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Welcome to the Harp Design Interior Design Blog
What you’ll find here:
At the Harp Design Interior Design Blog, we share a mix of practical knowledge, studio updates, and real conversations from across the interior design industry, including:
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News, updates, and announcements from the Harp Design team.
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Interior design tips and insights.
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Stories and features from our podcast guests.
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What Is a CDM Principal Designer? And Why More Interior Designers Should Be Talking About It
What is a CDM principal designer
Harp Design
Jul 192 min read
Beyond Escapes Devon Interior Design Case Study | Harp Design
Some projects stay with you long after they're completed. Beyond Escapes Devon is one of those projects. Back in 2018, Harp Design was appointed to design and deliver the interiors for the first of what was planned to become a portfolio of luxury holiday destinations. The £12 million development introduced a fresh approach to the UK staycation market, combining boutique accommodation, exceptional hospitality and wellness in the heart of the Devon countryside. Designing an Exp
Hayley Roy
Jul 122 min read
UKFR Fabrics: What Every Interior Designer Needs to Know Before Specifying
This is what can happen if you specify the wrong fabric as a designer. If you've ever sat in a design meeting and confidently chosen a beautiful fabric, only to discover later that it doesn't meet fire regulations, you're not alone and as designers we are responsible to make sure we are getting this right. Fire-retardant fabrics are one of those subjects that many designers don't fully understand when they leave college or university. Yet in the commercial world, whether you
Hayley Roy
Jun 156 min read
Why Commercial Interior Design Is No Longer Just About Looks
Commercial interior design is no longer just about creating beautiful spaces. Today, successful environments must improve wellbeing, support business performance, enhance customer experience, and function efficiently. In this blog, Harp Design explores how commercial interiors are evolving beyond aesthetics to become strategic tools for hospitality, workplace, healthcare, and leisure businesses.
Hayley Roy
May 113 min read
Timeless Design at Haycock Manor Hotel: A Case Study in Lasting Elegance
Good design is often judged by its immediate impact, but the true test lies in how well it endures over time. Haycock Manor Hotel, originally designed by Harp Design in 2020, offers a compelling example of design that remains strong, elegant, and purposeful years after completion. A recent revisit to the hotel reveals a space that continues to impress both visually and commercially, proving that thoughtful design choices can create lasting value. The Bar area at Haycock Mano
Hayley Roy
Apr 283 min read
Five Lakes, Potters Resorts: Designing for Connection, Experience and Performance
Set within over 300 acres of Essex countryside, Five Lakes at Potters Resorts isn’t just a hotel — it’s an experience-led destination. Built around all-inclusive hospitality, entertainment, and activities, the resort is designed to bring people together in a way that few UK venues truly achieve. But with that level of offering comes a challenge: How do you design spaces that work all day, for every type of guest, without losing comfort or identity? The Role of the Social Spac
Hayley Roy
Apr 62 min read
Teatime Bradford - Designing the First of Many
Teatime Bradford marks the launch of a scalable café concept designed for growth. This project focuses on creating a welcoming, high-perform
Hayley Roy
Apr 51 min read
Shaping Modern Business Spaces in London: Innovative Commercial Design Trends
When I think about the evolution of business spaces in London, I’m always fascinated by how design shapes not just the look but the very experience of work. The city’s commercial interiors are no longer just about functionality; they’re about creating environments that inspire, engage, and adapt to the ever-changing needs of businesses. Over the years, I’ve seen a remarkable shift towards innovative commercial design trends that blend aesthetics with practicality, sustainabil
Hayley Roy
Apr 54 min read
The Wedding Shop - Mother of the Bride | Retail Interior Design
A calm, confident, and quietly luxurious retail interior designed for The Wedding Shop – Mother of the Bride. This project demonstrates how restraint, layered texture, and thoughtful lighting can create an elevated yet approachable space for an important and emotional customer journey.
Hayley Roy
Jan 184 min read
Designing the Hotel Room of the Future at No Vacancy London
Harp Design is proud to be sponsoring No Vacancy London, designing both the main stage and the Hotel Room of the Future. From temperature-regulating beds to water-recycling showers and genuinely sustainable materials, this project explores how hospitality design can improve guest wellbeing while reducing environmental impact.
Hayley Roy
Jan 12 min read
London Project Strategies: Key Insights into Project Management
When it comes to managing projects in a bustling, fast-paced city like London, the approach needs to be sharp, adaptable, and well-informed. Over the years, I’ve seen how the right strategies can transform complex projects into smooth, successful ventures. Whether you’re overseeing a commercial development, a hospitality refurbishment, or a retail space redesign, understanding the nuances of project management in London is crucial. Let’s dive into some key insights that can h
Hayley Roy
Dec 30, 20254 min read
Succeeding with Office Design Tips and Build
Designing an office is about far more than choosing colours and furniture. A successful workspace supports productivity, creativity, and comfort while adapting to the needs of the people who use it every day. In this post, we share practical office design tips to help you create a workspace that truly works.
Hayley Roy
Dec 29, 20254 min read
Exploring Commercial Design Trends: What’s Shaping Spaces Today?
When it comes to creating spaces that work hard and look great, staying ahead of the curve in commercial design trends is essential. Whether you’re developing a new office, revamping a retail outlet, or upgrading hospitality venues, the right design choices can make all the difference. I’ve spent a lot of time exploring what’s current and what’s next in this dynamic field, and I’m excited to share insights that can help you make informed decisions for your projects. The Impor
Hayley Roy
Dec 17, 20255 min read
Common Mistakes in Hospitality Interior Design
Hospitality interiors — including hotels, restaurants, bars and leisure venues — must balance atmosphere, functionality and longevity. Many challenges arise when design decisions are made without considering the operational reality of hospitality environments. 1. Prioritising Aesthetics Over Function One of the most common mistakes is designing for visual impact alone. Hospitality spaces must support: Staff workflows Customer comfort Cleaning and maintenance A space that phot
Hayley Roy
Dec 12, 20251 min read
What Experience Should a Retail Interior Designer Have?
Retail interior design plays a direct role in customer experience, brand perception and commercial performance. Choosing a designer with the right experience can significantly influence how a space performs once it opens. 1. Understanding Customer Journey and Flow A retail interior designer should understand how layout, sightlines and circulation affect: Dwell time Ease of navigation Customer behaviour Design decisions should be informed by how customers interact with the spa
Hayley Roy
Dec 12, 20252 min read
How to Choose an Interior Designer for a Commercial Project
Choosing the right interior designer for a commercial project is a critical decision that can affect budget, programme, compliance and long-term performance. Unlike residential projects, commercial interiors require a balance of creativity, technical knowledge and commercial awareness. 1. Look for Relevant Commercial Experience Commercial interior design is fundamentally different from residential work. A suitable designer should have experience working on: Retail development
Hayley Roy
Dec 12, 20252 min read
The Future of Interior Design: Embracing Trends for 2025
The world of interior design is evolving faster than ever. As designers, we’re not just creating beautiful spaces — we’re shaping how people live, work, and connect. From sustainability to self-expression, the biggest trends of 2025 reflect a deeper desire for authenticity, wellness, and comfort. Here are the top five interior design trends influencing homes and hospitality spaces across the globe right now. 1. Sustainability & Natural Materials If there’s one trend that’s he
Hayley Roy
Oct 19, 20253 min read
Sustainable Yarns Are Re-threading Interior Design: What Designers Need to Know
Recorded live at Clerkenwell Design Week in the Solus showroom, with Glenn Hyzak (Sales Director) and Valerie Buchhart (Marketing...
Hayley Roy
Sep 26, 20254 min read
Southwell Racecourse Phase 2 Finished Images
Last year we completed SOuthwell Racecourse's project for the entire site after they tragically had a flood that destroyed everything....
Hayley Roy
Jul 19, 20251 min read
A Spectacular Time at HRC 2025 – Five Years of Stage Design!
Wow—what an incredible time we had at the Hotel, Restaurant & Catering (HRC) event at London ExCeL! This marked our fifth year designing...
Scarlett Mallett
Mar 26, 20251 min read
We love hearing from you. 📝If you have feedback, questions, or topics you’d like us to cover — from materials and layouts to hospitality, workplace, or sustainable design — let us know. Your input helps shape the Blog and keeps the content relevant, useful, and grounded in what designers and clients actually want to know.We hope you enjoy exploring, learning, and getting inspired as much as we love creating thoughtful, honest content for you.
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