Timeless design meets family living

This month we had the pleasuring of sitting down with Harriet Sinclair-Wilson, founder of Fable Interiors, to speak about a stunning kitchen project she completed in an Edwardian property, in the medieval market town of Stratford-Upon-Avon. 

Harriet talks us through her vision for the project and some key characteristics that transformed this house into a timeless yet functional home.

Hi Harriet, please tell us a little bit about you and how you landed in the world of interior design?

I founded Fable Interiors in 2014, an interior design studio located in the Warwickshire village of Upper Brailes, on the edge of the Cotswolds. My work focuses on crafting elegant, family-oriented interiors that combine calmness, functionality, and a timeless aesthetic.

With a background in Textile Design and a Diploma in Interior Design, I have spent the past decade collaborating with clients throughout Warwickshire, Oxfordshire, and the North Cotswolds. My portfolio ranges from contemporary new builds to listed Georgian townhouses, each project tailored to balance practicality with refined design.

Could you share some insight into this Stratford-upon-Avon project - what were the clients’ objectives, and how did these shape your design approach?

The property, a charming Edwardian house, had recently been purchased by a young family with three children. Their goal was to renovate the home in a way that respected and preserved its original period features, while also ensuring it could stand up to the demands of modern family living.

My approach was guided by a desire to create interiors that felt both welcoming and serene. I selected colours and patterns that are versatile and enduring, resulting in a timeless, characterful home that balances elegance with everyday practicality.

The open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area is such a standout feature. What were you and your clients hoping to achieve in this multifunctional space?

This space needed to be versatile, effortlessly balancing the demands of everyday family life with moments of relaxation and entertaining.

It had to function as:

• A practical area where children could tackle homework while parents prepared dinner.
• A cosy seating nook, ideal for enjoying a morning coffee with a friend.
• A generous dining space for entertaining guests, cleverly positioned so the kitchen remains just out of view, keeping the ambience relaxed and uncluttered.

The aim was to create a space that feels naturally lived-in yet elegantly composed, where every corner serves a purpose without compromising style or comfort.

You selected Antique White and hand painted Emma tiles in Sage Green for the kitchen splashback. What drew you to them, and how do they enhance the overall design?

The Emma tiles were simply perfect for this kitchen. Their soft, delicate sage green beautifully complements the cabinetry, creating a subtle yet elegant contrast.

Our goal was to design a traditional, timeless family kitchen that would remain stylish for years to come. The palette is completed with Farrow & Ball’s Lichen on the kitchen cabinetry, tying everything together with a calm, cohesive finish.

Beyond the tiles, which materials, textures, or design choices were essential in creating this timeless yet family-friendly space?

At the heart of the kitchen sits a large back Aga, serving as both a functional focal point and a design anchor. To soften the overall look and add depth, I introduced panelling on the walls flanking the Aga, complemented by a stone upstand in front - practical for easy cleaning, yet visually grounded.

We selected traditional shaker-style doors, paired with Armac Martin antique brass handles and knobs, which will naturally patina over time, lending the kitchen a beautifully lived-in, enduring charm. Every material and detail were chosen to balance elegance with practicality, ensuring the space is as welcoming as it is timeless.

Finally, what advice would you offer homeowners considering a renovation or working with an interior designer for the first time?

If you are planning a renovation, I would suggest bringing an interior designer on board at the same time as your architect. This ensures that everyone is aligned from the outset, avoiding the need for changes later in the process and creating a cohesive design vision.

It is also equally important to find a designer who makes you feel relaxed and at ease. A successful project is truly a collaboration - trusting their expertise and knowledge allows the design to evolve seamlessly while reflecting your lifestyle and personality.

Many thanks to Harriet for allowing us to showcase this beautiful project. This Stratford-upon-Avon kitchen truly brings together timeless design, family-friendly functionality, and thoughtful detailing. To view more of Harriet’s projects, visit her website or Instagram.

Click here for a closer look at our Emma Sage Green tiles.