Celia Sawyer: A meteoric rise from a dental practice, through a disappointing modeling experience, ultimately landing her on the path to widespread recognition as an interior designer and much more. Her extraordinary portfolio spans from luxury residences in London to Barbados, Hollywood, New York, and the Emirates, encompassing not only exquisite homes but also exclusive yachts and super-luxurious helicopter interiors. Such is the remarkable breadth of work from Celia Sawyer, a true self-made woman who left school at 15 and worked tirelessly to support herself. For over 25 years, she has been an acclaimed interior designer, developer, TV presenter, and a prominent figure on the international mainstream stage, all while maintaining a strong social conscience.
How have your clients’ aesthetic tastes changed in residential projects in recent years? And in your opinion, what has brought about this change?
There has definitely been a shift towards incorporating sustainable elements, provided they do not compromise the overall design. Many high-end residential clients are now younger and are seeking a more contemporary yet high-quality aesthetic. Technology is also playing a much greater role in how homes are designed. Some clients are increasingly drawn to eco-conscious living but are not willing to compromise on luxury or visual appeal. So yes, I would say there has been a significant change in taste and expectation in recent years.
Which areas of the home have undergone the most transformation?
The home office is without question one of the most transformed spaces. Clients still want it to be beautifully crafted, but it must now incorporate advanced technology and offer a high level of comfort. With remote working being far more common, this space has become essential. Technology overall has become central to residential design. Security systems, such as facial and fingerprint recognition, are now standard in many luxury homes. These systems are often so discreet that one would hardly notice their presence. I have also seen a rise in Faraday rooms, where clients require secure environments for private communication. These are now being designed to blend seamlessly with the rest of the home, both in appearance and layout, while still using all the necessary shielding materials to ensure privacy.
New generations of high spenders: are they different from their parents? If so, in what ways? Do social media play a role? Does word of mouth still work?
Yes, younger high-net-worth individuals do tend to differ from their parents. They often favour a more modern and relaxed aesthetic, with technology being one of their top priorities. While I do not personally handle the technical elements, I work with highly specialised teams and always find the complexity of these systems fascinating. These clients still expect exceptional quality and design, but usually lean away from more traditional styles in favour of homes that feel dynamic and digitally integrated. Social media certainly plays a role in opening up your work to a wider audience, but it does not replace the power of word of mouth. In fact, the more exclusive the client, the more critical reputation becomes. Trust, discretion and reliability are everything in this space.
Are wealthy customers cost-conscious?
It is also important to maintain transparency around fees, particularly with high-net-worth clients, who are often wary of being overcharged simply because of their wealth. We begin and end with the client, listening until we fully understand their ambitions. Our team of highly qualified interior designers, supported by architects and CAD and CGI professionals, transforms ideas and passion into reality. We source the best products globally, ensuring they fit within budget and exceed expectations. Our execution is precise, meticulously following an agreed schedule through effective supply chain management and robust project milestone management..
It is no coincidence that the famous ‘We Can Do It’ poster created by J. Howard Miller for Westinghouse Electric to support soldiers during World War II featured a female figure: Celia Sawyer is proof that the equation hunger + willpower + talent has no equal among humans on Earth, an equation that cannot do without any of its three components to climb the ranks of success and fame. But… there is a fourth component that only the markets can certify: transparency. Celia Sawyer’s words on the overused term “sustainability” clearly state that being sincere and direct pays off much more than being “politically correct”.
