Walk into any room that feels right, and chances are, someone thought really hard about it. That’s what great interior design does. It goes beyond pretty furniture and matching colors.
It shapes how a space makes you feel the moment you step inside. The best way to build your own eye for design is to learn from those who’ve already mastered it.
Famous interior designers have spent years creating styles that changed how we think about our homes and public spaces.
If you’re a design enthusiast or just refreshing your space, this list of famous interior designers is a great place to learn from.
The Rise of Interior Design and Cultural Influence
Interior design as a formal profession emerged in the early 20th century, led by Elsie de Wolfe, widely credited as the first professional designer who replaced Victorian clutter with light, comfort, and personal style.
Modernism further changed the field, championing clean lines and functional spaces, while post-war prosperity and globalization introduced a rich cross-cultural exchange of ideas.
These shifts elevated interior design from a domestic craft to a globally respected discipline.
The rise of Architectural Digest, the AD100 list, and eventually social media turned designers into cultural icons, making world-class design inspiration accessible to everyone.
Famous Interior Designers and Their Signature Styles
These famous interior designers are known for their unique styles and creative ideas. Each one brings a different approach that continues to influence modern homes and spaces.
1. Kelly Wearstler
Source: withoutmaps
Kelly Wearstler is known for bold interiors that stand out right away. Her designs mix rich textures, strong patterns, and eye-catching colors.
- From: Santa Cruz, California, USA
- Education: Massachusetts College of Art and Design and the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM), Los Angeles
- Signature Style: Bold Hollywood Regency glamour meets mid-century modern, with global art influences and unexpected material pairings
- Best Known Projects: Viceroy Hotel group (Santa Monica, Miami, Palm Springs), Proper Hotels across the U.S., and Sunset Tower Hotel in Los Angeles
2. Joanna Gaines
Source: architecturaldigest.com
Joanna Gaines is known for cozy interiors that feel warm and inviting. Her designs focus on simple layouts, natural textures, and soft neutral tones.
- From: Kansas, USA
- Education: Baylor University
- Signature Style: Modern farmhouse with rustic elements, neutral palettes, and functional layouts
- Best Known Projects: Magnolia Homes, Fixer Upper TV series, Magnolia Market properties
3. Nate Berkus
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Source: SheKnows.com
Nate Berkus is known for designing spaces that feel personal and meaningful. He often uses items that tell a story, like travel pieces or family objects. His style blends modern and classic elements.
- From: Highland Park, Illinois, USA
- Education: Lake Forest College (attended); largely self-taught through hands-on experience
- Signature Style: Collected, layered interiors that blend modern sensibility with sentimental and global objects
- Best Known Projects: The Nate Berkus Show, Nate & Jeremiah By Design, various high-profile residential commissions, and Target Home Collection.
4. Philippe Starck
Source: youtube.com
Philippe Starck is famous for his modern and creative approach to design. He focuses on simplicity but adds unexpected details that make his work stand out. His interiors often use unique shapes and materials.
- From: Paris, France
- Education: École Nissim de Camondo, Paris
- Signature Style: Futuristic minimalism with wit and irony merging function, sculpture, and democratic design
- Best Known Projects: Royalton Hotel and Hudson Hotel (New York), Mama Shelter Hotels (worldwide), Felix Restaurant at The Peninsula Hong Kong
5. Martyn Lawrence Bullard
Source: studiofournyc
Martyn Lawrence Bullard is known for creating rich and detailed interiors. Global cultures inspire his style, and he often uses bold colors and patterns. He designs homes for celebrities, which has made his work widely recognized.
- From: London, United Kingdom
- Education: American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Los Angeles
- Signature Style: Opulent global maximalism drawing from Moroccan, Indian, and Hollywood Regency influences
- Best Known Projects: Residences for Cher, Elton John, and Christina Aguilera; featured on Million Dollar Decorators (Bravo)
6. Bobby Berk
Source: newsairbnb.com
Bobby Berk focuses on clean, modern, and functional interiors. His designs are easy to live in and look well-organized. He is known for quick home makeovers that create a big impact.
- From: Licking, Missouri, USA
- Education: Self-taught; began career working in retail design at Restoration Hardware and Portico
- Signature Style: Approachable contemporary design with emphasis on smart layouts, storage solutions, and accessible aesthetics
- Best Known Projects: Queer Eye (Netflix) home transformations, Bobby Berk Home furniture line, various residential and commercial interiors
7. India Mahdavi
Source: architecturaldigest.com
India Mahdavi is known for her bold use of color and playful design style. Her interiors often include bright shades and unique furniture shapes. She creates spaces that feel artistic and lively.
- From: Tehran, Iran (raised in Germany, France, and the USA)
- Education: École des Beaux-Arts, Paris; Pratt Institute, New York; Harvard Graduate School of Design
- Signature Style: Chromatic maximalism, joyful color palettes, curved silhouettes, and a theatrical sense of whimsy
- Best Known Projects: Sketch Restaurant (London), Gallery at Sketch, Condesa DF Hotel (Mexico City), Le Grand Bain (Paris)
8. Jonathan Adler
Source: mercidehradun.com
Jonathan Adler is known for creating fun and bold interiors. His style includes bright colors, graphic patterns, and modern shapes. He mixes mid-century design with playful elements.
- From: Bridgewater, New Jersey, USA
- Education: Brown University; Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
- Signature Style: “Happy Chic,” a pop art-influenced maximalism that fuses mid-century modernism with bold color and graphic wit
- Best Known Projects: Parker Palm Springs hotel, multiple Jonathan Adler retail flagship stores, extensive residential portfolio, and eponymous home décor line
9. Cadécor Olson
Source: thelist.com
Candice Olson creates soft and balanced interiors that feel calm and polished. Her designs often use neutral tones with a few accent colors. She focuses on clean layouts and comfortable spaces.
- From: Ontario, Canada
- Education: Ryerson University, Toronto (Interior Design)
- Signature Style: Transitional glamour blending classic comfort with polished, contemporary finishes and subtle luxe details
- Best Known Projects: Divine Design (HGTV Canada), Candice Tells All, Candice Olson, by Kravet fabric and furniture collections
10. Emily Henderson
Source: hgtv.com
Emily Henderson focuses on creating spaces that feel relaxed and lived-in. She mixes vintage pieces with modern decor to create a unique style. Her designs are simple but full of character.
- From: Oregon, USA
- Education: Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, California
- Signature Style: Eclectic, casual-cool mix of vintage and modern pieces, approachable, story-driven, and personality-forward
- Best Known Projects: HGTV’s Secrets from a Stylist, Style Star (HGTV), Style by Emily Henderson blog, Target home collaborations
11. Peter Marino
Source: insplostion.com
Peter Marino is known for luxury interiors that blend architecture and design. His spaces often feature high-end materials, art pieces, and strong structural elements. He works in retail stores, hotels, and private homes.
- From: New York, USA
- Education: Cornell University (Architecture)
- Signature Style: Art-driven architectural luxury where contemporary art, rare materials, and structural drama converge
- Best Known Projects: Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Fendi flagship boutiques worldwide; private residences for prominent collectors and celebrities
12. Axel Vervoordt
Source: alainelkanninterviews
Axel Vervoordt creates calm, minimalist interiors that focus on simplicity. His designs use natural materials like wood, stone, and linen. He avoids clutter and keeps spaces open and peaceful.
- From: Antwerp, Belgium
- Education: Self-taught; developed his philosophy through years of antique dealing and restoration
- Signature Style: Wabi-inspired minimalism, timeless, meditative spaces rooted in natural materials, imperfection, and quiet beauty
- Best Known Projects: The Kanaal complex (Antwerp), residences for Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, the Axel & May Vervoordt Foundation art spaces
13. Jean-Louis Deniot
Source: inspirationdesignbooks.com
Jean-Louis Deniot is known for mixing classic design with modern comfort. His interiors use soft colors, detailed furniture, and balanced layouts. He creates spaces that feel polished but not too formal.
- From: Paris, France
- Education: École Camondo, Paris
- Signature Style: Contemporary French elegance, refined neoclassicism, softened with modern comfort, bespoke furniture, and subtle layering
- Best Known Projects: Private residences in Paris, New York, London, and Mumbai; regularly featured on AD100 and Elle Decor A-List
14. Décororia Hagan
Source: hometextilestoday.com
Victoria Hagan designs clean and timeless interiors that feel light and open. She uses soft color palettes and simple furniture to create calm spaces. Her work focuses on comfort and balance.
- From: USA
- Education: Parsons School of Design, New York
- Signature Style: Refined American classicism, serene, light-filled spaces with an emphasis on quality materials and restrained elegance
- Best Known Projects: High-end residential projects across New York, the Hamptons, and Palm Beach; Victoria Hagan Home furniture and fabric collection
15. David Collins
Source: essentialhome.eu
David Collins was known for rich and dramatic interiors. His designs often included deep colors, bold textures, and detailed finishes. He worked on hotels, restaurants, and private homes.
- From: Dublin, Ireland
- Education: Dublin Institute of Technology (Architecture and Design)
- Signature Style: Dramatic hospitality glamour; sumptuous textures, deep jewel tones, and theatrical attention to crafted detail
- Best Known Projects: The Berkeley Hotel (London), Claridge’s Bar (London), The Wolseley restaurant (London), Loulou’s private members’ club
16. Rose Uniacke
Source: christies.com
Rose Uniacke creates simple and soft interiors that feel comfortable and natural. She uses neutral tones and carefully chosen materials. Her designs avoid clutter and focus on quality over quantity.
- From: United Kingdom
- Education: Self-taught; built expertise through antique dealing and restoration
- Signature Style: Understated English elegance, muted palettes, antique furniture, and a quiet refinement that prizes quality over decoration
- Best Known Projects: Private high-profile residential commissions in London and the countryside; interiors work associated with the Soho House group
17. Justina Blakeney
Source: eonline.com
Justina Blakeney is known for her boho-inspired interiors filled with plants and patterns. She uses earthy tones and layered decor to create décory spaces. Her style feels relaxed and creative.
- From: Los Angeles, California, USA
- Education: UC Santa Barbara
- Signature Style: Jungalow is a boho-meets-maximalism philosophy that layers plants, global patterns, and earthy tones into vibrant, soulful spaces
- Best Known Projects: The Jungalow lifestyle brand and blog, Justina Blakeney x Anthropologie home collections, and her book The New Bohemians
18. Ilse Crawford
Source: greatdanefurniture.com
Ilse Crawford focuses on designing spaces that support daily life. Her interiors feel warm, simple, and comfortable. She uses natural materials and soft lighting to create a calm atmosphere.
- From: London, United Kingdom
- Education: Royal College of Art, London
- Signature Style: Human-centered sensory design spaces built around how people feel and live, prioritizing touch, light, material, and wellbeing
- Best Known Projects: Ett Hem hotel (Stockholm), Aesop store interiors globally, Grand Hotel (Stockholm), IKEA SINNERLIG collection
19. Thomas O’Brien
Source: businessofhome.com
Thomas O’Brien blends vintage and modern styles to create classic interiors. He uses simple furniture with timeless appeal. His spaces feel comfortable and easy to live in.
- From: New Jersey, USA
- Education: Parsons School of Design, New York
- Signature Style: American vintage modernism, a blend of 20th-century antiques and contemporary forms rooted in warmth and livability
- Best Known Projects: Tara Hotel (Ireland), his Aero Studio in New York, various private residential commissions, Target home design collaborations
20. Brigette Romanek
Source: architecturaldigest.com
Brigette Romanek creates relaxed interiors with a mix of textures and tones. Her designs feel comfortable but still polished. She often works with celebrity clients and focuses on making spaces feel personal and welcoming.
- From: Los Angeles, California, USA
- Education: Self-taught; transitioned into design from a background in music and the arts
- Signature Style: Relaxed luxury warm neutral palettes, layered natural textures, and an effortless mix of high-end and found pieces
- Best Known Projects: Residences for Jay-Z and Beyoncé, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, and other high-profile Los Angeles clientele
21. Shea McGee (Studio McGee)
Source: mlovesm.com
Shea McGee is known for clean and modern interiors with a soft touch. She uses neutral colors with layered textures. Her designs feel fresh and balanced, focused on creating spaces that work for everyday life.
- From: California, USA
- Education: Brigham Young University (Communications); self-trained in interior design
- Signature Style: Modern organic clean architectural lines softened with natural textures, layered neutrals, and approachable warmth
- Best Known Projects: Dream Home Makeover (Netflix), Studio McGee brand and product lines with Target, widely followed design blog, and Instagram presence
22. Vincent Van Duysen
Vincent Van Duysen creates minimal interiors with a strong architectural focus. His spaces use natural materials and simple forms. He keeps designs clean and structured, often highlighting light and space.
- From: Lokeren, Belgium
- Education: Sint-Lucas School of Architecture, Ghent
- Signature Style: Architectural minimalism, rigorous spatial clarity, raw natural materials, and a quiet monumentality that lets light do the work
- Best Known Projects: Private villas and residences across Belgium, Italy, and beyond; Creative Director of Molteni&C; his own VVD studio projects
23. Patricia Urquiola
Source: commercialinteriordesign.com
Patricia Urquiola is known for creative and experimental interiors. She designs unique furniture and spaces that feel different. Her work often features bold shapes and materials, bringing a fresh perspective to design.
- From: Oviedo, Spain
- Education: Politecnico di Milano (Architecture)
- Signature Style: Experimental contemporary tactile, sculptural forms that challenge conventions through innovative materials and cultural cross-pollination
- Best Known Projects: Il Sereno Hotel (Lake Como), Mandarin Oriental (Barcelona), extensive furniture collections for Cassina, Moroso, and B&B Italia
24. Ryan Korban
Source: interviewmagazine.com
Ryan Korban creates sleek and modern interiors with strong contrast. His designs often use dark tones, metals, and clean lines. He focuses on creating stylish urban spaces popular in apartments and retail stores.
- From: New York, USA
- Education: Eugene Lang College, The New School, New York (Liberal Arts)
- Signature Style: Dark modern luxury polished contrasts of marble, metal, and moody tones that feel sculptural and unapologetically glamorous
- Best Known Projects: Balenciaga flagship stores, Alexander Wang flagship (New York), Thom Browne stores, high-end residential apartments in New York
25. Kit Kemp
Source: kravet.com
Kit Kemp designs colorful and lively interiors full of patterns. Her spaces feel playful but still organized. She mixes fabrics, art, and furniture in a balanced way, often seen in her celebrated hotel projects.
- From: United Kingdom
- Education: Studied at various British arts and design institutions
- Signature Style: Eclectic English charm, a bold, joyful collision of pattern, color, commissioned art, and bespoke craftsmanship
- Best Known Projects: Firmdale Hotels portfolio, including Ham Yard Hotel (London), Crosby Street Hotel (New York), and Chiltern Firehouse interiors collaboration
26. Alberto Pinto
Source: christies.com
Alberto Pinto was known for rich and layered interiors. His designs often included global influences and detailed decor. He createdécorces that felt grand and luxurious, combining different cultural styles.
- From: Casablanca, Morocco
- Education: Self-taught; refined his craft through extensive world travel and study of global decorative arts
- Signature Style: Grand global maximalism, opulent layering of antiques, textiles, and cultural artifacts from across the world into cohesive, palatial spaces
- Best Known Projects: Private residences for royalty and heads of state, presidential suites at luxury hotels worldwide, private superyachts, and jet interiors
27. Sarah Sherman Samuel
Source: primevideo.com
Sarah Sherman Samuel focuses on soft modern interiors with clean lines. She uses neutral colors with subtle details. Her designs feel calm and balanced, blending minimal design with warmth.
- From: Michigan, USA
- Education: Self-taught; trained through independent study and hands-on practice
- Signature Style: Soft modern organic warm minimalism defined by quiet neutrals, artisanal textures, and thoughtfully restrained décor
- Best Knowndécorects: Renovation of her own Michigan home (widely published), residential commissions, her Smor Home furniture collection, Serena & Lily design collaborations
28. Jeremiah Brent
Source: people.com
Jeremiah Brent creates emotional and personal interiors. His designs focus on comfort and storytelling, blending modern elements with meaningful décor. He believdécoraces should reflect the people living in them.
- From: California, USA
- Education: Self-taught; built his career through styling, fashion, and design industry experience
- Signature Style: Personal emotional minimalism stripped-back modern spaces elevated by soulful, story-driven objects and a deep respect for how people inhabit a home
- Best Known Projects: Nate & Jeremiah By Design (TLC), various high-profile residential commissions, collaborations with Living Spaces furniture
29. Bunny Williams
Source: wsj.com
Bunny Williams is known for classic American interiors. Her spaces feel comfortable, detailed, and welcoming. She uses traditional furniture with a modern twist to create homes that feel truly lived-in.
- From: Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Education: Garland School, Boston (now Lasell College); trained under Albert Hadley at Parish-Hadley
- Signature Style: Warm traditional Americana layered, comfortable classicism rooted in antiques, rich pattern, and an intuitive sense of collected livability
- Best Known Projects: Decades of prominent private residential work in New York, Connecticut, and the Caribbean; authored several influential design books, including An Affair with a House
30. Miles Redd
Source: nolitaharbour.com
Miles Redd creates bold interiors with strong colors and patterns. His spaces feel dramatic and energetic. He often uses unique décor pieces and decor to take design risks.
- From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Education: New York University; studied at Parsons School of Design; trained under Bobby McAlpine and later Bunny Williams
- Signature Style: Fearless maximalist classicism, deeply saturated colors, lacquered surfaces, unexpected pattern combinations, and an exuberant love of drama
- Best Known Projects: Various private residences across New York and the American South; his own Manhattan apartment (widely published); Miles Redd for Schumacher fabric collections
31. Lauren Liess
Source: northernvirginiamag.com
Lauren Liess creates nature-inspired interiors with earthy tones. She uses natural materials and soft textures. Her spaces feel calm and grounded, focused on comfort and simplicity.
- From: Virginia, USA
- Education: American University, Washington D.C.; additional studies in design and architecture
- Signature Style: Organic modern nature as the primary design muse, with raw textures, earthy palettes, and an unpretentious, grounded warmth
- Best Known Projects: Fresh Spaces (HGTV), her Pure Style Home blog and book, Lauren Liess & Co residential commissions, her own textile and furniture collections
32. Sophie Ashby
Source: theglossarymagazine.com
Sophie Ashby designs modern interiors with strong artistic influence. Her spaces often include cultural and art elements. She focuses on creating unique and expressive environments that feel fresh and thoughtful.
- From: United Kingdom
- Education: Chelsea College of Arts, London
- Signature Style: Contemporary art-driven design spaces conceived as curated environments where fine art, global craft, and strong narrative shape every room
- Best Known Projects: High-end private residences across London and internationally; Studio Ashby commercial and hospitality commissions; collaborations with leading contemporary artists and galleries
33. Tara Bernerd
Source: forbes.com
Tara Bernerd creates modern luxury interiors with clean lines and rich materials. Her designs feel structured and polished. She works on hotels and private homes, balancing comfort and style.
- From: London, United Kingdom
- Education: Studied interior design and architecture in London and Florence
- Signature Style: Refined modern luxury architectural restraint paired with beautifully tactile materials, creating spaces that feel both sophisticated and deeply livable
- Best Known Projects: Edition Hotels (worldwide), Thompson Hotels, Fairmont properties, Park Tower Knightsbridge (London); extensive private residential portfolio
How to Think Like a Professional Interior Designer
The world’s most famous interior designers follow principles that go far beyond big budgets. If you are redesigning a single room or an entire home, their approach can guide every decision you make.
| Principle / Resource | What It Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Translate High-End Principles to Any Budget | Invest in one standout piece, good lighting, or a well-painted wall instead of overspending everywhere | Creates a polished look without needing a huge budget |
| Follow the Three Universal Rules | Focus on color, proportion, and texture in every room | These basics shape how a space feels and looks, no matter the style |
| Study Their Portfolios Deeply | Explore designer websites, Pinterest, and platforms like Dezeen to understand choices | Helps you learn the reasoning behind designs, not just copy them |
| Read the Right Books | Books like Habitat and Evocative Style explain how top designers think | Gives deeper insight beyond surface-level ideas |
| Watch Abstract on Netflix | A documentary series featuring top designers across fields | Builds a strong understanding of creativity and design thinking |
Conclusion
Behind every beautifully designed space is a designer who understands that rooms are not just built, they are felt.
Famous interior designers have long proven that design is ultimately about people, how they move, rest, gather, and find comfort in the spaces around them.
While trends will always come and go, the work of the world’s most influential designers endures. It speaks to identity, emotion, and the quiet power of a well-considered space.
Let their body of work challenge how you see every room around you. If you want to redesign your space, start by taking some inspiration today.
With a Master in Architectural Studies from University of Pennysylvania, Marwa Haydar has pioneered living spaces since 2005. Her expertise, initially honed in a prestigious architectural firm, is evident in her approach to creating environments. Marwa became part of our team in 2019 and has since been a driving force in our home improvement section, known for her practical yet stylish solutions. She’s been spearheading our design workshops since then, infusing her passion for teaching into her work. In her leisure time, Marwa enjoys exploring historic architecture and is an enthusiastic pottery hobbyist, further enriching her understanding of form and texture.
