Interior and exterior confidence
Create Academy has been such a great resource. I'm in the middle of renovating a bungalow with a very large garden and the courses have offered a wealth of inform...
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Jun 10, 2026
How to Be A Successful Interior Designer
Design principle 3 - Authentic, natural materials and character
with EMMA SIMS HILDITCH — British interior designer and founder of the acclaimed interior-design studio Sims Hilditch.
Lesson 22 of 44
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Working with authentic, natural materials is a huge part of the design DNA at Sims Hilditch, and Emma explains how she uses them to create character and charm within her projects.
From the Lesson Workbook
Design Principle 3 - Authentic, Natural Materials and Character
Working with authentic, natural materials is a huge part of the design DNA at Sims Hilditch. They have a huge amount of character and really stand the test of time in both style and practicality.
Authentic, Natural Materials and Character
- I always like to include a palette of timber, stone and some kind of metal, such as iron, brass or chrome.
- We always make sure all of our materials are well sourced and sustainable.
- Consider the local vernacular of your project, and seek inspiration from the local materials around you.
- Try not to have too many materials; instead, opt for a smaller, more considered and cohesive palette to create better flow within the home.
- When you're choosing materials for the walls and the floor, don't forget about the ceiling. A rustic timber ceiling can add a wonderful atmosphere to a room.
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Interior and exterior confidence
Create Academy has been such a great resource. I'm in the middle of renovating a bungalow with a very large garden and the courses have offered a wealth of information to dive into and explore new ideas. I'm...
Harvey
Jun 10, 2026
Absolutely love Create Academy
Absolutely love Create Academy! The instructors are extremely informative, and it is beautifully filmed. Create Academy is great value for money and plan on renewing my subscription yearly because there are ...
SG
May 31, 2026
Magic in small spaces
Butter's creativity is stunning! Her ability to incorporate brilliance in small gardens is magical!
Carla
May 30, 2026
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Your Instructor
Emma Sims Hilditch
British interior designer and founder of the acclaimed interior-design studio Sims Hilditch.
Emma Sims Hilditch is the creative founder of Sims Hilditch, one of the UK’s leading interior design studios. With a background in film production and a lifelong passion for art, architecture, and design, Emma launched the studio in 2009. What began as a small business has evolved into a powerhouse of interior expertise, renowned for its extraordinary and elegant approach to British living. Under Emma’s guidance, Sims Hilditch has been recognised as one of the top design studios by leading publications, including House & Garden, Country Life and Spear’s
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