Founded in 2018, Portia Fox Design has developed an impressive portfolio of projects characterised by a combination of natural materials, rich textures and thoughtful craftsmanship. Although every project has its own identity, there is an undeniable thread that links the studio's work. We sat down with Portia to dig deeper into how she cultivated her design style and find out more about what inspires her schemes.
What's your favourite way to describe your design style?
‘Our style is sophisticated and highly bespoke, blending contemporary elements with classic influences. I’d say that our ethos as a studio is defined by meticulous attention to detail and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship. Whenever possible, we love to curate and add bespoke furniture, art, and finishes to our projects, aiming to create timeless and layered interiors that feel both luxurious and deeply personal.’
Who is your favourite creative influence?
‘I’ve always been very inspired by Carlo Scarpa, the Italian architect and designer known for his sensitive restorations and intricate detailing, particularly seen in projects like the Brion Cemetery, the Olivetti showroom in Venice, and the Querini Stampalia Foundation in Venice.
Scarpa's work is revered for its subtlety, craftsmanship, and respect for context. While he was somewhat under-appreciated in his own time - partly because he never formally became a licensed architect - his influence has grown immensely over the years. Today, he's celebrated as a master of detail and atmosphere, influencing generations of architects and designers who aim to blend modernism with a tactile, human quality. His work invites slow observation and emotional connection, reminding us that design is not just about function, but about experience.’
What's your favourite item in your studio at the moment?
‘We have had a lot of very beautiful artwork flowing through the studio recently, which has been very inspiring. We currently have a very vibrant and colourful artwork by Yurui Fang hanging in our meeting room, bringing a sense of joy and energy to our everyday meetings.
It has sparked several interesting conversations within the team around colour, composition and how artwork can subtly shift the atmosphere of a space. We often find that living with pieces in the studio, even temporarily, allows us to better understand their presence and how they might translate into our projects. It reinforces our belief that artwork is not simply an addition at the end of a project, but an integral layer that helps to tell a client’s story and bring a scheme to life.’
What's your favourite hotel, restaurant or interior you've visited recently?
‘There is a wonderful restaurant nestled in the hills just outside of Gordes in Provence called Le Mas. It's set within a beautiful walled garden and serves exceptional food. We visited in the summer and the whole experience was unforgettable off the beaten track, with a joyful atmosphere filled with local families and friends. The interiors are equally charming.’
What's your favourite everyday luxury?
‘Scent, without question. It’s one of those quiet, everyday luxuries that has the ability to completely shift the mood of a space in an instant.
We often have pieces from Studio H in the studio, which feels particularly special as it’s rare to find a British perfumer producing such a considered and nuanced range. Their fragrances have a depth and subtlety that never overwhelm, but instead gently layer into the atmosphere. I also return to Tomato Leaves by Loewe, which has this beautifully fresh, almost nostalgic quality, and Trudon, who create wonderfully evocative scents that feel both timeless and transportive. For me, scent is deeply tied to memory and emotion. It’s often the final, invisible layer in a space—something you don’t necessarily see, but always feel.'’
What's your favourite part of the design process - from concept to completion?
‘Seeing a project come together in its entirety, from the initial concept through to the final styling, is incredibly rewarding. The most gratifying moments are when a client truly feels at home in their space. After (often) years of working closely with clients to understand their lifestyles and habits, it is truly satisfying to know that the design not only reflects their aesthetic preferences but also enhances the way they live day-to-day.’
Who has been your favourite collaborator or maker that you've worked with?
‘Every member of the team at Portia Fox has a deep appreciation for craftsmanship. On every project, we collaborate with British and international artisans and makers to curate custom furniture and joinery and when we’re sourcing lighting, fabrics, accessories, and artwork. Craftsmanship needs to shine through in all of the spaces we create. We’re incredibly lucky that in London we have a wealth of world-class artisans, craftsmen, and makers on our doorstep, and I have especially loved working with London-based Hensby Workshop, Novocastrian, Francis Russell Design, and Grovesnor and Christian.’
What's your favourite Portia Fox project and why?
‘I’ve always valued the diversity of working across a range of projects, so it’s difficult to single out just one. That said, we are currently designing an exceptional chalet in Switzerland, which has become a particularly meaningful project for us. What makes it so special is the level of detail and craftsmanship embedded throughout. We’ve had the opportunity to collaborate closely with highly skilled artisans, developing bespoke joinery, sculptural stair elements, and finely considered material junctions that celebrate the honesty of each material. From honed stones to hand-finished timbers and bespoke metalwork, every element is carefully resolved to feel both precise and quietly luxurious. It’s a project where the design is truly layered and deeply considered, and working with a client who is so engaged in that process makes it all the more rewarding. It’s still unfolding, but I feel it will be something very special—very much one to watch.’
What's your favourite challenge to solve in a project?
‘I find the most rewarding challenge is the moment where everything begins to come together materially. There is something deeply satisfying about refining a palette—balancing tone, texture and finish—until it feels both cohesive and quietly unexpected. It’s a very instinctive yet considered process, and when it’s right, it elevates the entire scheme in a way that feels effortless but is anything but.
That said, as a studio, we are equally energised by the more strategic challenges within a project. Space planning, in particular, is something we place huge importance on. It underpins how a home is experienced day to day, and when resolved well, it can completely transform the way a space functions and flows. Often, it’s these foundational decisions—those that may not be immediately visible—that ultimately define the success and longevity of a project.’
Which museum or art gallery is your favourite in London?
‘While there are many museums and galleries in London that I admire, I find myself particularly drawn to the city’s design-led exhibitions. Both Collect London at Somerset House and PAD London in Berkeley Square are firm favourites.
I would also add the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts, which I return to year after year. There is something incredibly energising about its breadth—established and emerging artists shown side by side, across such a wide range of mediums and expressions.
Together, these exhibitions offer something quite special—bringing together exceptional craftsmanship, collectible design and fine art in a way that feels both inspiring and highly relevant to our work. There is a wonderful immediacy to them; the opportunity to engage with pieces up close, to understand the materials, the maker’s hand, and the narrative behind each work. It’s an environment that continually sparks ideas and reinforces the importance of artistry and detail in everything we do.’
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