Designer Profile: Emma Sims-Hilditch

Emma Sims-Hilditch, a prominent figure in the interior design landscape, is celebrated for crafting serene yet practical interiors that exude an understated modern elegance. Her designs are equally suited for both rural and urban settings, reflecting a unique blend of sophistication and comfort. Her journey into interior design was unconventional, beginning with a career in film production in London, where she worked as a production assistant for Ridley Scott on films like 'Thelma and Louise' and 'Gladiator'. This experience proved invaluable, equipping her with essential skills in managing large-scale projects and budgets. Today, her design studio, comprising a team of 30 professionals, serves a diverse clientele, including British clients and international patrons seeking assistance with properties in the UK and abroad. Sims-Hilditch's design philosophy is deeply rooted in nature and the preservation of England's architectural heritage. Her signature aesthetic is characterized by calm color palettes, tactile textures, and a harmonious fusion of modern and classic elements, creating interiors that are both relaxing and highly functional for daily life. The Sims Hilditch studio, formally launched in 2009, evolved organically from Emma's initial foray into interior work. After leaving film production and relocating to Wiltshire, she renovated her own derelict, listed former school and established a professional curtain-making business. Her 'big break' came when she was commissioned to design the interior of a manor house, marking the true beginning of her acclaimed career. Emma's creative inclinations stem from a family history of artists and designers, including a great-grandfather who was a member of the Royal Academy of Arts and a mother who was a keen interior decorator. This early exposure to creativity, combined with her habit of redecorating her own room as a child, set her on a path towards design, despite initially pursuing a business studies degree. As her business expanded, she relocated her studio to a meticulously renovated 16th-century pub, The White Hart, on the Wiltshire/Gloucestershire border. This unique space, opened in 2014, not only accommodates her growing team of 30 but also provides an inspiring and comfortable environment for clients. A key aspect of Sims-Hilditch's work is her team's thoughtful and sensitive approach to renovating listed buildings. They take pride in preserving architectural heritage, integrating original features while reimagining layouts to suit modern living without compromising historical integrity. This commitment to heritage preservation is evident in projects like the renovation of a 500-year-old, nine-bedroom family home. Her designs prioritize longevity and quality over fleeting trends, ensuring that each scheme is client-focused and built to last. The studio also emphasizes the reuse and preservation of existing furniture, incorporating clients' pieces to add character and personality to each home, alongside curating items from local suppliers and antique dealers. The Sims Hilditch studio offers a comprehensive design service, encompassing furniture and furnishing specifications, a dedicated procurement team, and an in-house interior architectural service that covers spatial planning, kitchen and bathroom design, and bespoke joinery. Emma draws inspiration from museums, art galleries, and hotels, notably La Bastide de Marie Hotel in Provence, which influenced her own Wiltshire home. The English countryside also serves as a profound source of inspiration, with elements like color palettes reminiscent of rolling hills and timber floors inspired by woodlands often integrated into her designs. She advocates for exploring surroundings, whether in the countryside or urban centers like London, to spark creativity. Emma acknowledges the impact of technology on the design industry, embracing online platforms for outreach while emphasizing the importance of face-to-face meetings for personal connection. Her design icons include Axel Vervoordt, admired for his understated, natural, and elegant aesthetic. Currently, the studio is engaged in diverse projects, from new builds to extensive refurbishments, including a nine-bedroom family home in Northern England, a chalet in the Swiss Mountains, and various properties in London and the Cotswolds. Emma has also appointed Louise Wicksteed as Design Director, allowing her to focus on the creative direction of the business, while her family continues to demonstrate a strong creative lineage in fine art and film set decoration. #EmmaSimsHilditch #InteriorDesign #EnglishStyle #HistoricRenovation #DesignAesthetic #LuxuryHomes #ArchitecturalHeritage #TimelessDesign #WiltshireDesign #EmmaSimsHilditch #InteriorDesign #EnglishStyle #HistoricRenovation #DesignAesthetic #LuxuryHomes #ArchitecturalHeritage #TimelessDesign #WiltshireDesign