The Way I Work... Interior Designer Hollie Bowden’s 5 Tips For Curating A Stylish Home
When it comes to interior design, Hollie Bowden is nothing short of a chameleon, adapting her style to suit the multitude of spaces she’s been recruited to transform. Whether it’s an elegant townhouse in the heart of London or a wellbeing retreat in Ibiza, the London-based creative has built over time a portfolio that spans the globe.
With every project, Bowden dives into an in-depth research journey – exploring books, art, and cultural history – to design environments that not only reflect their surroundings but tell a distinct story. Anna Jewsbury, creative director of jewellery brand CompletedWorks, Bowden transformed her central London studio into a space that perfectly mirrors the brand’s essence. Steel staircases, striking jewellery displays and warm, sand-toned walls create a seamless blend of calm and creativity, while echoing Jewsbury’s passion for tactile, sculptural designs. Bowden didn’t just design a studio for function; she curated an atmosphere that mirrors Jewsbury’s own vision, turning it into a tangible reality.
Here, the interior designer sits down with Service95 to share the ins and outs of completing a project from start to finish, her love of fashion history and her five tips for building your dream home…
On My Morning Routine… Gosh, it’s madness. I’ve got twin girls. My mornings aren’t like they used to be, when I could take my time getting up! I used to stroll to work, grab a coffee, maybe go for a run or head to the gym – it was all very relaxed. But now, I usually get woken up between 7am and 8am, which is quite nice, since they aren’t early risers. And my mornings are all about getting them ready for nursery. I still try to go for a run, though. I love running – it’s the one thing I can consistently do when I travel. I live near Finsbury Park, so I run around there sometimes. Rain or shine, I try to get my run in.
On Studio Life… We’ve got a gorgeous studio on Calvert Avenue, near Shoreditch, just behind Redchurch Street. It’s a real foodie hub: Rochelle Canteen is across from us, and we’ve got Leila’s, Brat, Brawn and Lyle’s nearby. I love going for long lunches, probably twice a week. In the evenings, I’m more of a light eater: a soup or something if I’m at home. But I do like to indulge at lunch, catching up with friends. I find it really inspiring, having a long lunch somewhere like Rochelle, just talking about ideas and work. I’m surrounded by so many creative people, whether they’re in fashion, interiors, or antiques – it’s a big part of my world.
My Ideal Working Environment… I’m someone who thrives in a bit of chaos but keeps a tidy mind, if that makes sense. It can get a bit mad here, especially since we sell furniture. One day we might sell 10 pieces, and then I’ll bring in more, so the space is constantly evolving. I like that, though – I get bored easily. I love change, fresh ideas and new things, but I also have pieces I adore.
We’ve been in this studio for five years, and we’ve just renewed our lease for another five. It feels like I’ve built a real relationship with this place. [It’s] two big studios connected by a courtyard, with lots of plants. It’s a lovely spot, especially since the studios are always sunny. Anyone who visits is amazed. It’s an old bank, so it has this great character, and being in a foodie hub in a cool area is just perfect. Lots of my friends work nearby, which is a bonus.
My Working Soundtrack… I’m more of a ‘silence’ person. I like reggae sometimes in the studio. I’m dyslexic, so silence helps me focus better. That said, when we’re just playing around with samples, background music can be fine. There’s one song that’s really special to me: Seabird by the Alessi Brothers. It reminds me of a trip to Mexico in 2017 or 2018, which was a big turning point for me creatively. Mexico was incredible: the architecture, the creative people I met, the furniture designers, the artists, the history. Before that, I’d been more of a one-man band, but this trip came right when I was transitioning into bigger projects. It really ignited something in me creatively, and that energy felt perfectly aligned with what I was working on.
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Where I Go To Find Inspiration… [In our studio] we have boards with imagery everywhere and an incredible sample library. We’ve been collecting samples from all over the world for about 10 years now. It’s great because when we start a new project, we can reference older ones – like pulling in that hand-woven fabric we loved but didn’t use. It’s such a valuable resource to have at our fingertips.
Travel plays a huge role because we work in so many different places. For example, in Amsterdam, we’ve been researching Amsterdam School furniture and visiting museums to tap into the local landscape and history. I believe the best projects are the ones where you’ve really understood the location.
Books are a major resource for me, but I also find inspiration on Instagram. I recently visited the Peggy Guggenheim Museum in Venice, and it was such a dreamy experience, pulling up to the museum by boat. Jean Cocteau had an exhibition there, and while I was familiar with his work, I discovered so many new aspects of his artistry. He had these fascinating wire masks that I hadn’t seen before; learning more about his work and watching some of his films was incredibly inspiring.
So, art galleries are a big source of inspiration, along with shopping – a weekend in Paris is my absolute favourite. There’s nothing like visiting the markets and hunting for antiques. I might come across a stunning 1930s sofa that becomes the focal point for a project.
What I’m Currently Working On… A project in the Bahamas, and we’re looking way back into history, studying old Bahamian architectural details – things like woodwork, fences and roofs. We’re collaborating closely with the architects to really understand the design language of the place.
What I’d Be Doing If I Wasn’t An Interior Designer… Probably something in fashion, maybe styling. Fashion has always been a part of my life. I’ve started renting out my clothes because I have so many incredible archive pieces. I feel like I have this secret wardrobe filled with amazing stuff. I’ve been collecting for about 20 years. I find things all over the world – eBay, Etsy, Depop and during my travels. New York is a great place for vintage finds, and I love Portobello Market in London. I assisted my friend [stylist] Karen Clarkson for a while, and I realised that while I enjoyed styling, I really just wanted to wear the clothes.
My Personal Style… I love brands such as Totême and Jil Sander for their ease. When life gets hectic, I don’t want to fuss over my outfit; I just want to throw something on that feels good. I often get my basics from Margaret Howell. There’s also a jewellery designer I like named Amy Rodriguez, who makes her own pieces. Cecilie Bahnsen is another good one! I always wear her stuff, and she often lends me pieces. I feel really good in them. I also rate my friend Tessa, who has a brand called HAI. She does simple pieces in great cuts and multiple colours. It’s almost like a uniform. My style is a mix of up-and-coming designers with some big names. I’m also a massive fan of Jean Paul Gaultier and Vivienne Westwood. I don’t want to leave anyone out!
Interior Designer Hollie Bowden’s 5 Tips For Curating A Stylish Home
- Identify Your Style – Figure out what you truly want and what styles resonate with you. Create mood boards or gather images that inspire you.
- Collect Samples – Start gathering samples like paint swatches, tiles, and wood samples to help you establish a comfortable colour palette for your space.
- Consider Furniture Choices – Think about the significance of furniture in your home. Balance aesthetic appeal with comfort, ensuring your selections reflect your lifestyle.
- Incorporate Personal References – Fill your space with furniture and art that resonate with you, making it unique to your tastes and experiences.
- Plan Your Space’s Functionality – Decide how you want to use each area of your home, such as whether to include a spare bedroom, a dining room, or a cosy nook. Layout your space based on how you plan to live in it.
Pia Brynteson is Content Editor at Service95
