ABOUT
As a child I always loved to draw and paint, a hobby that became an Art A-level and later discussions doing an of Art Foundation course. However, I decided go down a more academic route, studying History of Art at Bristol University.
I then began my career working in various London advertising agencies, latterly as Group Marketing Manager for The Conran Design Group. Whilst my children were very young, I gained experience running my own businesses, firstly running an online community for grandparents, then as a Marketing Consultant.
Wanting to explore my creativity more, I retrained with KLC Design School, completing their Online Certificate of Interior Design in December 2020. I’ve always felt this was more of a career shift than a career change, as Interior Design brings together so many strands of my skillset together; drawing, art, nurturing a range of relationships, running a small business, being a strong communicator and very organised. So, after an internship with Lisa Bradburn Interior Design and working freelance for Georgie Wykeham Designs, I launched Chello Interior Design in 2021. I share my West Sussex-based home with my husband and three children.
"The whole process has been a really interesting, informative and totally satisfying experience from the first planning and exploratory meeting. The end result is excellent and I am so grateful for the professional and friendly management from start to finish."
Joan MacKinnon
MY STYLE ETHOS
For me, our homes are our anchors in an ever-changing life. We can impact upon and improve these surroundings, as expressions of ourselves though interior decoration. I advise my clients to move beyond shopping and trends, and for us to draw from your experiences to create a room that is designed to meet your own aesthetic.
Added to this, it’s all about how a space makes us feel, whether it be a bathroom, playroom or pool house. Getting this right from the outset is vital as it underpins the whole approach of your project and ensures it uniquely fits with your needs, both practical and emotional.
It’s very important to me to listen carefully to my client’s aspirations for the room, to take in the space and its uses and consider how light affects it. Cookie-cutter interiors aren’t what I’m about, so I don’t want to pigeon-hole myself; working to a particular style would be hugely restrictive creatively.
That said, I think it is helpful to describe what my interior’s heartland is to potential clients. Left to my own devices, I would describe my style as 'Modern English' country house. I love traditional, smart yet homely country interiors with a sense of balance, that nod to both the past and future. I try to create spaces that feel supportive to the lives they hold; that have an attention to detail that is both beautiful and of a quality that ensures permanence. I believe that a good interior designer’s role is to make clients more assertive in their choices, so that they come to love their houses more as homes.
"Charlotte had wonderful yet considered ideas to redesign our sitting room. It was wonderful to have a fresh suggestions that transformed the room. I will use again in due course and would totally recommend."
Victoria Harris