Catherine Henderson is an interior designer with over 20 years’ experience and clients spanning the UK, Europe and America. She’s one of the talented people we’ve been lucky enough to work with over the years, and her passion for colour and texture means she has a great understanding and appreciation of Topfloor’s collections. She prides herself on her personal relationship with clients, always taking the time to get to know them and build up a clear picture of what, for them, makes a perfect home. We decided to take some time to get to know her a little better too!
What made you want to work in interiors?
Having a home that is warm, welcoming and comfortable has always been very important to me. I can remember fantasising about different looks for my bedroom from the age of seven. It brings me great satisfaction to see how much my clients enjoy living in their homes after the project is completed. I don’t go for a formal, overly designed look – I love to create something that is interesting and personal.
You run a very successful and well-established design studio. Can you talk us through your career to date?
After doing an internship in the US and an apprenticeship in London, I started my own consultancy, Catherine Henderson Design, and have been running it for 20 years now. I started off doing small jobs for neighbours, friends and friends of friends and was lucky enough to land a few large projects early on. The business has grown from strength to strength on the basis of client recommendations. I work mainly in the residential sector, which I love, but I’ve also worked on some large hotel projects and I’ve just completed an extensive refurbishment of the communal areas of a beautiful Art Deco mansion block in London’s Portland Place.
Queen’s Square by Catherine Henderson Design
Nithsdale Road by Catherine Henderson Design
What inspires you?
Nature, art and my clients.
You have worked extensively both in the UK and abroad – how do you find the experience differs depending on the country?
I haven’t found a great deal of difference. People are people and they all want the same thing from me, which is to transform their house into their dream home.
You’re enthusiastic about using colour in your interiors – why?
Life without colour would be very sad indeed and I apply this philosophy to the home as well. I tend to keep the big, permanent pieces fairly neutral, bringing in colour and texture with rugs, art and accessories.
How did your collaboration with cabinetmaker Sam Paton come about?
I met Sam through a mutual client about five years ago. I was so impressed with his work that we’ve been working together ever since. We’re a great team – I know what I want and Sam executes every single commission with exquisite craftsmanship. We also have our own range of furniture, which has been a great success, and we plan to add to the collection in the near future.
Fotheringay I sideboard by Sam Paton
What’s your favourite part of the design process?
The relationship with my clients is my absolute favourite part of the process. I love taking their tentative ideas and translating them into a home that they’re proud of and love living in.
Where do you live?
I live in Glasgow at the moment, which I love. It’s where I’m from and I have my parents and my brother and his family nearby. I have also lived in the US, and in London for almost 20 years, which I also enjoyed a great deal.
You have worked with Topfloor on several of your interiors. How important do you think details in the room, such as the design of the rug, are to the overall scheme?
I think they are of the utmost importance; it’s these details that raise a room out of the ordinary. They add interest, warmth and texture.
Which is your favourite Topfloor design and why?
My favourite design to work with professionally is Esquisse, because it is both elegant and delicate and can be used in contemporary and traditional settings alike. I used it in the Great Hall of a medieval house in Suffolk and I’m using it at the moment in a contemporary home in Glasgow.
Esquisse
My personal favourite is Emerald – I absolutely love the way it lends itself to colour and I love using wool and silk to bring out the vibrancy of particular shades.
Emerald
To see more of Catherine’s work, visit Catherine Henderson Design.