Crafting Interiors with Precision: The Hamilford Design Approach
Hamilford Design is a Notting Hill based interior design studio working across luxury residential and selected hospitality projects in London, New York and Europe. Rooted in Italian craftsmanship and shaped by an international career spanning two cities, the studio brings a fully considered approach to every project, from listed London properties and country estates to New York townhouses, taking the time to understand both the client and the building before making any decisions about how a space should look or feel.
Founded on the belief that there is no single design formula, Hamilford Design approaches each project individually, shaping interiors around the client, the architecture and the way a space is intended to be lived in. This absence of a fixed house style allows for a more nuanced and responsive process, resulting in spaces that feel both resolved and deeply personal.
In this LPF Insider interview, LPF Founder, Priya Rawal spoke with Manuela Hamilford, Founder of Hamilford Design, about balancing creativity with the constraints of heritage properties, the importance of craftsmanship and materiality, and why true luxury lies not in excess, but in quality, detail and how a space ultimately makes people feel.
Manuela, it is so lovely to speak with you. Could you start by telling us a little bit about yourself and Hamilford Design?
Hamilford Design is a Notting Hill based interior design studio specialising in luxury residential and selected commercial projects. We work across everything from listed London homes and New York townhouses to country estates and restaurants across Europe, offering a fully considered service from concept through to completion.
That breadth of work is really interesting. What first drew you to design, and what eventually led you to start your own studio?
I’ve always had a passion for design. I grew up in Vicenza in Italy, surrounded by architecture and craftsmanship, before starting my career in New York working for a bespoke Italian furnishings company. After moving to London, it felt like the right time to start my own studio and bring those influences together to follow my passion.
That combination of Italian craftsmanship, New York energy and London heritage feels very distinctive. How would you describe what sets Hamilford Design apart?
We don’t have a fixed house style. Every project is shaped around the client, the building and how the space will be used. We focus on creating interiors that feel considered and comfortable, rather than overly designed, with a lot of attention to materials, craftsmenship and detail.
I completely agree that the best interiors feel deeply considered rather than imposed. Could you walk us through what a typical working day looks like for you?
No two days are the same. I might start the day on site reviewing progress with contractors and finish in the studio with the team working through drawings or sourcing finishes. I’m very hands-on across all our projects and spend a lot of time with clients to make sure the end result feels right for them.
That hands-on approach is so important, particularly in the luxury residential space where the details really matter. Every leader faces challenges, so what are some of the more difficult aspects of the work?
Working with listed buildings can be challenging, as you need to respect the history while making the space work for modern living. More generally, balancing creativity with timelines and practical constraints is always part of the process.
That balance between creativity and practicality is such a big part of delivering exceptional projects. On the other side, what have been some of the moments you are most proud of?
Restoring Westcott Lodge was a real highlight. It’s a Grade II listed property with a lot of history, so bringing it back to life while maintaining its character was very rewarding. More recently, moving further into hospitality and working on projects like The Langham Hotel London, has been exciting.
That must have been incredibly rewarding. Where do you tend to look for inspiration when you are beginning or shaping a project?
A lot of my inspiration comes from travel and everyday experiences. Growing up in Italy had a strong influence and my time in New York shaped my approach in a different way. I also find inspiration in galleries, exhibitions and even books and food.
I love that, because so much of great design comes from observing how people live, travel and experience the world. What advice would you give to someone who wants to build a career and become a leader in this industry?
For me, it’s been about staying hands-on and building the right relationships over time. You learn a lot through experience, particularly from the more challenging projects, and that shapes how you work going forward.
That is such an important point. In a relationship-led industry, trust is built over time. Finally, what does luxury mean to you?
Luxury is about quality and attention to detail. It’s not about expense or excess, but about creating spaces that make people feel good.
That really resonates. Luxury is increasingly about how a space supports the way people live, not just how it looks. Looking ahead, where would you like to take the studio next?
I’d like to continue to grow the studio, taking on projects that feel interesting and well aligned. We’re enjoying the move into hospitality, so developing that further is important, alongside continuing to design homes that are thoughtful and genuinely reflective of the people living in them.
About Hamilford Design
Hamilford Design, led by Manuela Hamilford, is a London-based interior design studio renowned for creating elegant, luxurious interiors that blend contemporary sophistication with natural beauty. With a focus on high-end residential work and select hospitality projects, the studio designs globally—from listed homes in London and New York townhouses to country estates and boutique properties across Europe.
Guided by a client-led, collaborative process, Hamilford Design offers a comprehensive suite of services, including new build design, renovations, spatial planning and full creative direction. Manuela’s Italian heritage and time in New York inform the studio’s distinctive style—one that harmonises classic elegance with modern sensibility.
Each project is deeply personal and contextual, designed to reflect the client’s lifestyle while resonating with the character of its surroundings. With meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to enduring style, Hamilford Design shapes timeless spaces that are as functional as they are beautifully individual.
get in touch
To find out more about Hamilford Design, please contact the team using the details below:
T: +44 20 3887 6900
Visit their website: www.hamilforddesign.com