In Conversation with Rosie Ridgway and Charlotte Small from April Hamilton Interiors

April Hamilton is a luxury interior design studio working across the UK and internationally. The studio creates timeless interiors tailored to individual lifestyles whilst embracing the unique character of each home. In this Q&A we meet Rosie, Founder and Creative Director and Charlotte, Lead Interior Designer. Read on to discover more about their innovative and personal approach to creative and exceptional home design.

Rosie, you are the Founder and Creative Director at April Hamilton which you established over 25 years ago – please tell us how the business came to fruition and how it has evolved over this time.

R: April Hamilton was born nearly 30 years ago, inspired by my very first project… the restoration of the Old Rectory, a beautiful but derelict Georgian house in Newark. Fresh out of design school, I was entrusted with bringing the property back to life and it was through that extraordinary experience that my passion for creating personal, timeless spaces was cemented.

From those early days, April Hamilton has grown into a renowned design studio, working on prestigious residential projects across the UK and beyond. While our style has naturally evolved to blend classic elegance with contemporary living, our philosophy remains the same… to create homes that feel both beautiful and authentically personal.

Today, it’s an honour to see our work recognised at the highest levels, including my recent invitation to judge the International Property Awards… a moment that reflects the incredible journey we’ve been on and the wonderful clients who have trusted us along the way.

Charlotte you joined Rosie and the team at April Hamilton eight years ago – how did the partnership develop and further cement itself?

C: When I first joined Rosie and the team at April Hamilton eight years ago, it felt instantly clear that our values and approach were aligned. Right from the beginning, we shared a real commitment, not just to creating beautiful, luxurious interiors but also to making the whole design journey smooth, enjoyable and truly personal to each client’s aspirations.

I brought with me a natural love for luxury design and a calm, steady energy in the studio, which complemented Rosie’s incredible creative leadership. Together, we built a partnership founded on mutual respect, a shared vision and a deep passion for capturing the essence of every client through thoughtful, considered design.

Our combined strengths, Rosie’s wealth of experience and (hopefully!) my fresh, vibrant energy, have helped shape the friendly yet highly professional approach that defines April Hamilton today. Over time, this dynamic has become the heart of who we are, allowing us to specialise in creating exquisite homes for a discerning, loyal client base.

Most of all, we genuinely love working together and that warmth and positivity are woven into the fabric of the studio. It’s such a special environment to be a part of.

What particular skills and qualities do you each bring to the business and how are these translated into your clients’ needs?

R: Beyond everything we’ve shared already, we both bring a deep passion and personal commitment to every project we touch. Rosie loves pushing creative boundaries, always looking for new ideas and fresh ways to shape and design spaces that feel truly special. She’s also mindful of the bigger picture, keeping our goals, ways of working, and professionalism right where they need to be so we can deliver our best every time.

Charlotte brings a detail-focused, steady hand to each project, balancing creativity with calm project management and a genuine focus on building great relationships… both with our clients and on-site teams.

Together, we aim to create a process that feels smooth, collaborative and enjoyable… and a result that’s even better than imagined. Our clients’ journey with us matters just as much as the final outcome and we truly care about making both exceptional.

Personal relationships, (getting to know your client’s lifestyle, individual tastes, habits, hobbies) is an integral part of the service you offer – how do you achieve this whilst also combining them with your professional expertise?

C: Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of working closely with so many wonderful clients and one thing we’re really proud of is our ability to truly listen… not just to what’s said, but also to what’s between the lines. Often, our clients aren’t exactly sure what they love (or don’t!) and that’s where we come in…  gently teasing out their ideas and helping shape them into a vision they can get excited about.

We take a lot of care to interpret their aspirations in a way that feels stylish, achievable and respectful of both budget and timeframe. Managing expectations with honesty and clarity is really important to us… just as important as making sure our clients always feel comfortable, supported and encouraged to give feedback as their project evolves.

Our clients choose to work with us because they trust our expertise and we take that trust seriously. It’s so important to us that the whole journey, not just the finished space, feels professional, collaborative and genuinely enjoyable.

How do you balance timeless design elements with current trends to ensure your spaces remain both modern and enduring?

R: Embracing timeless design has completely shaped the way we create. Over the years, we’ve found ourselves moving away from fleeting trends, focusing instead on something far deeper… spaces that feel effortlessly elegant and enduring. It’s taught us to value true quality, craftsmanship and authenticity, making sure every element has real purpose and meaning.

The continuous shift is a turning point for us. It opened our eyes to the importance of designing with heart and heritage, rather than chasing the ever-changing tides of fashion. We realised how powerful it is to craft interiors that honour individuality and stand the test of time… spaces that feel deeply personal while balancing classic elegance with modern luxury.

Moving away from trend-led design meant changing our perspective entirely, resisting outside influences and trusting our instinct to create with depth, integrity and character. Sometimes, it meant gently guiding clients too… helping them understand the true value of investing in timelessness over the appeal of the immediate.

Sourcing exceptional materials and working with talented artisans became more important than ever, ensuring every design would age beautifully and gracefully. Finding that sweet spot… the balance between classic and contemporary… takes a careful, refined eye, where every detail truly matters.

Ultimately, embracing this approach has led to more meaningful, sophisticated interiors… spaces that tell a story and continue to feel relevant and beautiful for years to come.

Your projects reflect luxury and sophistication. What do you believe defines true luxury in interior design? And is there a specific design element or feature you believe elevates a space to the next level of luxury?

C: To us, true luxury is when a space makes you feel something… whether that’s a sense of calm, wonder, lightness, comfort or simply feeling completely at ease. It’s all those good, intangible things that stay with you long after you leave the room. One of the loveliest compliments we’ve received was from a client who described their home as feeling “soulful”  and that really captured everything we hope to create.

Thoughtful details like lighting and bespoke fitted joinery make such a profound difference in a home. They might feel subtle, but their impact is lasting. Lighting sets the mood, shaping the atmosphere without ever needing to shout for attention. And beautifully crafted joinery isn’t just practical… it becomes part of the home’s soul too, adding beauty, functionality and a sense of belonging to every space.

It’s these quiet layers that work together to create a home that not only looks beautiful but feels truly, deeply lived in and loved.

What would be your top tip for an individual considering working with an interior designer to assist them in choosing the right team for the project?

R: Our top tip for anyone considering working with an interior designer would be to choose a team that truly listens and looks at the bigger picture.

A good designer won’t just focus on creating a beautiful space… they’ll create a home that feels natural, balanced and deeply personal to you. They’ll think beyond trends, crafting something timeless that fits your life effortlessly.

Experience is key, not just in design but in the team they bring with them. A trusted network of skilled trades and artisans, built over years, makes all the difference, turning what could be a stressful process into an inspiring and joyful one.

As the saying goes, “If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional, wait until you hire an amateur.” Investing in the right team from the start is the best decision you’ll make. It means your project will be handled with care, expertise and a genuine passion for bringing your vision to life.

Finally, what’s the next big project or dream space you’d be excited to work on, and what can we expect from your future designs?

C: We both love the coast and water… So we’d love to work on something Hampton style or another coastal retreat would be wonderful! We will continue to photograph the projects we’re able to so you can see what we’re working on and look forward to continuing to evolve and grow.

What is your life motto?

R: Always wake up with gratitude. We have a lot to be thankful and grateful for.