is essential. Consider replacing inset
spotlights with
ceiling-hung fixtures and adding
wall lights throughout the space, as this can completely transform the ambience.
Picture lights over your favourite artwork are especially effective; they create a focal point and elevate the entire room.
What’s your favourite room to design?The living room.What’s a staple homeware piece that every house needs?Every home needs plenty of
table lamps. They provide a beautiful, alternative light source and make any room feel cosy and inviting.
Your favourite Jim Lawrence product?No surprise here—the
Nayland lamp is my absolute favourite.