Studio G Interior Design was privileged to be commissioned to redesign the interior of a notable Baillie Scott house built over a century ago in Esher, Surrey. The interior design emphasises comfort character and colour to create a beautifully eclectic Arts and Crafts home.

Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott (1865–1945) was a British architect and leading figure in the Arts and Crafts movement which valued skilled craftmanship and harmony with nature over industrialisation. Open living spaces and asymmetrical layouts were a deliberate contrast to the rigid formality of the Victorian era.

Following Baillie Scott’s design principles, Studio G created a high-end, timeless and cohesive interior which harmonises seamlessly with the original architecture and enhances its character without overshadowing its essence. This maintained the property’s period charm while incorporating all the modern luxurious comfort and functionality our clients required.

Baillie Scott’s core interior design principles we applied include:

Using natural materials

Embracing materials like real wood and handwoven textiles celebrated their organic qualities and textures. These were valued for their inherent warmth, beauty and longevity. The Arts and Craft style also emphasised locally sourced, high-quality materials for their authenticity.

Prioritising craftsmanship

The Arts and Crafts movement valued handmade objects, bespoke well-made furniture and handcrafted elements such as such as stained glass, decorative plasterwork and wood panelling to support traditional skills.

Connecting with nature

Baillie Scott often used stylised natural motifs such as flowers, leaves and other botanical shapes in wallpapers, textiles, and stained glass goods.

Our wonderful clients generously shared their book of Baillie Scott’s original artworks with us, which included his hand-painted illustrations. Inspired by these, we translated select motifs into bespoke plaster reliefs — forming a creative dialogue between past and present.

In addition, we chose a nature inspired colour palette of slate blues, sage, ochre, buttermilk and earthy terracotta, to create a cohesive, harmonious look, promote a sense of well-being, and enhance the connection between the indoor and outdoor environments.

Working on this house and with the homeowners was truly unforgettable, not only because of its architectural beauty but for the lasting friendships I’ve made.