Portia’s eponymous studio crafts luxurious, deeply personal interiors with timeless craftsmanship and effortless sophistication
Portia founded her studio in 2017, bringing over 20 years of global experienceHow would you sum up your design ethos?
Our signature style is a balance of sophistication and warmth, blending contemporary elements with classic influences. I’d say that our ethos as a studio is defined by meticulous attention to detail and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship. Whenever possible, we love to curate and add bespoke furniture, art, and finishes to our projects, aiming to create timeless and layered interiors that feel both luxurious and deeply personal.
How do you balance elegance with comfort in the home?
It starts with understanding the client’s lifestyle and how they intend to use each space. By first establishing a functional foundation that meets practical needs, you can then incorporate colours, textures and patterns to create an elegant scheme. I think comfort is about deeply considered design, and having everything you need at your fingertips, and elegance is the polished integration of these practical elements. Comfort is also knowing the right depth, rake or splay of an armchair to suit its purpose.
How has working internationally shaped your aesthetic?
Travelling, for both business and pleasure, plays a significant role in shaping my creative perspective, exposing me to different cultural aesthetics, materials, and architectural traditions. But London also remains a constant source of inspiration. The city offers an incredibly rich architectural landscape, from stunning period properties with intricate detailing and historical charm to cutting-edge contemporary homes. This diversity allows us to work across a wide range of design styles and influences.
Portia and her team create extraordinary interiors for exclusive spaces across the globeTell me about a favourite project you’ve completed.
While we’ve worked on several large-scale projects in London, the one we’re most proud of is an exceptionally complex 7,500 sq ft residence in Chelsea. This project, which we managed from inception to the final styling details, has been one of our most challenging – yet celebrated – to date. We were involved in every aspect, collaborating closely with contractors and consultants, including architects, lighting and AV designers, security specialists, MEP engineers, and joiners. Our role extended beyond space planning to selecting all internal finishes and designing intricate bespoke elements such as ceiling and flooring patterns, doors, fireplaces, and custom joinery – including wardrobes, dressing rooms, TV units, bars, and display units.
How does your background in textiles influence your work?
I’ve always been fascinated by the interplay of materials, textures, and finishes. Textiles have a profound impact on the mood of an interior. The softness of a mohair, the sheen of a silk, or the ruggedness of a linen weave can completely transform the sensory experience of a room. I approach each scheme with a keen eye for layering myriad textiles – whether it’s through upholstery, drapery, rugs, or soft furnishings – to create character and warmth, instantly imbuing the space with the feel of somewhere that is well-established.
© Richard PickavenceHow do you integrate sustainability and craftsmanship into luxury design?
Every member of the team at Portia Fox has a deep appreciation for craftsmanship. On every project, we collaborate with British and international artisans and makers to design custom furniture and joinery and in our sourcing of lighting, fabrics, accessories and artwork. Craftsmanship needs to shine through in all the spaces we create. Prioritisation of quality craftsmanship is synonymous with sustainability, as the quality and longevity of hand-crafted items will far outlive that of mass-produced items, allowing these pieces to become heirlooms, which can be passed down from generation to generation. We advocate buying once and buying well.
What’s inspiring you right now?
We’ve recently noticed a focus on ceiling design. Ceilings are no longer an afterthought but an integral part of a room’s identity. As colour drenching gained popularity in 2024, extending bold creativity to ceilings is the next logical step. This year, designers are embracing the ceiling as a fifth wall, where elements like hand-painted murals, sculptural ceiling roses, and deep cornices can elevate the entire room’s aesthetic. This trend also aligns with the growing design focus on personalisation. Clients typically seek spaces that feel curated and unique, and elaborate ceiling treatments allow for self-expression.
