The Next in Design 2026 initiative by Homes & Gardens is an exciting opportunity to showcase a diverse range of emerging talent in the UK design industry. This year's cohort features 15 exceptional studios and designers, each bringing their unique style, experiences, and perspectives to the forefront. What sets these designers apart is their unwavering creativity, passion, and ambition, which are essential qualities for any designer striving for success.
The selection process for Next in Design is rigorous, with a board of industry experts overseeing the initiative. The board, comprising renowned interior designers, architects, and industry leaders, ensures a high standard of excellence. The Open Call process attracts hundreds of entries, making the selection highly competitive. Additionally, Homes & Gardens' weekly industry newsletter, In The Loop, provides valuable insights and opportunities for designers to connect and grow.
One of the standout designers is Winnie Tam of 28 a.m., who aims to move beyond decoration and create spaces with emotional longevity. In an increasingly digital world, Tam believes that homes should serve as a tactile, analog counterbalance. Her work combines precision with a focus on the restorative needs of modern Londoners, creating a unique and meaningful design approach.
Ayisha Onuorah, another talented designer, brings a rich mix of cultural influences to her work. With roots in England, Africa, and the Caribbean, Onuorah creates interiors that are layered and expressive, reflecting her diverse background. Her ability to blend different cultures seamlessly is a testament to her skill and creativity.
Chizitera Pennington, the founder of Chizitera Interiors, showcases a bold and intentional design style. By blending color, pattern, and shape, Pennington creates spaces that are both visually striking and balanced. Her clean lines and personal approach to design make her a designer to watch.
Abbie Downey, the founder of Feather & Fossil Interior Design, celebrates bold patterns, maximalism, and curiosity. Downey's background in scientific research and her passion for interior design result in creatively ambitious projects. Her work tells stories, reflects individuality, and invites people to engage with their surroundings.
Andy Hamilton, the founder of House of Hamiltons, brings a unique perspective to the industry. With a background in construction and tech, Hamilton has a practical understanding of space and a deep respect for the construction process. His design philosophy emphasizes the importance of making, not just specifying.
Irfana Ahmed, the founder of Irfana Ahmed Creative, is a self-taught designer who constantly learns and absorbs information. Her designs are inviting and intentional, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Ahmed's approach allows for personal touches while maintaining a cohesive and well-thought-out space.
Jasmine Fisher, with her background in a Polynesian-Chinese mother and an English father, and her upbringing across different countries, designs spaces that are layered with meaning. Fisher approaches each project as a story, curating artworks and selecting materials that reflect the lives and identities of her clients.
Jessica Graham, the founder of JGraham Design, has a grounded understanding of design from her early experiences in various corners of the industry. Her holistic approach and attention to detail make her a valuable asset to any design project.
Ella Jones, the founder of Kaye Design Studios, has learned the ins and outs of running a one-woman studio. This demanding role has forced her to raise her standards, trust her instincts, and learn quickly, resulting in a highly skilled and adaptable designer.
Matthew Taylor, the founder of Matthew Taylor Design, takes a holistic approach to design. He identifies the building's history, materiality, and story, creating spaces that are deeply connected to their surroundings. Taylor's material and surface-driven approach adds depth and character to his designs.
Filippo Calvagno, the founder of Studio Calvagno, brings a unique cultural background to the design world. With a Sicilian background, German birth, and experiences in the US and UK, Calvagno's approach is shaped by his diverse upbringing. His background in dance also influences his understanding of movement and rhythm in space.
Flora Slater, the founder of Studio Flora London, emphasizes the importance of creativity and consideration in design. She helps clients with smaller budgets create beautiful and considered homes without compromising on style. Slater's approach makes design accessible and tailored to individual needs.
Ailsa MacConnell, the founder of Studio Mac, has an instinctive eye for visual storytelling and spatial flow. Her background in antiques and historic homes has shaped her understanding of how history and architecture influence space. MacConnell believes in creating rooms with their own personalities that contribute to a cohesive narrative throughout the home.
Frankie Pritchard and Indie Robinson, the co-founders of Thirty Stories, create interiors that are layered and timeless. Their work reflects the character of the building and the personality of its inhabitants, resulting in unique and individual designs.
Zoe Willis, the founder of Zoe Willis Design, is known for her bold use of color, sculptural composition, and cinematic atmosphere. Willis's projects are narrative-driven, not trend-led, and she proves that instinct, lived experience, and commercial intelligence can lead to disciplined and serious design.
These designers, each with their own distinct style and approach, showcase the incredible diversity and talent within the UK design industry. The Next in Design 2026 initiative provides a platform for these emerging stars to gain recognition and build their careers, contributing to the growth and evolution of the design world.
