The people behind some of Devon’s most spectacular homes
Devon is home to an array of interior designers, each offering interesting perspectives that bring personality, style and character to every space. From charming townhouses in the heart of Salcombe to architectural triumphs on the edge of the water in Bigbury-on-Sea, the county is renowned for its incredible homestays. Inspired by their coastal surroundings and city connections, we talk to five of the best interior designers in Devon, whose work spans from classic contemporary to modern maximalist.
Woodford Architecture and Interiors
© Woodford Architecture and Interiors
Style: Classic Contemporary
Location: Ashburton
Offering both an architecture and interior design service, Woodford creates exceptionally bespoke homes. Based in Devon, Woodford’s award-winning team is celebrated for its seamless integration of form and function, noting “we’re homemakers. We’re known for creating homes that are uniquely designed to suit our clients, their lifestyles and the location.”
Co-founder, Sarah Woodford, brings a rich background in art and design, having worked for clients such as The National Gallery and The National Portrait Gallery, among various other museums worldwide. This experience is evident in Woodford’s meticulous detailing and sensitivity to character. The firm’s ethos is also deeply rooted in sustainability, as they remain “committed to creating greener and more environmentally friendly homes and designs.” This approach is a natural complement to their ethos, ensuring each home reflects not only the client’s taste but a respect for the surrounding environment.
With projects extending into Cornwall, Woodford consistently deliver a sense of character and place that resonates in every room with their bold use of colour, pattern and texture. And it’s this ethos they’ll bring to a new home in Mousehole – sign up to our mailing list to be the first to know when it lands on our portfolio.
Ashton House Design
© Ashton House Design
Style: Modern Country
Location: Ashburton
Based in Ashburton, Ashton House Design infuses Devon’s landscapes into each project, reflecting the textures, colours and charm of the West Country in their distinctive modern country style.
“Our style is modern country,” the team says, “but more often than not, we’re client and location-led.” This flexibility ensures each space feels unique, balanced between classic countryside elements and the needs of modern living.
Ashton House’s designers are inspired by everything around them, often attending trade shows in London and Paris to stay current on trends while continuing to pull ideas from the coastal and countryside landscapes surrounding them. They explain, “we never stop looking around us,” which makes their designs feel grounded, organic and perfectly in tune with Devon’s aesthetic heritage.
Known for their rich colour palettes and carefully chosen pieces, Ashton House sources many items from Devon’s local independent shops and antique stores, ensuring every project is distinctively local and crafted with intention:
“Years of experience have taught us how to get an understanding of a property, the scale, the client’s lifestyle and overall brief. After 30 years in the business, we have a wide supplier base and are able to source the perfect pieces.”
From bespoke items crafted by local artisans to reclaimed treasures, Ashton House brings a timeless, sophisticated and refreshingly non-formulaic approach to every project. To see what we mean, head to their interior design portfolio.
Feather and Fossil
© Feather and Fossil
Style: Maximalist
Location: Plymouth
Feather and Fossil transform spaces with eclectic designs that are anything but ordinary. “My style is maximalist,” explains founder, Abbie. “I love to work with colour, pattern, texture, accessories and art. My designs are very much personality-driven because I want to create a space that is unique and totally identifiable with each client.”
This personalisation shines through in every project, where rooms come alive with rich jewel tones, layered textures and art arrangements that capture the essence of the homeowner.
Taking inspiration from artists like Basquiat, Rothko and Kandinsky, Feather and Fossil’s designs echo the principles of neo-expressionism, blending bold colour contrasts and striking compositions to create a sense of “beautifully choreographed chaos.” She also draws from Devon’s natural beauty, incorporating tones and textures found along the coast and countryside. “The colour combinations found in nature are often so striking and successful,” Abbie says, “if it works for Mother Nature, why not for us?”.
Shopping is an adventure for Abbie, who finds items in reclamation yards and vintage shops across Devon. Her chosen stores, from Rabarts Plymouth to Nkuku, reflect her eclectic taste: “each item is chosen to harmonise with the others, fitting together like pieces of a puzzle.”
Feather and Fossil’s maximalist philosophy pushes boundaries, inviting clients to embrace a “more is more” approach that turns any house into a storytelling masterpiece. Get to know Abbie on her Instagram where she shares styling tips and concept briefs.
Frances Healy
Style: Classic and Traditional
Location: Tamar Valley
With a refined eye for detail and a passion for high-end luxury, Frances Healy designs homes that feel “welcoming, restful, and safe – a joy to enter.” Loved for her friendly and approachable nature, Frances combines traditional compositions with a personal love for fine art, making her a trusted choice for clients across the South West.
Colour and pattern are at the heart of Frances’ design process, which she approaches with patience and dedication. Her website notes: “designing homes for a living is a pleasure I shall never tire of.”
Her years of experience give her an intuitive understanding of how to balance hues and textures, creating spaces that feel both luxurious and inviting. Regular visits to city trade shows allow Frances to connect with artisans from the West Country, London, Paris and beyond, enabling her to incorporate diverse influences into her designs and create truly bespoke interiors tailored to each client.
Frances’ approach is defined by her commitment to creating spaces that reflect her clients’ personalities and lifestyles. Her work is characterised by a subtle use of colour and playful patterns and she incorporates resulting in spaces that beautifully blend style with comfort. View some of her projects via her website or follow Frances on Instagram.
Yellow Brick Road Design
© Yellow Brick Design
Style: Classical with a Twist
Location: Totnes
Led by Creative Director Caoimhe McKenna, Yellow Brick Road Design is instantly recognisable for its bold and clean aesthetics. “I don’t feel I have a true design style,” says Caoimhe, “I prefer to focus on creating spaces that reflect a client’s style, but I also like to push them just beyond their comfort level to create something truly individual and joyful”. This collaborative approach ensures that every project balances timeless design principles with unexpected elements.
Caoimhe draws inspiration from nature and she loves to incorporate sustainable and artisan elements into her designs, whether in finishes or fixtures. Totnes-based, she has access to a vibrant array of shops for one-of-a-kind items, from Butterwalk to Bonds: “What I love most about all of these shops is that they’re more than just the products within them,” she says. “They make every purchase and experience a keepsake.”
Each project begins with a careful examination of the space, the client’s needs and potential standout elements. Whether working with a family heirloom or a contemporary custom piece, Caoimhe ensures that every item has a place in her balanced, thoughtfully curated designs. Known for injecting charm, character and contrast into every room, Yellow Brick Road Design creates homes that feel inviting, memorable and just a little bit daring. Take a closer look at Caoimhe's projects over on Instagram.
If you’re thinking about opening up your home for luxury rentals, our Portfolio team would love to hear from you. Contact us on: 01208 895 570. Or wondering where to buy in Devon? Here are our recommendations for day trips on the north coast.
Image credits: Ashton House Design (including main image) | Woodford Architect and Interiors | Feather & Fossil | Yellow Brick Road Design
Posted by Bethany Walton
Beth can usually be found on a Cornish beach or enjoying a swim in the sea. She has great insight about where to visit across the county, plus plenty of recommendations for finding the best Cornish ice cream.
