We’d like to take you behind the scenes and introduce you to our Design Team! Join us as we say hello to each of our designers…
Celia
What is your favourite room at Firmdale Hotels?
The Croc Bowling Alley at Ham Yard Hotel because it’s a riot of quirky colour, bespoke appliqué upholstery and vibrant artwork. One cannot fail to have a good time in this space!
What is your interior design peeve?
When everything matches too perfectly. There should always be an element of surprise and a flash of unexpected colour to heighten the senses and make the room alive.
What do you do when you’re not at the Design Studio?
I love to sculpt and you can find my Totems from Artist’s Corner at Shop Kit Kemp. I also like to dive into London’s extraordinary and multicultural art and crafts world as well as horse riding across the heather in the New Forest.
Ellie
What is your favourite room at Firmdale Hotels?
I have always been drawn to some of the more traditional schemes in our hotels and the team often joke about my obsession with florals, so I’ll choose my new room 207 at Charlotte Street Hotel. I love its pretty Papillon wallpaper and the contrasting fresh embroidered white half tester.
What is your interior design peeve?
When people use 50 shades of grey in their interiors!
What do you do when you’re not at the Design Studio?
I paint dog portraits!
Mante
What is your favourite room at Firmdale Hotels?
Ham Yard Hotel’s Terrace Suite has a vibrant yet well balanced and relaxed vibe. It has loads of textures and interest but it isn’t too busy.Â
What is your interior design peeve?
Beige-on-beige and tone-on-tone with no contrast.Â
What do you do when you’re not at the Design Studio?
Practising and teaching yoga.
Polly
What is your favourite room at Firmdale Hotels?
That would have to be Brasserie Max at Covent Garden Hotel. It is moody and romantic and I feel like I’m in Paris every time I visit.Â
What is your interior design peeve?
Decorating bookshelves at home with fake books!
What do you do when you’re not at the Design Studio?
 I like to make lampshades out of leftover fabric.
Ann Marie
What is your favourite room at Firmdale Hotels?
The Terrace Suite at The Soho Hotel is a whimsical musical delight that always makes me feel like having a dance! It’s the perfect balance of boldness, comfort and playfulness.
What is your interior design peeve?
‘Live, Laugh, Love’ decals on walls are a red flag.
What do you do when you’re not at the Design Studio?
I love pottery and making things with my hands. The tactility of clay is grounding and therapeutic. It allows me to truly switch off.
Elizabeth
What is your favourite room at Firmdale Hotels?
The Drawing Room at The Whitby Hotel. It has embroidered walls, antique tables and eclectic artworks which layer the space, resulting in a sophisticated environment.
What is your interior design peeve?
A rug that is too small in a space.Â
What do you do when you’re not at the Design Studio?
I love to travel, cook and do Pilates.
Isabel
What is your favourite room at Firmdale Hotels?
The Crimson Bar at The Soho Hotel. I love the tone of this room which is achieved through a mixture of colours and graphic patterns. The embroidery details on the walls really add a special touch, creating a contemporary and jazzy speakeasy mood.
What is your interior design peeve?
Nautical themed rooms.
What do you do when you’re not at the Design Studio?
I enjoy drawing and I’m currently making some silk scarves.
Geneva
What is your favourite room at Firmdale Hotels?
My favourite room is Crosby Street Hotel’s room 901. I love the extraordinary colour and pattern combinations found within. The hand crafted and appliquéd pomegranates add a special touch to the headboard.
What is your interior design peeve?
This is when walls are too blank and when not enough art is incorporated. Your space should reflect your personality and you should always surround yourself with what you love!Â
What do you do when you’re not at the Design Studio?
In my spare time I love to play squash, research new artists, read, travel, and collect/thrift antiques and clothes.
Minnie
What is your favourite room at Firmdale Hotels?
The Oak Leaf Suite at Ham Yard Hotel. The floor to ceiling loft style windows look out towards six beautiful oak trees in the courtyard. You feel part of the action, but totally secluded at the same time.
What is your interior design peeve?
I hate coasters – who wants to be boxed in!
What do you do when you’re not at the Design Studio?
I love walking my ‘squidgertons’ – Frieda and Diego in Hampstead Heath. They love to chase squirrels. We have thankfully yet to catch one!
Jessica
What is your favourite room at Firmdale Hotels?
 I love being surrounded by the warm coral walls of Ham Yard Hotel’s Drawing Room. The eclectic mix of fabrics keeps your eye entertained whilst the ship chandelier evokes wonder and sparkle.
What is your interior design peeve?
Nothing bothers me more than a sofa that’s too small for a space, or a console that is too large.Â
What do you do when you’re not at the Design Studio?
I love exploring London’s parks with my golden retriever – a brisk daily morning walk or a weekend 5K around Hyde Park.
India
What is your favourite room at Firmdale Hotels?
Room 201 at Number Sixteen. I love the pink and yellow combination. It is light, bright and fun.
What is your interior design peeve?
Hanging pictures too high! I think you should always want the middle of a picture to be in your eye line.
What do you do when you’re not at the Design Studio?
I go to lots of art galleries and host tours visiting artists’ studios around London.
Melissa
What is your favourite room at Firmdale Hotels?
The Orangery at Ham Yard Hotel. It doesn’t matter if you are having an afternoon tea during autumn or a cocktail of a summer evening. It always feels wonderful.
What is your interior design peeve?
Curtains that don’t kiss the floor.
What do you do when you’re not at the Design Studio?
I love sports including yoga, karate, climbing and hiking.Â
Willow
We’d love to you meet our Design Studio’s Willow too. Head to visit our ‘Meet the Maker’ blog post with her here.
We’ve loved introducing our Design Team to you! Keep in touch with our projects and ‘Out and About’ adventures on Instagram @KitKempDesignThread.