AN interior designer has started a new company in central Winchester

In a bid to bring a more personal London-chic service to Winchester Emma Hooton has launched Emma Hooton Ltd, based in Jewry Street.

Mrs Hooton, who trained at KLC Design School in Chelsea Harbour, began her career in South Kensington for a top London interior designer before going out on her own four years ago.

Now she runs a studio working with other trained designers, interior architects and project managers to bring the most up-to-date styles to Winchester homes.

Her company has seen a huge increase in demand since she started with clients calling from as far Berkshire and West Sussex.

“Many of our clients are Londoners relocating to the countryside, looking for a London-calibre designer who can offer a more personal localised service with access to all the top craftsmen and specialists outside the city as well as London contacts where required,” Mrs Hooton said.

“One of the key aims for us as a company is to develop long-standing relationships with trusted, talented, quality craftsmen in and around Hampshire to give clients a higher, more personal level of service and better value than those based in the city.”

Mrs Hooton said one key area she’s seen a rise in trade for is the boutique hotel look – a mix of classic and contemporary using soft velvet and natural linens.

“We also work on much of the technical design that is required in the early stages of new build or renovation projects such as furniture layouts, extensive lighting and electrical designs, detailed drawings for joinery, kitchens and bathrooms as well as the finishing schemes,” she added.