Meet Our Next in Design Winners: Claire Welsh Design

Edinburgh-based Claire Welsh Design works with local artisans to create homes that are layered and unique

Pip Rich's avatar
By
published
in News
Left: A woman in a floral dress stands in a chic room with patterned wallpaper, large artwork, and a plum velvet sofa.Right: A rustic pantry view featuring a white marble farmhouse sink, brass faucet, yellow cabinetry, and warm wood walls.
(Image credit: Zac + Zac)

Working as an account manager at Colefax and Fowler gave our Next in Design Winner, Claire Welsh, a true understanding of the decorative end of the design industry. ‘Because of my time there, I have a very layered approach and know the importance of antiques to really anchor a space,’ Claire says of the work she has done under her eponymous studio, which she founded in 2022.

Based in Edinburgh, her biggest client has been the Highlands hotel Skibo Castle, where she has designed two lodges and a treehouse, each one laced with pattern and fascinating details.

A cozy wood-paneled living room featuring a modern black hanging fireplace, striped armchairs, a blue tufted ottoman, and mismatched floral textiles.

Claire Welsh has a very layered and decorative approach to design.

(Image credit: Zac + Zac)

‘I commissioned JamJar Edit to press ferns from the estate for the treehouse and got a local specialist framer, Pandora Harrison, to sew vintage Hermès scarves into museum-quality frames to use as backgrounds for them,’ Claire says. ‘It’s been really magical to work on.’

Commissioning local artisans is a passion for Claire, and part of the ethos of her studio. ‘Scotland has a rich history of craft and I’m excited to champion it,’ she says, of the way local makers are used in all her projects. A current favorite is The Marchmont Workshop, ‘as they do wonderful rush seating,’ and artist Sarah Cemmick, who Claire asked to make traditional linocuts for a living room wall.

It is this quest to seek out lesser-known collaborators that gives her work such character.

Love beautiful design ideas, expert advice, and inspiring decor trends? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

Pip Rich
Pip Rich

Pip Rich is an interiors journalist and editor with 20 years' experience, having written for all of the UK's biggest titles. Most recently, he was the Global Editor in Chief of our sister brand, Livingetc, where he now continues in a consulting role as Executive Editor. Before that, he was acting editor of Homes & Gardens, and has held staff positions at Sunday Times Style, ELLE Decoration, Red and Grazia. He has written three books – his most recent, A New Leaf, looked at the homes of architects who had decorated with house plants. Over his career, he has interviewed pretty much every interior designer working today, soaking up their knowledge and wisdom so as to become an expert himself.