If you’ve ever spoken to a friend or neighbour who’s been through a renovation, you’ll know that building work has a reputation for being stressful. From spiralling costs to slipping deadlines, the process can quickly feel overwhelming. But why does it so often feel this way - and more importantly, how can it be different?

If you’ve never worked with an interior designer before, one of the things you might be curious about is how trade discounts work. It’s a question I’m asked often, and it’s worth explaining because it can actually be a big benefit of working with a designer.

The humble utility room is often overlooked, yet it’s one of the hardest working spaces in any home. Whether tucked away in a period property or included in a modern extension, a well-designed utility can make daily life feel calmer, more organised, and much more enjoyable.

For many people, working with an interior designer is something you’ll only do once or twice in your lifetime. It’s a very personal service - after all, your home is where your life happens - so it’s natural to have questions about how the process works and what to expect.

Some homes hold decades of family memories - but over time, they begin to feel tired and in need of fresh energy. Our Blossom Drive Project was exactly that: a much-loved home, untouched for over 30 years, that our clients wanted to revive while staying in the neighbourhood they cherished.

Lighting has the power to completely transform the atmosphere of a home. It’s not just about illumination - it’s about mood, function, and creating spaces that feel inviting at any time of day. As an interior designer in Bristol, I always place lighting at the heart of my projects because it can make or break the way a room feels.

Before I started Khaya Studio and returned to the world of residential interior design, I spent ten years in London working in the exciting world of retail design. It was fast-paced, creative, and often a little bit chaotic - but it taught me so much about design, detail, and creating spaces that truly connect with people.

When creating or renovating a home, the relationship between the architect and interior designer is one of the most important foundations for success. Both bring unique expertise to a project, and when they work in harmony, the result is a home that not only functions beautifully but also feels timeless, elegant, and deeply personal.

Working with a listed building is a privilege, but it also comes with unique challenges. These properties are steeped in history and character, and as an interior designer in Bristol, I’m often asked how to approach listed buildings in a way that respects their heritage while ensuring they remain comfortable and functional for modern life.

Victorian terraces are full of character, but they often come with a challenge: their long, narrow proportions can make spaces feel smaller than they really are. As an interior designer in Bristol, I often work with homeowners to find clever ways of maximising space and light while retaining the period charm that makes these homes so special.

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, especially for families. It’s where we cook, gather, and spend so much of our daily lives together. But when it comes to designing a kitchen, it’s easy to get caught up in trends and aesthetics, forgetting to consider how the space will actually be used.

I had the incredible privilege of styling and staging the Waterside Project, a stunning property overlooking Pittwater Estuary in Sydney. This breathtaking location called for interiors that complemented the natural beauty outside while creating a warm, inviting space for holiday guests.

As an interior designer, I live and breathe design. It’s not just my job - it’s my passion. I’m constantly immersed in the world of interiors, always on the lookout for inspiration and new ideas that could shape future projects.

As an interior designer, I have the privilege of working on projects that balance beauty with history. The Preserve Cottage Project, set within the enchanting grounds of a historic castle, is a perfect example of how thoughtful design can both respect heritage and create a warm, welcoming home.

In recent years, we’ve seen an interesting shift in the property and interiors world - the rise of the serviced apartment. Once mainly the preserve of business travellers, serviced apartments are increasingly being sought after by those looking for flexible, design-led living spaces without the commitment of long-term tenancy.

When it comes to transforming your home, choosing the right interior designer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. While it can be tempting to look further afield for inspiration, working with a local interior designer in Bristol offers a host of benefits that can make your project smoother, more personal, and ultimately more successful.

As an interior designer in Bristol, I’m always asked where I find inspiration - and while travel, nature and the beautiful homes I have the privilege of working in play a huge part, I also draw so much creativity from the work of other designers around the world.

In the world of interiors, trends come and go faster than ever. One minute it’s boucle everything, the next it’s dopamine brights or checkerboard rugs. While it’s tempting to follow what’s ‘in’, the truth is that many trends date quickly — leaving your home feeling out of step just a year or two later.

When it comes to creating a home you truly love, working with the right interior designer can make all the difference. Bristol is home to a wonderful community of creative designers, but finding the perfect fit for your project can feel overwhelming.

We’re absolutely thrilled to share that Khaya Studio has been invited to join H&G’s The List - House & Garden’s prestigious directory of the country’s leading interior designers, architects, and makers.