Nicola Harding is a renowned London-based designer known for her timeless yet bold approach to interiors. Her work—spanning private homes, restaurants, and celebrated hotels—is beloved for its masterful blend of classic elegance and contemporary flair. Before diving into any project, Harding makes it a point to deeply research the history and soul of a space. The result? Interiors that feel rooted, storied, and utterly inviting. As she puts it, “she creates places, not spaces”—a philosophy that defines her namesake design firm.
When I sat down to interview Nicola, I immediately felt the same warmth and personality that radiates from the design haven she crafted at Beaverbrook Town House in London’s Cadogan Gardens. Mid-conversation, her cat Elsa casually wandered into the frame, vying for attention. “I’m sorry. My cat’s coming to join us. This one’s completely mad and she may show you her bum, so apologies,” Nicola laughed. It was a fittingly unscripted introduction to a woman who creates spaces as friendly and full of character as she is.
Below, Nicola shares how she brought theatrical storytelling and a sense of home to one of London’s most charming boutique hotels on Sloane Street.
First off, Nicola, tell us a little about yourself. How did you get into design, and how would you describe your personal style?
“The greatest compliment someone can give me is saying that a space I’ve designed feels like home. That’s always been my starting point. I didn’t set out to be an interior designer—I actually trained in garden design. Growing up, I moved around a lot and always craved a sense of belonging. That desire to create a feeling of home is what drew me to design.
My journey into interiors happened organically. People saw the spaces I created for myself and started asking me to help with their homes. One project led to another, all through word of mouth. Even my first hotel projects came about this way. In fact, my relationship with Beaverbrook began long before the Town House. They were looking for something that felt homely—and ironically, people often come to me for hotels that don’t feel like hotels at all.”
Now, let’s talk about the Beaverbrook Townhouse. What was your vision for this luxurious London hotel, and how did you bring it to life?
“The concept was to imagine Beaverbrook Town House as if it were Lord Beaverbrook’s London residence. While his main home was a country estate—now the original Beaverbrook hotel—we envisioned him living here in the 1940s, rolling around London in Gatsby-esque fashion. He was connected with everyone from Churchill to famous actors and theatre stars, so the guest rooms were named after iconic theatres he might have frequented. It was about channeling the spirit of a man-about-town who lived vibrantly and surrounded himself with colorful characters.”
The 14 theatre-inspired guest rooms are such a unique touch. What sparked that idea, and are there any specific antiques or photographs in the hotel that you find particularly interesting or meaningful?
“That era was rich with inspiration. There was excitement about global travel, and people brought back treasures that influenced design—elements of Art Deco, Art Nouveau, and Oriental styles. We brought some of that through in subtle ways, especially to echo the Japanese restaurant.
Each bedroom includes antique writing bureaus and chairs, and the artwork reflects stories and moments tied to the theatres they’re named after—shows Lord Beaverbrook may have seen or people he might’ve met. It’s all about storytelling.”
When it comes to the furniture, many of the pieces are vintage and antique. What’s your process for finding the perfect upholstery or pieces for each space? Is it ever a challenge?
“That’s part of the creative fun. It’s rarely a straight line. I’ve worked with antique dealer Christopher Howe since I started—he’s been a mentor. We sourced many of the dining chairs together, and he made the bar stools. The bar stand itself is an old Chinese apothecary cabinet. It wasn’t the right height when it arrived, so we worked with a cabinetmaker to adjust it. These detours often lead to more meaningful outcomes and layered stories.
One of my favorite details is the collection of Japanese matchbox covers under the tabletops in the bar—beautiful, graphic little pieces of art. The bar booths, with their rich wood and intimate setting, also nod to the Orient Express.
I also love that many of the makers involved were local. Rosie Daruke, who crafted the bedroom light shades, used to be my neighbor. The cushions—made from mostly vintage fabrics—were sewn by someone else who lives nearby. It was a real community effort.”
The multiple gallery walls around the staircase are captivating. Do you have a favorite section of these travel-inspired posters, or any specific stories behind them?
“I particularly love the ground-floor section. The colors are jewel-like and bold, full of energy. We used gloss paint on the woodwork to reflect that vibrancy and theatricality—it just felt fitting for the personality we were channeling.”
Just for fun – If you had to pick, what’s your absolute favorite guestroom, vintage furnishing, and design element at the Beaverbrook Townhouse?
“I love The Garrick room—it feels incredibly cozy, and we had such fun designing the tilework in the bathroom. Every bathroom is unique, but The Garrick’s peacock tones are especially striking.
And as for furniture, I’d say the matchbox-cover tables in the bar are a personal favorite. They bring whimsy, color, and storytelling into the space in such a joyful way.”
– As told to by Britney Eschelman
