Rendered view of proposed kitchen with bifold doors to garden by Philippa Hope Design

In My Own Words

Welcome — I’m Pip, an interior designer who believes every home should look beautiful and feel healthy. My work focuses on creating spaces that support balance, calm, and well-being through thoughtful, sustainable design.

My interest in wellness-focused interiors began during my BA in Interior Design at Norwich University of the Arts and deepened through an MA in Communication Design. Through research into materials, finishes, and building methods, I discovered just how deeply our surroundings influence our physical and mental health. Since then, I’ve been guided by the belief that good design should make us feel as well as look good.

Today, as homes become more energy-efficient and tightly sealed, indoor air quality matters more than ever. Common materials can release toxins, and microplastics are now part of our everyday environment. As a result, it’s essential to understand not only how our homes are built, but also what we bring into them — from paints and flooring to furniture, textiles, and everyday objects. Each choice we make shapes the air we breathe and the sense of well-being we feel within our walls.

My approach focuses on natural materials, thoughtful sourcing, and spaces that invite calm and connection. Therefore, every design decision aims to create interiors that breathe — homes that restore balance and feel good to live in.

Through The Journal, I share reflections and practical guidance on mindful design and healthy living. You’ll find ideas on improving air quality, reducing toxins, and choosing finishes that are both sustainable and soothing. Each entry is written to help you design with awareness and ease.

Whether you’re renovating, redecorating, or simply rethinking your space, you’ll find inspiration here for creating a home that feels grounded, calm, and beautifully alive.

Let’s create a home that truly supports the way you want to live.

‘The Mattress’ One of a set of four posters designed as part of an MA Communication Design to highlight the dangers of the VOCs and toxins found in non-organic mattresses | ARTWORK: Pip Samwell-Smith
‘The Mattress’ One of a set of four posters designed as part of an MA Communication Design to highlight the dangers of the VOCs and toxins found in non-organic mattresses | ARTWORK: Pip Samwell-Smith
Exploded view of design to re-purpose a disused agricultural building into a 3-bed family home. The build principle focuses on the ‘healthy home’ using environmentally friendly building materials to prioritise thermal efficiency and indoor air quality | CAD+ARTWORK: Pip Samwell-Smith