Inside Rising Star of British Design Ayisha Onuorah's Earthy, Pattern-Rich, and Personality-Driven Approach to Interiors
A closer look at the talented individuals selected for Next in Design 2026 – Homes & Gardens' initiative, offering support to emerging British interior designers
Never one to do things halfway, Next in Design winner Ayisha Onuorah launched her interior design business just weeks after graduating from KLC School of Design last year – one of the most prestigious design schools in the UK, based in London.
A former modeling career in her twenties led to fashion styling, where she experimented with set design, before a moment of inspiration drew her to interiors and she decided to retrain. Four years later, she founded her studio from her home in the vibrant seaside town of Brighton on the south coast of England, not far from where she grew up. Yet her design language is shaped by a far more global perspective, incorporating influences from her Nigerian heritage and, since marrying her Jamaican husband, the Caribbean as well – a region she visits frequently, continually sparking her imagination.
Ayisha Onuorah transformed the interiors of this Georgian villa in Brighton, England, into a vibrant family home.
'I’ve always been creative – interiors just give me a toolbox to express it,' she tells us. In just a year and a half since founding her studio, she has completed residential and commercial projects across the UK, refining a signature style that is, in her words, 'bold, colorful, sometimes romantic, yet also grounded in earthiness.'
Natural textures and materials are layered with vibrant color and pattern – Pierre Frey being a particular favorite – creating spaces that feel eclectic, soulful, and deeply personal. David Nicholls, on the board in charge of selecting Ayisha, comments: ‘One of the things that really stood out was her clear sense of ambition. She wants to conquer the world – and I wouldn't put it past her. This is backed up by training, so there's real substance there as well. I admire her choice of materials and use of color.’
When meeting a new client, Ayisha begins by understanding their tastes, sensibilities, and the rhythm of their daily lives before assessing how she can enhance that flow and bring more joy to everyday living. She is also unafraid of the occasional rule-breaking: 'I love the idea of pushing a client just beyond their comfort zone – it’s a sweet spot.'
The bold tiles that adorn the kitchen island are from Bisazza, and the full-width splashback is Calacatta Viola marble sourced from Italy.
Homes & Gardens: How did you first get into interiors?
Ayisha Onuorah: My path into interiors wasn’t traditional. I originally studied international politics in college, but I realized fairly quickly it wasn’t for me. I’d always been creative, though I didn’t necessarily have the tools to express that beyond fashion and music. I started modeling when I was three years old and went on to work extensively in fashion in my twenties – traveling to fashion weeks in London, New York, and Milan, while also doing editorial and commercial work. That naturally evolved into styling, wardrobe design for music artists and videos, and some set design.
Around four years ago, I had a real revelation that interior design was where all my interests came together. I enrolled in design school, initially on a short course and eventually a BA degree, graduating in 2025. Interiors gave me a framework for channeling my creativity. I love both the expressive side of design and the precision behind it – the technical drawings, the structure, and the intentionality.
Homes & Gardens: Has your background shaped your design style?
Ayisha Onuorah: I grew up in the UK, spent my early years in London, and now live in Brighton, which I love for its artistic, open-minded energy. I’m mixed-race – my mother is English, and my father is Nigerian – and my heritage absolutely influences my work. You can often see my African heritage in the use of color, texture, and layering, but growing up in London’s creative melting pot also had a huge impact on my approach. My husband is Jamaican, and Jamaica has become a major source of inspiration, from its vibrancy and warmth to the way color and life are embraced so unapologetically.
The pendant light is Tom Dixon; the upholstery fabric, Pierre Frey; and the table was designed by Ayisha who commissioned an independent metalworker to handforge the stainless steel base.
Homes & Gardens: How would you define your design language?
Ayisha Onuorah: I’d describe my style as bold yet grounded – colorful, romantic, and earthy all at once. I love natural materials and textures, but I’m equally drawn to strong patterns, rich color, and unexpected combinations. My work tends to be eclectic and layered rather than minimal. I often say it’s somewhere between Pierre Frey fabrics and the atmosphere of a Six Senses resort.
Ultimately, I want spaces to feel personal and emotionally connected to the people who live in them. Great design should enhance your life and create comfort, no matter how expressive or unconventional it may be.
Homes & Gardens: What makes your approach different?
Ayisha Onuorah: My niche is really just me – my perspective, my influences, and the balance I bring between creativity and structure. I like to challenge clients to go slightly beyond their safe space while still creating homes that feel authentic to them. Every project starts with understanding how someone lives, what brings them joy, and how a space can support that both emotionally and practically. I think the best interiors come from that balance of intention and instinct.
Homes & Gardens: What colors are you drawn to lately?
Ayisha Onuorah: I find myself consistently drawn to earthy tones – deep reds, ochres, and khakis in particular. There’s something incredibly comforting about colors that occur naturally in the landscape. One of my favorite places in the Caribbean has this rich, orange-red earth, almost the color of sunbaked brick, and I’m always inspired by it. Those warm, grounded shades have a depth and authenticity that I never seem to tire of.
Colorful and striking artworks pop against the backdrop of the dark wooden built-in shelving unit.
Homes & Gardens: The most underrated element of a well-designed home?
Ayisha Onuorah: Without question, good lighting. For me, it’s nonnegotiable. Many clients underestimate just how much of an impact lighting has on the way a space looks and feels, but it can completely transform an interior. It influences mood, functionality, and atmosphere, which is why I always develop a carefully considered lighting plan early in the design process. It’s one of the most important foundations of a successful space.
Homes & Gardens: Which space in your home says the most about you, and why?
Ayisha Onuorah: Probably my living room. It reflects so much of what I love about design. The palette is built around soft, muted tones, layered with pattern, natural materials, and a collection of artwork that I’ve gathered and displayed over time. Art is always an important part of my interiors, and I tend to take a very eclectic approach to it. For me, artwork isn’t limited to paintings or sculpture – it can be stretched fabric, framed postcards, ceramics, decorative plates, or even something I’ve made myself. I love mixing high and low, combining collected pieces with found objects and anything that resonates with me personally. It creates a space that feels layered, expressive, and deeply individual.
Ayisha Onuorah is working towards launching her fabric brand, Akaraka, later this year. She is also in the process of pitching for her first international project.
Next in Design is Homes & Gardens’ platform spotlighting emerging studios shaping the future of decoration. Winning designers are championed across editorial, events and industry networks, celebrating fresh perspectives and distinctive voices. The initiative is guided by an industry board.
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