Our Story
“With a colourful and creative approach to interior design, we combine colour palettes, textures, and lighting to create the perfect mood in each room. We work with an array of designers, suppliers and artisans – from well-known manufacturers to more exclusive brands – to transform your home into something extraordinary.”
— Katy Raywood
About Howson Design
Founded by Katy Raywood, Howson Design is a Nottinghamshire interior design practice with a focus on timeless, sustainable style.
When I look at a room I paint a picture in my imagination, envisaging a space that not only looks beautiful, but works for its inhabitants. The first step is to understand my client’s needs and desires, and then interpret these in a way that triggers emotion and feelings. Every room should be joyous, unique and individual.
The aim is to remain small, so that I can offer a personal, creative service to clients, focusing on interior design in Nottingham and the East Midlands. We spend time creating a bespoke look, meticulously refined to you, using the best materials, brands and furnishings to bring your vision to life. We work with an array of designers, suppliers and artisans – from well-known manufacturers to more exclusive brands – to transform your home into something extraordinary.
Creating homes with a story...
I remember it so clearly. The year is 1986, and I’m walking through the arched doorway of my grandparents’ 1950s three-bedroom house in Skegness. The design, style and look was so different to anything I’d ever seen before. From the classic Marcel Breuer tubular chairs in the kitchen, to the open plan lounge/diner and the wooden panelled walls, I knew that creative interior design would have a place in my heart forever. And now, when I close my eyes and remember that moment, the look and feel of that time comes flooding back and brings a smile to my face.
Looking back, I truly believe that the origins of my business lie in my early experiences.
One of the very few images of my late grandparents’ house
My late father, Lewis Frank Howson, was a creative entrepreneur and inspired so much of who I am today. He had a wonderful career spanning the creative industries, all born from his early days in the painting and decorating business. I vividly remember visiting his apartment in Covent Garden – it was a space filled with a fusion of incredible 70s and 80s design. To be surrounded by such interesting and unusual design was awe-inspiring: imagine a Ligne Roset-style sofa, colourful sculptural glass vases, and posters of famous West End shows adorning the walls.
I chose to name my business Howson Design after my father, in order for those early inspirations and memories to live on through my design.
Why I set up my interior design business
Behind the business lies a passionate creative with a love for art, music and culture. My name is Katy Raywood, and I pivoted from a career as an art teacher to follow in my father’s footsteps as an entrepreneur. For me, the best designers bring their life’s experience to their work, and I truly believe it is my calling to share my passion for design through my business.
My father’s passing in 2013 gave me time to reflect. I decided to take a sabbatical from teaching art, and this was the catalyst to take me back to my first love: design. During this time, I travelled the world visiting places rich in culture, tradition and of course great design. Cities including Tokyo, New York and Barcelona were rich sources of inspiration. I channeled this passion into the renovation of my own family home, while raising two wonderful children, and continuing to teach art and design. It was these many paths that finally led me to pursue my love for interior design full-time. It’s my desire to inspire others to create loving homes and incredible spaces in which to build long-lasting memories.