Ah February, the month of love.
Here at Finest, we’re less interested in soppy cards, cheap chocolates and last-minute flowers, and far more invested in connections that last. Not human connections, mind you, connections with objects. So here’s our round-up of this month’s design favourites from our directory partners. Because an Edward Bulmer paint will never cheat on you…
Blue Room Revival – Studio Raymond
We got in touch with Carina of Studio Raymond to find out what she’s loving this February, and this month it’s all about the return of the blue room.
“For our North London snug, we embraced the return of the blue room – a trend we’re seeing re-emerge across interiors – but approached it in a way that feels layered, characterful and enduring rather than overtly trend-led,” Carina explains. “The joinery, doors and fireplace are all painted in a deep blue, creating a rich, cocooning backdrop that allows colour to act as architecture within the space.” Subtle texture and warmth can be seen in the snug’s details, Carina softening the room with Phillip Jeffries’ Solstice Silk wallpaper in Seasoned Dusk, while carefully chosen accents introduce contrast and personality: from a re-upholstered ottoman in GP & J Baker’s Runaway fabric to patterned cushions in jewel, ochre and green tones.
Lighting was key to balancing the depth of colour. “Pooky wall lights and ikat shades add a gentle glow, complemented by David Hunt’s Cabana ceiling light in Strawberry for a playful lift,” she says. “By layering colour, pattern and texture, and reusing much of the client’s existing furniture, the space feels timeless, personal and full of depth – showing how blue-led schemes can feel both current and classic when thoughtfully composed.”
Click here to visit Studio Raymond.
Get the Look
‘Navy Blue’ | Edward Bulmer Natural Paints
Shop here.
Architecture as Decoration – Mel Bax
“Architecture as decoration, not just structure, is something that is getting us excited in the studio”
This month, London-based architect Mel Bax of Mel Architect is embracing architecture as decoration, not just structure. This ethos comes to life in her recently completed South West London project, where highly decorative doors and windows introduce layers of character and softness to her client’s home.
A collaboration with East London based interior-design studio Palmer & Stone, these bespoke openings give her clients the opportunity to make the house unmistakably their own. “We’re loving the fresh, peachy tone and can’t wait for the summer months, when patterned light will spill across the kitchen,” Mel says, and we’re equally as eager to see it in action.
Click here to visit Mel Architect.
Chic Interiors in Traditional Properties – TXTURED
This month, Simon Mayhew of Manchester-based interior design studio TXTURED has been loving chic interiors in traditional properties. This can be seen in his most recent project, where a North London period home underwent a full renovation to restore cohesion, warmth, and clarity throughout.
The client approached TXTURED for a full-service interior design, seeking a considered vision that respected the character of the property while elevating it for modern living. “The house had become visually disconnected over time,” Simon explains. “A contemporary kitchen sat awkwardly alongside more traditional rooms, and finishes lacked continuity. The space felt dated and unresolved. As with many period properties in London, uneven floors and tired walls required careful attention before the design could properly take shape.”
His aim was to create a home that felt unified, without losing the period charm inherent to the building. “Our approach began with atmosphere rather than rooms. We developed the concept through a strong visual direction, led by materials and tone. New flooring throughout the property became the foundation of the scheme. It defined the flow from space to space and played a key role in reconnecting the house as a whole.” A soft chequerboard floor introduces warmth and rhythm on entry, transitioning seamlessly into timber flooring, panelled walls, and textured finishes beyond. A rug with a subtle nod to alpine landscapes became “an unexpected reference point,” inspired by the client’s love of skiing. This moment guided the wider scheme, bringing together layered neutrals, warm browns, muted ochres, and soft blush tones.
The result? “Each room has its own identity, yet all speak the same design language. When the client returned after time away, the reaction was immediate: the house felt complete. That sense of impact and resolution was central to the success of the project.”
Click here to visit TXTURED.
Bespoke Kitchens & Bathrooms – Bridgewater Interiors by Mark Robinson
When we spoke with Mark Robinson, Creative Director of North East-based interior design firm Bridgewater Interiors, he didn’t highlight a single favourite this month, but rather his longstanding passion for quality kitchens and bathrooms.
Premier partners and sole stockists of Neptune, Mark is an expert at his craft, using time-honoured techniques to create timeless, lasting interiors. Bradley Garden House in Wylam, Northumberland, is an example of this ethos put into practice, Bridgewater tailoring the handmade kitchen and three bathrooms to the client’s unique lifestyle and requirements. The beauty is in the details: dove tail joints, fully framed doors, hand-painted cabinets, and an AGA, Belfast Sink and various luxury appliances to match the quality of the construction.
Click here to visit Bridgewater Interiors.
Maison Victor Hugo – Rapture & Wright
Sometimes, a designer’s passion isn’t for a physical object, but for a place that sparks inspiration and shapes their work.
This was certainly the case for Peter Thwaites of bespoke textile company Rapture & Wright. After exhibiting in a gallery in the Marais, Paris, during Design Week, he fell in love with the Maison Victor Hugo. “The sheer drama and theatricality of the interiors never fail to inspire and frankly, blow me away every time I revisit,” Peter explains.
Regarded as one of France’s greatest poets, the image to the left depicts a side of Victor Hugo’s life few knew about: his brief stint as an interior designer. Chinese-style panels were designed by Hugo in 1863-1864 and painted with the help of craftsman Tom Gore, forming a backdrop for the porcelain that covers the walls and lines the shelves. The poet’s imagination “unfolds in a dream of fantasy and humour,” explains the museum, and it’s easy to see how Peter takes inspiration from it.
Click here to visit Rapture & Wright.