Harriet Sale brings warmth and texture to a Scottish fishing lodge

Utilising natural light whilst never compromising on charm and character is a key part of interior designer Harriet Sale’s vision for her projects.

Harriet's approach to the Scottish Fishing Lodge project highlights her signature style: a harmonious blend of classic elegance and inviting comfort. She understands that a space, particularly one bathed in the unique light of the Scottish landscape, should not only be visually stunning but also functional and welcoming. Harriet carefully selected materials for this breakfast room transformation, such as our hand painted Delft Corner tiles to reflect the lodge's heritage and the surrounding natural beauty.

Her design process is meticulous, aiming to create spaces that feel both timeless and deeply personal, resonating with its residents. We caught up with Harriet to find out more about her design journey and inspirations. 

So, Harriet, please tell us a little bit about your background in interior design.

Before interior design, I studied English Literature with a focus on creative writing, which in hindsight makes perfect sense, both are all about storytelling and evoking feeling.

I started in the industry working for R & B Interior Design and then moved to the brilliant Penny Morrison. Over time, I realised I wanted to build a studio that combined characterful, soulful design with meticulous organisation, the kind of place where creativity meets spreadsheets! It’s grown gradually and quite organically, through word of mouth and several returning clients. 

That’s splendid, thanks! Could you tell us what you strive for with your design style and ethos?  

I’ve always been drawn to spaces that feel a certain way; joyful, calm, nostalgic, cosy, or fun and how the right combination of colour, texture and light can completely shift your mood.

I always aim to create interiors that are as interesting as they are comfortable with spaces that feel collected and layered but calm and full of personality, without shouting. While I love working on historic or character properties, I enjoy all eras, so it is more about how a space is going to be lived in.  

My style tends to blend heritage with contemporary touches, lots of texture, colour, and pieces with provenance but I never force a ‘look'. The best designs are those that evolve naturally from the architecture, setting and client. 

The colour palette and finer details are stunning! Do you have any expert tips you can share for anyone planning a renovation?

Plan more than you think you need to!

So much of a successful renovation is in the groundwork. Think through your lighting and electrics early on, and don’t leave joinery decisions to the last minute.  

I’d also say allow room for surprise. The best spaces aren’t over designed. So, ensure you leave space for an odd antique find or a fabric you fall in love with along the way. 

We love how you have used the Delft Corner tiles on the breakfast bar. What do you like about Marlborough Tiles, and the specific tiles you chose for this project?

I love Marlborough Tiles’ combination of tradition and artistry. The handpainted tiles have this subtle charm and variation that feels so human and warm, they’re never flat or clinical.

We used your Delft corner tiles inside a fireplace and on a bespoke breakfast bar, and they completely lifted the space. They’re practical but beautiful and quietly characterful, which is very much my thing! 

So, what is next for you, Harriet? Do you have any exciting projects coming up for the rest of the year?

Absolutely! We’re continuing with the next phase of the Scottish Fishing Lodge with some beautiful new bedrooms still to come, a Berkshire family house, a Herefordshire barn conversion, and a few lovely London projects tucked into Georgian terraces. I love the variety of different projects! 

This graceful West-facing room with an elevated fireplace and bespoke breakfast bar is the perfect example of how Delft Corner tiles can completely transform a space, adding a touch of artistry, texture and heritage. We’re delighted to be featured in Harriet’s Scottish Highlands project and look forward to discovering what she creates next.

A big thank you to Harriet for taking the time to sit down with us for this article - you can find out more about her and her projects on her website, www.harrietsale.com and on Instagram at @harrietsale.

Explore our collection of hand painted Delft Corner tiles here.