Welcome to the Style Journal Tara. When did your love for interior design begin? It began at a very young age, around six or seven. I grew up watching my parents renovate their homes and was involved from the start, which gave me an early appreciation for how
spaces come together. I always knew I wanted to work in a creative industry, and once I began studying interior design at KLC School of Design, it became clear that this was the career path for me.
With so many different clients with different needs, where do you seek inspiration to keep your ideas fresh and exciting? Inspiration comes from many different places, often when I least expect it. The property itself and its surroundings are always my starting point, as they naturally set the tone and direction of the design. Listening to what the building and its setting are telling you is incredibly important. For example, on the
St Margaret’s Bay project, the house overlooked the White Cliffs of Dover, which became a key source of inspiration for the colour palette, tones and textures used throughout the scheme.
You have featured our Raydon Wall Light most recently in this beautiful bathroom composition. How do multiple light fittings within a bathroom enhance the functionality and atmosphere of the space? In this bathroom, lighting was absolutely key as it is a north-facing room with limited natural light. Using three
Raydon wall lights, positioned either side of each
mirror, creates a warm, soft glow while adding depth and visual interest. This
layered approach to lighting not only improves functionality around the vanity unit but also elevates the overall atmosphere of the space, making the double vanity unit the true focal point. Previously, the first thing you saw when entering the room was the toilet, so we redesigned the layout and lighting to shift the focus and create a more considered, luxurious experience.
How important is lighting to you when you compile design ideas and mood boards to present to your customer? Lighting is fundamental to every scheme I create. It has the ability to completely transform a space and is one of the most effective ways to introduce mood, warmth and atmosphere. Whether I’m
designing a bathroom, living room or bedroom, lighting plays a central role and is always carefully considered on our mood boards. Layering ambient, task and accent lighting is key to creating spaces that feel not only highly functional and inviting.
Do you see lighting as a way to unify the textures, tones and patterns within your designs. Absolutely. Lighting is a powerful way to unify textures, tones and patterns, both through illumination and the play of shadow. It helps to
create atmosphere, depth and visual interest, and can truly bring a room to life by highlighting the details that make a space feel considered and cohesive.
How do you encourage clients to bring a touch of their own personality to a project? We spend a lot of time at the very beginning of each project getting to know our clients’ needs, preferences and lifestyle, which allows us to naturally weave their personality into the final designs. Whether it’s a full home transformation or an update to a single room, it’s essential that the finished space reflects who they are, so it truly feels like home when they walk through the door at the end of the day.
We love how you've used another one of our lights in this gorgeous living room. What about this space made it the perfect choice to include the Dulwich Wall Light? This dark, inviting living room is all about layers, texture and atmosphere. It’s designed as a space to retreat to at the end of the day, whether that’s watching a movie or enjoying good conversation and a glass of wine with friends. The antiqued brass finish and classic silhouette of the
Dulwich Wall Light felt like the perfect fit, adding warmth and a sophisticated touch that completes the overall scheme.
Finally, a few quick-fire questions.
What are your top tips for making a house feel like a home? Layering, layering, layering. Whether it’s textures, tones, fabrics, lighting or materials, the key to making a house feel like a home is adding
thoughtful layers that create warmth, depth and a space that feels both inviting and considered.
What’s your favourite room to design? Bathrooms. They’re endlessly interesting because there’s far more to them than people often realise.
Spatial planning, functionality and materiality all play a crucial role in creating a space that is both practical and beautiful. It’s the room where we start and end each day, and with the wonderful finishes, lighting and accessories now available for bathroom use, it can be so much more than just a place to wash.
What’s a staple homeware piece that every house needs?
Baskets. They add texture and character while being wonderfully practical — perfect for hiding all manner of everyday clutter in style.
Your favourite Jim Lawrence product? It’s hard to choose a favourite, as there are so many pieces I admire for both their design and the quality of the finish. I’m especially loving the
Shotley Fluted Wall Light right now and am hoping to incorporate into an upcoming project. The scalloped glass shade is just irresistible — wonderfully delicate with a playful edge that adds real personality to a space.
SHOP THE LOOK
Dulwich Wall Light
Raydon Fluted Wall Light
Bletchley Loo Roll Holder
Govan Hook
Follow Tara Ashwell Designs on Instagram @taraashwelldesigns for inspiration for your home interiors and behind the scenes look at her projects, or visit www.taraashwelldesigns.com to view her portfolio and book a consultation.