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Working Hard or Hardly Working…? How Travel Fuels My Interior Design Work


Last week, I was wandering the sun-drenched streets of Valencia, iced coffee in hand, sandals dusty from the terracotta pavements, when I found myself pausing beside the Mercado Central, admiring its perfectly aged tiles. The exterior of this building is stunning, and inside? Breathtaking.

The symmetry, the intricate patterns, the soft light bouncing across the stained glass domed ceiling... I instinctively reached for my phone to snap a photo.

And that’s when it hit me, I never really switch off.

Even when I’m “away,” my designer brain is quietly cataloguing colours, materials, shapes, and shadows. Because for me, travel isn’t about escaping work, it’s about fuelling it.

Travel as Creative Fuel for Interior Design

When I travel, I’m not just sightseeing, I’m studying how spaces make me feel.

Valencia was a masterclass in contrast:

  • Centuries-old buildings with ultra-modern interventions
  • Warm Mediterranean tones sitting alongside cool polished concrete
  • A rhythm of old-meets-new that sparked a dozen ideas for layering styles in a home

Inspiration often comes from the smallest moments:

  • The shape of a doorframe in a quiet barrio
  • A faded café façade with perfectly imperfect paint
  • How locals flow through outdoor spaces like they’re extensions of the home

These observations feed directly into my work. Whether I’m planning a full home renovation or designing a bespoke hospitality interior, it’s these lived, global experiences that help me create spaces with soul.

The Myth of “Switching Off” as a Creative

There’s a lot of pressure to disconnect, to shut off from work, create hard boundaries, and stop thinking about our jobs when we’re on a break.

But for creative professionals, especially those in design, the lines are a little blurrier.

Because design isn’t just something I do, it’s how I see. Inspiration doesn’t clock in and out. Some of my best ideas come when I’m relaxed, unhurried, and quietly absorbing a new environment.

That doesn’t mean I don’t rest. But it does mean I embrace the fact that my work and my life are deeply intertwined. It’s what keeps my ideas fresh, and it’s what my clients benefit from most.

Why This Matters to You

Whether you're planning a full renovation, starting from scratch with a new home, or reimagining a hospitality space, you want a designer who notices the details others miss.

You want someone who doesn’t just follow trends, but brings something deeper to the table:


• A sense of how different cultures use space
• An eye for unexpected combinations that work
• A feel for how light, material, and colour can shape emotion

That’s what travel gives me. And that’s what I bring to every project.

In Short? It’s Research. Beautiful, sun-drenched research.

If you're looking for an interior designer who brings a global perspective, a curious mind, and a deep well of inspiration, I may be your girl.

Whether it’s a full-service home renovation or a tailored design consultancy, I’ll bring ideas shaped by experience, knowledge, and a suitcase full of creative fuel.

Styled Home Design | Interior Design in Cambridge + Beyond
Helping time-poor homeowners and hospitality brands create soulful, beautifully considered spaces — from concept to completion.

Projects


Clare Mews, London

Lot 25, Cambridge

Ebury Street London

Greenlands Cambridge

The Anchor Cambridgeshire

Swaffham Road Cambridgeshire

Duxford Church Cambridge

Moor House Newmarket

Get in touch
"A lovely person, and the best in the business, it really is that simple!"
Ollie Drake, Drake Property & Developments
"Tash elevates properties to the next level. She has a wonderful style and eye for design"
Alex Babouris, Babouris Property Management
"Tash is so organised, it's been a very easy journey and a pleasure to work with her in my home."
Daisy Dowler, Private Client
"Tash is a lovely, warm, & thoughtful person to work with. She takes time to get under the skin of what her clients want, learning about who they are to help guide the design process."
Louise Border, Private Client
"Tash worked within my budget, so that I had the option of several products to work with that would all compliment each other. On top of this, Natasha has such a warm presence which made her so easy to work with and so comfortable to talk to"
Sophie Van leeuwen, Private Client
Tash completed a redesign across our home, working with some existing furniture we wanted to keep. The house feels so cosy & warm now, & I have some lovely pieces of furniture!
Natalie Saunders, Private Client
We can't thank Tash enough. Her eye for design, combined with her understanding of our needs and limitations was key. The first stage of our renovations have been received so well and we look forward to working with Tash again to complete phase two
John Rowell, The Anchor
I would highly recommend working with SHD, Tash has a fantastic eye for detail and creates stunning spaces with her unique designs to make your property stand out from the crowd. Tash's communication is brilliant, keeping you informed at every stage of the process!
Sam Carter, SJC Property Developments
We are a short term rental management company based in Cambridge, we needed fast property staging and room planning. Styled Home Design exceeded our expectations, the photography has resulted in a very profitable launch. Our guests love the design. Natasha was so easy to work with, she translated my ideas into amazing room designs. We will continue to work together
Nicky Brewin, Brewin Properties
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