Interior designer Lonika Chande has built a reputation for creating richly layered, expressive spaces since launching her studio in 2017. Her south London-based practice blends antiques, contemporary pieces, and bold patterns to give homes a collected feel.
For Chande, the emotional impact of a room matters as much as its appearance. She prioritizes proportion and flow, letting color, texture, and materials emerge naturally. Her approach draws from a lifelong immersion in art and design, influenced by her mother, artist Lucy Dickens, and her grandmother, an antiques dealer.
After studying history, she trained in architectural interior design at Inchbald School of Design in Chelsea. She later worked under decorators Juliette Byrne and Caroline Holdaway before starting her own practice.
Travel and art shape her work. A recent visit to painter Rose Wylie’s exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts reinforced her appreciation for bold, freeform creativity, which subtly influences her interiors.
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One recent project, a collaboration with Chris Dyson Architects, transformed a Highbury home from a partial refresh into a full renovation. The spacious layout allowed for daring choices: restored original details, custom joinery, and layered color to add warmth.
A mid-century London townhouse presented a different test. With few architectural anchors, she focused on injecting character through wallcoverings, handcrafted furniture, and textured tiles. The result had depth without relying on period features.
She is now working on an Arts and Crafts home in Kent, where natural materials and thoughtful joinery honor the 19th-century movement while maintaining a modern edge.
Her method with color and pattern is instinctive. She favors natural materials like timber, stone, linen, and wool for their ability to soften and age gracefully.
Her advice for confident color use starts with art.
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A painting or textile can inspire unexpected palettes, making combinations feel personal rather than forced. She suggests beginning with a piece you love and pulling shades from it.
Small rooms, such as a downstairs bathroom or study, are ideal for bold experiments. These spaces require less commitment, so they can become jewel-like retreats. She also recommends using strong colors or patterns in surprising spots, like the back of shelves or inside cabinets.
Sharp contrasts work best with balance. A third, muted tone can bridge two bold colors, while natural textures keep the look from feeling harsh. When layering patterns, she pairs large-scale prints with smaller or tonal designs to avoid visual competition.
Scale is the foundation.
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