Inside the World of Timeless Design with Emma Sims-Hilditch
From the film sets of Ridley Scott to the charming interiors of some of the UK’s most exquisite homes, it’s fair to say design is in Emma Sims-Hilditch’s DNA: Growing up with an interior designer mother, surrounded by beautiful childhood spaces, and an early career making hand-sewn curtains at her kitchen table all paved the way to Emma launching Sims Hilditch in 2009.
In our exclusive interview, Emma shares the biggest lessons she’s learned along the way, the inspirations behind her signature timeless, characterful, and liveable style, and why craftsmanship and sustainability are at the heart of her work. She also gives us a peek into her dream project—restoring a historic hotel in the Swiss Alps—and offers timeless advice: “Buy once, buy well.”
Discover Emma’s insights on London’s architectural beauty, her love for wallpaper (especially de Gournay!), and how walking through the countryside fuels her creativity.
How did you first enter the world of design?
“Growing up as the daughter of an interior designer, I was surrounded by beautiful spaces from an early age. However, before pursuing my own path in design, I chose to study business and later worked in film production with Ridley Scott. Not conventional, I know, but I learnt a lot about managing large-scale projects – an invaluable skill that has shaped my career ever since.
After many years in the film industry, I decided to follow my true passion for interiors, inspired by my mother. I started small, making curtains at my kitchen table in Wiltshire. As clients began asking for advice on other aspects of their homes, my business naturally evolved. In 2009, Sims Hilditch was born as a full-service interior design studio.”
You founded your studio in 2009 – what have been the biggest lessons you’ve learnt along the way?
“One of the most important things that I have learnt since starting Sims Hilditch is how to delegate. As the founder of a business, it is very easy to try to do it all, but as the business grows, it soon becomes apparent that this is just not possible! I am very lucky to have a dedicated team of talented individuals working across the design, procurement, marketing and finance sectors of Sims Hilditch. We are like a well-oiled machine, each performing different functions but working in harmony together to achieve fantastic results.”
Where do you find inspiration for your projects? Are there any places, eras, or artistic movements that influence your work?
“Museums, art galleries, and hotels—like La Bastide de Marie in Provence, which inspired my Wiltshire home—are rich sources of inspiration. The English countryside also deeply influences our work; we always consider a property’s setting, drawing from nature for colour palettes or materials. As a country girl at heart, walks are a source of happiness and creativity, shaping both my personal life and design approach. Some of our fondest family memories are trekking the Brecon Beacons. London, too, offers endless inspiration. Wherever I am, walking is essential—it’s the best way to spark creativity.”
How do you incorporate wallpaper into your designs?
“Wallpaper is a wonderful way to add depth, texture, and personality to a space. De Gournay is a particular favourite—their hand-painted designs bring an artistic quality that feels timeless yet completely unique. I gravitate towards soft, organic patterns and classic motifs in muted tones, as they create warmth without overwhelming a space.”
We had the pleasure of working with you on a powder room with de Gournay wallpaper. Do you think wallpaper lends itself to bringing a little magic and interest to smaller spaces like WCs, powder rooms, etc.?
“Absolutely! Powder rooms and WCs are the perfect places to be a little more adventurous with design. Because they are self-contained spaces, they offer an opportunity to experiment with bolder patterns, colours, or textures without overwhelming the rest of the home.”
What do you hope to achieve before celebrating your studio’s 20th anniversary? Any major goals, ambitions, or dream projects on the horizon?
“I would love to continue growing Sims Hilditch’s portfolio of projects, exploring diverse architectural styles and locations. A personal dream would be restoring a historic hotel in the Swiss Alps. I know and love the Alps, spending much of my time exploring in both summer and winter. I love the old school charm of Switzerland. Many alpine hotels I have visited have changed very little since the 1950s, still having original lighting, furniture and even fabrics. To gently and authentically bring one of these hotels up to date whilst maintaining all the character and charm of its original architecture would be a dream for me.”
Describe your signature style in three words.
“Timeless, characterful, liveable.”
What does craftsmanship mean to you? How important is it to invest in pieces that stand the test of time?
“Craftsmanship is at the heart of everything we do. We love working with skilled artisans and craftspeople to create unique spaces filled with bespoke furniture, intricate plasterwork, and hand-painted finishes, celebrating traditional techniques. We also champion the use of antique and vintage pieces, which not only add character and a sense of history to a space but also contribute to sustainable design by repurposing existing items rather than producing new ones.”
What’s one key piece of interior advice you think everyone should know?
“Buy once, buy well. Invest in timeless, well-crafted pieces rather than following fleeting trends. A thoughtfully designed space should evolve with you over time, incorporating pieces that hold meaning and are built to last.”
Have there been any recent design trends that have caught your eye? Are there any you wish would disappear?
“While we don’t follow trends strictly—our focus is on timeless design—we are seeing a strong demand for texture. Whether it’s a rough stone wall or a wool bouclé cushion, tactile materials are playing a key role in interiors. The modern farmhouse aesthetic continues to be popular, blending mid-century, antique, and contemporary furnishings for a layered look. Glossy surfaces and sleek, flat-fronted kitchens are being replaced by painted wood or oak cabinetry, which offers a more organic, natural feel.”
What’s been your most challenging project to date,and how did you overcome the hurdles?
“Restoring listed or historic buildings is a wonderful challenge. We worked on a 15th-century manor house in Dorset that had been frequented by Henry VIII and were able to bring the interiors up to date for modern family life. Space planning is so important in these old houses, which were never designed to be used in the way we want to live nowadays. We created a wonderful open-plan living-kitchen-dining room suitable for a large family.”
Alongside the countryside, a lot of your projects are in the super-prime Central areas that we work in; Notting Hill, Chelsea, Kensington, Primrose Hill—what do you love most about London properties?
“London properties have a wonderful sense of history and character, whether it’s a Georgian townhouse, a Victorian terrace, or a grand mansion block apartment. The high ceilings, original moldings, and beautiful proportions make them a joy to work with. I love the challenge of creating interiors that feel both elegant and contemporary while respecting the architectural heritage of these homes. It’s about finding a balance—incorporating modern comforts while retaining the architectural foundations and features that make these properties so special.”
Discover more about Sims Hilditch here.
Follow Sims Hilditch and Emma Sims-Hilditch on Instagram.
