A Q&A with the acclaimed interior designer.
In what can sometimes feel like a sea of sameness, Sean Symington’s approach to interior design is a breath of fresh air. Born and raised in Toronto and now based in Bath, the interior designer blends playfulness and maximalism with classic, English country house style. His designs are colourful yet timeless, expertly blending traditional and contemporary details, and layering pattern, texture and colour in a way that is eclectic and full of personality, while also considered.
We sat down with Sean to find out what he loves about heritage interiors and British craftsmanship, why he always avoids interior design trends, and the one design element that he believes makes or breaks a room.
Design by Sean Symington | Photography by Chris Wakefield | Features our Cotswold Drop Handle and Cotswold Cupboard Latch, both in our aged brass (BEL) finish.
In your own words, how would you describe your style as an interior designer?
Whimsical, layered, joyful, rooted in heritage and tradition. My approach has definitely evolved over time as well. It's become more playful, more layered, and more open to the unexpected.
Why do your clients choose to work with you?
I find clients usually come to me because they connect with my aesthetic sensibility but don't quite know how to achieve it themselves or how to make it personal. My job is to translate their story through my design language, creating spaces that feel authentically theirs but with a level of refinement and cohesion.
What spaces inspire you most?
I'm constantly inspired by the charm of brown furniture, especially when paired with more playful colours or unexpected design elements like a Balineum mirror in a fun colour or a glazed ceramic table lamp, it brings a wonderful sense of warmth and personality all in one. I also have a real love for natural textures like bamboo and rattan, they add a fresh, whimsical touch that keeps things feeling light and layered. Living and working in the UK, I draw a lot from local artisans and the incredible curators you find at antique markets, they really are a treasure trove of inspiration and always spark new ideas.
Where do you start when designing a new space?
I always start with a strong anchor, usually a hero print from a fabric, artwork, or rug with a beautiful mix of pattern and colour. From there, I layer in complementary tones and textures letting that initial palette guide everything from cushions to lamps and artwork. It's all about thoughtful contrasts and understanding proportion, the juxtaposition of small and large-scale patterns, rich woods next to rattan, antiques paired with playful prints. It's those considered contrasts that keep a room dynamic without tipping into chaos.
You're known for mixing colours, patterns and textures in your projects. How do you manage to create spaces that are full of personality, while remaining considered in your choices?
I always design to a client's brief, so they're always the foundation of the approach and then I bring in my take and experience with my aesthetic to layer it all in. I always want to make sure that when someone steps into their home, it is wholeheartedly recognised as their own. It's also so easy with the choice we have in the UK, with makers like Armac Martin who create the most wonderful, quality craftsmanship. It makes our job that much easier with all that choice, we can really personalise someone's home to an absolute T.
Design by Sean Symington | Photography by Chris Wakefield | Features our Cotswold Bun Cabinet Knob in our aged brass (BEL) finish.
Are there any trends or aesthetics that you avoid?
All of them! I joke, but quite frankly we never take trends into consideration as they date so easily and our main goal is to create utterly personal and unique homes for the individual. If anything, we tend to embrace the quirkiness and individualism that comes with each client.
You often work on period homes. Do period features influence your design choices?
Yes absolutely, it's a constant source of inspiration that we always come back to and build our designs from, but with a fresh, modern take suitable for everyday life. I absolutely love country manor homes, and we're very inspired by royal palaces and historic houses more broadly. A visit to Leighton House Museum offers so much inspiration for how pattern can be layered and used with confidence. Seeing pattern applied so richly, yet so thoughtfully, really stays with you.
What materials are you drawn to?
I'm always drawn to pieces made with real care and attention to detail. Makers bring such artistry, authenticity, and expertise to every project. It's the quality of the materials, the craftsmanship, and those small, considered details that make all the difference. We want our spaces to feel truly timeless not just in how they look, but in how they stand the test of time and investing in well-made, enduring pieces is a key part of that.
It's why we return to Armac Martin time and time again. The level of craftsmanship and detail that goes into each product with such care is unparalleled.
Are there any projects that you've enjoyed working on the most?
The best projects are always the ones where clients become friends and we've been so lucky in that regard. A recently completed family home in France is a real favourite, a young family with an incredible collection of art and a brief that let us be bold with pattern while honouring the classical bones of the house. Our Withdrawing Room at WOW!house was another joy, a rare chance to design without compromise and really show what layered, everyday luxury can look like.
What are your top tips for a client working with an interior designer for the first time?
Be completely honest about how you actually live, the muddy boots, the piles of books, the dog on the sofa. That's the information that makes a home work. Trust the process, especially at the stages where things feel unfinished. And invest in quality where it counts, well-made pieces will outlast any trend.
You've chosen Armac Martin for your projects in the past. Which pieces do you like most, and why?
We really love the Bakes collection at the moment, it’s effortlessly classic yet perfectly suited to today's interiors with such a timeless quality to it. Hardware is one of those small, considered details that people touch every single day so it has to feel as good as it looks. The pieces have a lovely weighty feel and the unlacquered finishes, which patina beautifully over time, fit perfectly with our love of pieces that age gracefully and tell a story.
What are three things everyone should do before starting an interior design project?
First, gather your inspiration but pay attention to how you want a room to feel, not just how it looks. Second, be realistic about budget and timeline from the outset; good design takes time.
Third, think honestly about how you live day to day. The most beautiful room in the world fails if it doesn't work for your life.
Do you have any dream projects you'd love to work on?
A proper English country manor house, top to bottom, would be the dream. Beautiful architecture, generous rooms, a real blank canvas to layer up over time. A boutique hotel is also firmly on the wish list. Somewhere guests could experience that collected, whimsical world of ours for a night or two.
What is one design secret you would be happy to share with our community?
That’s such a good one! Lighting makes or breaks a room. Ditch the reliance on overhead lighting and layer in lamps at different heights with beautiful shades, everything on dimmers. It's the quickest way to make a space feel warm, layered, and instantly more inviting.