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Fiona Duke is renowned for her eclectic and effortless interiors. Working across residential and commercial projects from her Essex studio, she has received numerous accolades. We spoke to Fiona to find out more…
About Fiona Duke Interiors
I set up the studio in June 2014, my projects are often full house renovations in the Essex and London area but I have done a couple further afield as they were great projects to take on!
Happy home – happy life
I’m a great believer in good interior design changing the way you feel and ultimately making you happier. We spend so much time in our homes (especially given the events of recent years…) and sometimes we can fall out of love a little with our home or certain parts of the home for a number of reasons. Our job is to find out why the interior isn’t working well and what changes are needed. Hopefully our concept designs will reignite the joy the client gets from their home and ultimately make them happier.
Most requested by your clients
I went through a stage of designing a lot of bathrooms! It seemed that every new client wanted new a bathroom!
Favourite room to design
I do enjoy designing bathrooms although there is always a lot of work involved. Bedrooms are nice rooms to work on. Less complicated than kitchens and bathrooms!
Bringing character to new builds / bringing a modern twist to an old building…
I’ve been lucky enough to work on a number of beautiful character buildings that inject their own personality into a design. However, I am mindful of not making these buildings feel too pastiche, so I always like to add some surprise contemporary elements. In one of my recent projects ‘Edwardian Mansion‘ it was wonderful to design the entrance where modern decorative lighting and contemporary internal glazing sits side by side with the original wooden architectural features of the building.
“I always like to add some surprise contemporary elements”
Images: Parisian Globe Light and Elon Wall Lights – Edwardian Mansion project
Amber Palermo – Edwardian Villa project
Photography: Anna Stathaki
Art and objects in schemes…
It’s great if a client has a few beautiful art pieces or if you are able to purchase new art for a client as these can really elevate a concept design. Great example of this is in the recently completed Edwardian Villa entrance hall where the Pure White Lines Amber Palermo chandelier sits alongside the large framed artwork to create a standout first impression to the home.
I’m also a fan of using a statement paint colour to create wonderful backdrops.
Lighting schemes
I often start each room with the lighting scheme. Lighting is so important and you need to consider this at the very beginning. The placement and design of what lighting you are planning can then be the starting point for the concept. For our Edwardian Villa project the placement of the vintage Italian over counter lighting was one of the starting points for the entire design.
“It’s great if a client has a few beautiful art pieces or if you are able to purchase new art for a client as these can really elevate a concept design”
Photography: Anna Stathaki
Love for vintage
I love using vintage or vintage style lighting because it gives a room instant personality and interest.
Favourite Pure White Lines piece
The Amber Palermo Chandelier has to be my favourite piece. I’ve recently used it on the last project and I’ve also bought one for my own renovation and hoping to see this installed very soon!
“I love using vintage or vintage style lighting because it gives a room instant personality and interest.”
Images: Vintage Holophane Globe – Edwardian Villa
Amber Palermo Chandelier – Edwardian Villa
Photography: Anna Stathaki
To find out more about Fiona Duke Interiors click here or follow on Instagram.
Featured products…
If you’re looking for a true statement piece look no further than our range of Palermo chandeliers and wall lighting.
