On a rainy October evening in London, I celebrated one of the proudest moments of my career. Charlotte Stuart Interiors is now part of the 30th edition of the Andrew Martin Interior Design Review, the book many in the industry call the bible of interior designers.
When I first received the news earlier this year, I genuinely had to keep checking that I’d understood it correctly. Was it really me? Had I actually been selected? As a Hampshire based interior designer, finding myself amongst some of the greatest names in the industry, many of whom I’ve admired throughout my career, felt almost impossible to believe.
Being included in this book has been a personal ambition and a business goal of mine for years. To have finally achieved it is quite extraordinary, and rather than feeling I’ve reached the finish line, it’s given me an even greater determination to keep pushing forward and growing the studio.
An Evening at the V&A
Arriving at the Victoria and Albert Museum, I felt a mixture of nerves, excitement and a rather overwhelming sense of disbelief. Even before the doors opened, there was a wonderful buzz amongst fellow designers, with a little star spotting of some of my industry heroes!
Stepping into the magnificent entrance hall, illuminated in pinks, blues and oranges beneath that extraordinary chandelier, was a real pinch me moment.
The evening was wonderfully noisy, full of champagne, cocktails, familiar faces and new introductions. Celebrating thirty years of the Andrew Martin Interior Design Review, often described as the Oscars of the interior design world, was quite an occasion.
I particularly enjoyed Ben Pentreath’s warm, funny and refreshingly down to earth acceptance speech as this year’s overall winner. Having admired his work for many years, and having had the privilege of working on a penthouse project in Poundbry designed by him, it was especially lovely to see him receive such well deserved recognition.
It was also such a pleasure to meet Rebecca Hughes, whose talent I greatly admire. What struck me most was how generous and open she was about the realities of running a design business. Behind what can appear to be a very glamorous industry lies an enormous amount of hard work, and I found our conversation both refreshing and inspiring.
I celebrated alongside my wonderfully dynamic friend Verity of Rascals and Roses. Over the years we’ve shared many conversations about the highs and challenges of running our own studios, and having that friendship and support within the industry is something I value enormously. It made the evening even more special to share it with her.
And, of course, there was the outfit!
Never one to resist a little sparkle or an excuse to dress up, I resurrected a rather fabulous electric blue and purple metallic ensemble, bought many years ago in Paris whilst attending Déco Off, an interiors event (perks of the job!). Very 1980s, complete with Fendi diamanté buckled shoes, older than my 21 year old daughter, and of course, blue eyeliner and mascara!
Sadly, we never quite captured a full length photograph of the outfit, which, in hindsight, may not have been such a bad thing. The pencil skirt, had absolutely no give, and I was quickly reminded why it doesn’t make more regular appearances - I spent most of the evening wishing I could undo the zip. But if ever there was an occasion to embrace a little theatrical dressing, this was it.
A Personal Milestone
For thirty years, the Review has brought together the Top 100 Global Designers, showcasing an extraordinary collection of work from across the world. To find Charlotte Stuart Interiors amongst designers such as Ben Pentreath, Kit Kemp, Kelly Hoppen and Sophie Paterson is something I still find quite difficult to comprehend.
The book features some of my favourite projects: Our London Georgian Townhouse, The Barn , The Mews House and The Georgian House.
They couldn’t be more different from one another, but each began in the same way, with the building and the people who live in it. Every scheme was designed to feel as though it had always belonged there.
Seeing them together in print made me reflect on how far the studio has come, and I would like to admit that I am proud. Incredibly proud, in fact, of what we have achieved.
A Thank You
I’m so grateful to Andrew Martin and his team for this recognition, and to every client who has trusted me with their home.
Thank you also to the craftspeople, contractors and suppliers who bring these schemes to life. None of it happens without their expertise and hard work, and we do enjoy a giggle along the way.
This recognition is undoubtedly a career highlight, but it also feels like the beginning of another exciting chapter for Charlotte Stuart Interiors. There is so much more I would like to achieve, and I’m looking forward to seeing where the studio goes next.
And on that note, I think I’ve just delivered my Oscars acceptance speech!
If you’re thinking about a project of your own, I’d love to hear from you.
The Andrew Martin Interior Design Review, Volume 30, is available to purchase through Andrew Martin. You can find Charlotte Stuart Interiors featured on pages 305 - 311.
