House Style: Naomi Astley Clarke

Naomi Astley Clarke heads up an interior design studio with expertise in the renovation and refurbishment of residential and commercial properties. Mixing fine British craftsmanship with global design flair, the studio was named one of Andrew Martin’s top 100 in the world for 2022. Having worked in the industry for more than 25 years, Astley Clarke is now one of London’s most sought-after designers, with a client base that includes movie stars, producers, music moguls and entrepreneurs.

Where do you live?
We live between Dorset and London, which allows us to enjoy all the amazing things the countryside can offer while being able to whizz to the city for work and (occasional) play! I was born and raised in Islington, so I know I will never be far from London, however much I enjoy country life.

Can you describe your house?
My home is a work in progress – and a pretty chaotic one at that! We are a busy family, and between the children’s endless sports, our hobbies and our dog, we run a messy but happy ship.

Do you have a signature design style?
I would describe the Naomi Astley Clarke aesthetic as timeless elegance that doesn’t take itself too seriously. We use bold colours and opulent materials to create the look our clients love. The word “bling” is about as far removed from our design vocabulary as possible – that is one of the reasons our clients, many of whom are tastemakers for the next generation, come to us to create their homes.

What are the pieces on your hit list?
I would love a sumptuous Drummonds bath.

Any suppliers you recommend?
Everything I create is bespoke for a client. It gives you that opportunity to be unique – there is something wonderful about knowing you have created something that only exists in that one place.

I also love antique finds. There has been a big emphasis in my work recently on using reclaimed finishes and secondhand furniture, which has been so pleasing.

Do you have any original art in your home?
I love my children’s artwork. My father-in-law was an artist, so we have some of his pieces around too.

Which object would you save from a fire?
My photo albums – I started putting these together when our daughter was born and I haven’t stopped. I love the fact that we have these to flick through whenever we want, and they’re chronological, so such a journey to go through. The time has flown.

Is there one property in the world you would love the chance to design?
A boutique hotel in London – that is my dream job.

Which projects have you particularly enjoyed?
I loved working on an apartment in a red-brick Victorian mansion block on Prince of Wales Drive, overlooking Battersea Park. We were inspired by the clients’ bright, happy personalities. Our priority was turning the kitchen into a functional place for cooking, with a relaxed family and entertaining space. The dark, ribbed cabinetry and marble worktop was such a glamorous look.

Most of the work I undertake is through referrals from past clients – the highest form of validation a designer could wish for. I was introduced to the client of our Shepherd’s Bush project after they had been to visit a house I had designed. The handmade joinery and kitchen, as well as the exquisite Drummonds bathroom fittings and hand-painted murals by Nancy Daniell, were the key “splurge” items that brought the whole thing together.

Give us three words to describe your personal style?
Glamorous, uplifting, relaxed.

Which key figures have influenced you?
My girl crushes are Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey, whom I admire immensely. Design-wise, I adore Brigette Romanek. Kelly Wearstler is a genius and I love Adam Hunter.

What’s the strangest request a client has made?
Well, that would be telling…

Visit Naomi Astley Clarke’s website

Pictures from top: interior designer Naomi Astley Clarke; a typically bold and colourful bathroom; handmade joinery and opulent textures create a stunning Shepherd’s Bush kitchen; beautiful hand-painted murals brighten a child’s bedroom