Meet the designer: Jessica Horton
Jessica Horton of design studio Deorling takes us on a tour of her latest project, a full renovation of a beautiful Victorian home in leafy East Dulwich. Jessica has truly created something special, and we were excited to assist with her window treatments throughout the house, using a mix of sheer and heavier fabrics to create soft layers and provide a beautiful backdrop to each room.
“This project embodies our commitment to traditional design principles and our dedication to creating functional, beautiful spaces that enhance the lives of their inhabitants,” says Jessica.
As you step into the warm and inviting living room, you are greeted by stunning woodwork in a deep incarnadine red, adding a point of interest while perfectly complementing the overall room design and colour palette. The curtains chosen for this room are double layers of sand sheer and heavy linen suspended on our double metropole system. The hallway has been carefully restored and checkerboard marble tiles adorn the floor, adding a classic and elevated look while the eccentric artwork and red woodwork adds a joyful touch. 
Upstairs we enter the master bedroom, "The room underwent a full renovation; we installed new cornicing, picture rails, ceiling roses, and sash windows. These architectural details give the room a sense of history and character, as though they have always been part of the house." The window treatment for the bedroom includes our signature off-white linen Roman blinds and curtain panels layered with sheer linen panels. The bed canopy in off-white linen adds a luxurious element to the room, while tying it all together.
The bespoke wardrobes, bedside lights and printed cushions add a beautiful touch of colour to the space. The original flooring has been carefully restored, adding character and warmth, "with the foundations set, we layered in bespoke carpentry and quiet, considered details to create a space filled character and calm, a room our client can truly retreat to for years".
We caught up with Jess about where she finds her inspiration, her design favourites and signature interior style.
What are the top five things in your home that you couldn’t live without?
Good storage is at the top of the list. The finely crafted Deorling carpentry throughout our home is designed to feel completely sympathetic to the space and makes daily life calmer and more effortless. I also couldn’t live without soft, layered lighting, which can completely transform the atmosphere of a room. Antique mirrors bring a sense of depth and history, while natural materials such as linen, timber, and marble add warmth and authenticity. Finally, our kitchen table is the anchor point for family life, from morning coffee to late dinners.
Is there a piece in your home that has traveled with you from each place you’ve lived in? What is it, and why do you love it?
Yes, a plant that I have had for nearly fifteen years. It has moved with me to every home and now lives happily in the bathroom, soaking up the morning sun and the humidity from our showers. It feels like an old friend and a small reminder of continuity through all the changes of life and space.
Is there anything new you’re looking to add to your home currently? Or update?
We’re actually planning a loft conversion, which will be an exciting project and a chance to design a few new spaces. It will include a guest bedroom with an ensuite and a small home studio. I’m already imagining how the light will move through the rooms and how to make them feel calm and connected to the rest of the house.
Was there a place or something you saw recently that inspired your home style?
A recent trip to the Cotswolds reminded me how much I am inspired by the honesty of natural materials such as limewash walls, oak beams, and worn flagstones. I am drawn to spaces that feel layered and lived in rather than perfect. That sense of quiet character and patina reflects what we try to capture at Deorling: homes that feel as though they have always belonged.
Where do you find inspiration for your interior style?
Inspiration is everywhere. I find it in architecture, in old houses, and in the way materials age over time. I am drawn to places that tell stories, such as a beautifully detailed cornice, a hand-carved edge, or the glow of an antique light. I am also inspired by small makers and artisans who create with care and attention to detail. This spirit of craftsmanship is at the heart of Deorling’s philosophy. We create homes that are timeless, soulful, and built to last.
