Who I am and what I stand for

 My name is Holly Lomax. I am a Cambridge-trained architectural historian and interior designer, specialising in layered English interiors that feel lived-in and personal.

Before retraining as an interior designer, I was historic buildings consultant, working on the renovation and adaptation of listed buildings for modern living. The most important thing this experience taught me was to listen to the building - old homes have stories to tell, and I believe the most authentic way of living in them is to layer your story on top of those of the generations who lived there before you. That is why I became an interior designer - to find and articulate the beauty and meaning of the space we call ‘home’. 

Home is where we find sanctuary from the world; but it is also where we tell the world who we are. When you get that balance right, walking into your home feels incredible. It feels like: ‘this is me’.

I believe there is another essential aspect of authenticity in design, in addition to respecting the building and expressing your personality. And that is the warm acceptance of modern, messy family life. Our homes are meant to be lived in, enjoyed by children, and to evolve over time. The tides of everyday life should leave traces in your home - from squashed sofa cushions to kids’ paintings stuck to the fridge door. 

These are snapshots of the people we love, of the extraordinary everyday - and ultimately, of a meaningful life.