Having spent her childhood living in Dedham, dedicated and passionate interior designer, Emma Beasley knows the county well. Now living in Suffolk, her work takes her across the eastern region as well as London, but wherever her clients are based, her mission is to improve their well-being through the spaces they inhabit.
Emma said: 'I started Roundwood Interiors at the end of 2021, it felt like a completely insane move on my part. I had no experience with running a business at all and the only projects I had completed were my own! Luckily, I am blessed with lots of adventurous and supportive friends and family willing to let me experiment on them!'
Emma offers a wide range of services including e-design, full-service interior design, colour consultancy as well as 3D modelling, so wherever clients live, all can be assisted with transforming their home.
Were you destined to be an interior designer?
'I've always been a creative person and was fascinated by antique shops as a child. My interest in interior design was really sparked when I moved into my house, it was the first chance I had to flex my design muscles and I really enjoyed trying different things out. I was inspired to change careers, like many people, during the pandemic, I decided life was too short, and I needed to pursue something that really brought me joy.'
What's been a particular favourite project....as well as any not so favourite!
'I've been pretty blessed not to have had any bad projects. All projects have low points and high points - my latest project involved a 16-hour day in a tiny windowless room panelling a wall. The thing that makes all the hard work worth it is the look on a client's face when they see the finished product and you see them fall in love with their own home.'
Awards/acknowledgements you’re proud of?
'This isn't an industry achievement, but my mum, who is one tough cookie and isn't easily impressed, asked me to redesign her bathroom and accepted all my advice. The result was gorgeous. That's how I knew I was a 'proper' designer!'
Your thoughts on sustainability?
'I'm really glad to see sustainability becoming increasingly important within the construction industry as a whole. My other half works within building services so I'm privileged to have access to someone who can give me a solid perspective about sustainable solutions that actually work rather than having my head turned by faddy buzzwords.'
Who and where you gather inspiration from?
'There are so many designers whose work I admire but particularly Amber Lewis, Michelle Ogundahin and Alice Lane Interiors. I think I'm pretty similar to a lot of creatives and find nature inspires a lot of my work, the colours and textures just can't be beaten. I also like to have a constant flow of input, I own far too many art and design books and magazines and I like to travel whenever I get the chance. I attend Decorex every year, which is a trade show, and see so many gorgeous brands that I would love to work with. Some favourites include Soho Home, Knots Rugs and OKA though, well worth checking out if you're in the market for some pretty things.'
Favourite part of your job?
'I really love finding clever solutions to client's problems. Interior design is more than just making a space look beautiful, it's about improving the experience of people that use that space'
MORE ABOUT EMMA
Her home…
'I live in a fairly bog-standard three-bed semi built sometime in the early 1920s, it boasts absolutely no straight walls whatsoever and is an absolute spider magnet, but I am completely in love with it! I've lived there for about 12 years now and it's been my faithful guinea pig to try out all my design ideas on!
'Three out of my four children are still at home, plus Colin our miniature schnauzer, so my house is absolute chaos! In terms of style, I would describe it as transitional - somewhere between traditional and modern. I love vintage and think every home ought to include a mixture of things; a special vintage piece will always add a pop to any room.'
Hobbies…
'I'm quite a crafty sort, I love knitting, sewing, crochet and felting, basically if it's something you can DIY I've probably given it a go! I also love restoring antique furniture, I know there's been a huge trend for upcycling furniture and slapping chalk paint on stuff but I'm a big advocate for so-called 'brown furniture' and really enjoy returning it to its former glory!'
She would take a peek around…
'I've been a pretty avid fan of Greg Penn (@manwithahammer on Instagram) since he started renovating his absolutely gorgeous ex-naval Georgian home and I really adore his use of colour and pattern. He's worked absolutely wonders with it, and what he's achieved is really respectful of the character and history of the building too.'
Emma’s top ten of businesses in Essex selling or featuring great interiors!
1. Studio 42, Manningtree.
The most gorgeous pottery and ceramics in a beautiful setting. Best thing for me is being able to meet the artists and chat to them about their work. (prugreen.com)
2. Little Merchant, Dedham.
I grew up in Dedham and sadly this absolute gem of a shop hadn't opened its doors when I left for uni! Beautiful homewares and books that speak to the soul. I can never resist taking something home with me whenever I find myself in the vicinity. There is coffee and cakes to boot!! (@littlemerchantdedham)
3. Milsoms, Dedham.
This is a great place for a quick bite with a low-key vibe. The interiors are perfect and the food is outstanding - a beautiful space to spend an evening. You can also stay here if you're so inclined, the rooms are also immaculately decorated. (milsomhotels.com)
4. The George Hotel, Colchester.
Absolutely amazing hotel, bar and restaurant that recently underwent a massive renovation. The foyer features a stunning mural by one of my favourite artists, Lucy Tiffney and every corner is filled with gorgeous, bold design details. (suryahotels.co.uk/thegeorgehotel/)
5. Dear Grace, Colchester.
Lovely independent interiors shop and a cool place tucked away off the High Street in Red Lion Yard. The thing I like most about it is it’s not just that the homewares are gorgeous, but they're also nicely sized. So often you see a beautiful lamp or vase but they're just too small, so you end up buying more things to fill the space and everything just looks cluttered. That's probably my number one styling tip - buy less but bigger! (deargracehomeinteriors.com)
6. Maldon Books, Maldon.
There are few things I love more than whiling away an hour or two in a cool, independent bookshop and it doesn't come much cooler than this one. A really lovely setting, a beautifully designed interior and staffed by really lovely, friendly people. (@maldonbooks)
7. Manningtree Emporium, Manningtree.
Huge treasure trove of vintage, retro and antique loveliness! It's tucked away on an industrial estate but well worth the trip, it's huge and you can always find something amazing to take home with you. (@manningtree_emporium)
8. Great Danes, Frinton-on-Sea.
I'm always a sucker for a bit of Scandi and the vibe here is just so cool. You won't find furniture here but you will find all sorts of accessories, jewellery and some Danish booze you might want to try! (gr8danes.uk)
9. Tinted Twig, Leigh-on-Sea.
Awesome quirky pieces and a stunningly laid out shop, there's always inspiration to be found here. Another place that excels in appropriately sized homewares, well worth a visit. (@tintedtwig)
10. Unseen Icons, Writtle.
Specialising in bespoke cinema seats and run by one of the coolest women I've ever met in my life! If you want a truly unique, original piece that will absolutely zing in your home then Kerry is the lady to go to. (unseenicons.com)
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