Design Studio Notes: In Conversation with Vicky Allison, Founder of Urban Interiors

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    10 minutes

Welcome to Design Studio Notes, our new blog series from Anglia Kitchens & Bedrooms, shining a light on the talented designers, makers, creatives and businesses shaping the interior design scene across Norfolk.

As specialists in bespoke kitchens, bedrooms and home interiors, we’re passionate about celebrating the people behind the beautiful spaces that inspire us. Through Design Studio Notes, we’ll be sharing expert advice, design trends, behind-the-scenes stories and conversations with some of the county’s leading interior professionals.

Our latest guest is Vicky Allison, Founder and Creative Director of Urban Interiors. Based in Norfolk, Vicky is a BIID Registered Interior Designer renowned for creating timeless, characterful interiors that combine classic British style with contemporary influences. With a thoughtful approach that balances beauty, functionality and personality, she helps homeowners and businesses create spaces that truly enhance the way they live and work.

In this Q&A, Vicky shares her thoughts on the latest design trends, the biggest mistakes homeowners make, how to create interiors that stand the test of time, and why thoughtful design is always worth the investment.

Let’s get started…

Hi Vicky! Tell us about Urban Interiors…

Urban Interiors is a Norfolk-based interior design studio founded by me, Vicky Allison, a BIID Registered Interior Designer, specialising in both residential and commercial interiors. With over a decade of industry experience, our studio creates thoughtfully designed spaces that are stylish, practical and uniquely tailored to each client.

At Urban Interiors, we believe great design should enhance the way people live, work and connect. Whether transforming a family home, boutique hospitality venue, workplace or retail environment, every project begins with understanding the client’s lifestyle, aspirations and how they use their space.

My design approach combines timeless elegance with contemporary influences, creating interiors that feel sophisticated, layered and full of character. We provide a complete design service, from concept development and space planning through to 3D visualisations, procurement, styling and project coordination.

Recent milestones include receiving support through the Jarrolds Growth Fund and being appointed to design and oversee the installation of a new restaurant project for Jarrolds in Norwich, one of Norfolk’s most respected and established businesses.

Known for our friendly, collaborative approach, we guide clients through the design process with clarity and confidence, helping turn ideas into beautifully considered interiors. Our aim is simple: to create spaces that not only look exceptional but feel effortlessly functional, deeply personal and stylishly yours.

What services do you offer?

We offer a comprehensive interior design service for both residential and commercial clients. Services include interior consultations, concept design, space planning, colour schemes, lighting design, 3D visualisations, furniture and finishes specification, procurement, bespoke joinery design, window treatments, styling and project coordination. We work on everything from single-room transformations to complete property refurbishments and commercial fit-outs.

Who is your ideal customer?

Our clients are homeowners and business owners who value thoughtful design and want expert guidance throughout the process. They appreciate quality, functionality and individuality and are looking to create spaces that reflect their personality, lifestyle or brand. Many are busy professionals who want a trusted designer to help them make confident decisions while achieving a cohesive and beautifully considered result.

What customer challenges or needs do you solve?

Many clients feel overwhelmed by the number of decisions involved in a renovation, refurbishment or new project. We simplify the process by creating a clear design direction, managing specifications and helping clients make informed choices. We solve issues around layout, storage, functionality, aesthetics and flow, ensuring every space works beautifully while reflecting the client’s vision and lifestyle.

What makes your company different?

We combine creativity with practicality, designing spaces that are not only beautiful but genuinely enhance everyday living and working. As a BIID Registered Interior Designer, professionalism, transparency and attention to detail are at the heart of everything we do. Clients value our approachable nature, honest advice and ability to translate ideas into cohesive, achievable designs tailored specifically to them.

Are there any specialist services, signature products or standout collections you’d like to highlight?

We are particularly known for creating layered, characterful interiors that balance timeless elegance with modern living. Our bespoke design packages are tailored to each project and can include everything from concept development and 3D visualisations through to procurement and project coordination. Our detailed visual presentations allow clients to confidently see their scheme before implementation, helping bring ideas to life with clarity and excitement.

What inspired you to start the business?

I’ve always been a creative person and have loved interiors for as long as I can remember. Whether it was renovating properties, choosing fabrics and colour schemes, or reimagining how a space could work better, I was constantly drawn to design and the impact it can have on everyday life.

I particularly enjoy helping people unlock the potential of their homes and businesses, creating spaces that not only look beautiful but function effortlessly too. For me, good design is about finding the perfect balance between practicality and style, ensuring a space works for the people using it while feeling welcoming and unique to them.

I also love the challenge of elevating a space and creating a high-end look, regardless of budget. Through thoughtful design choices, quality materials and attention to detail, I enjoy transforming ordinary spaces into interiors that feel sophisticated, considered and far more expensive than they may have been to create. Starting Urban Interiors allowed me to turn that passion into a career, helping clients create spaces they genuinely love to live and work in.

What is your professional background?

Although Urban Interiors was established in 2024, my passion for interiors and property renovation spans many years. I have spent over a decade designing, renovating and transforming both residential and commercial spaces, developing a strong understanding of space planning, colour, materials and the practicalities of creating beautiful interiors.

Throughout my career, I have worked closely with homeowners and businesses to create spaces that are not only visually striking but also highly functional and tailored to the people using them. My experience ranges from complete home renovations and refurbishment projects through to commercial interiors within the hospitality, retail and workplace sectors.

As a BIID Registered Interior Designer, I am committed to maintaining professional standards, continual development and delivering exceptional design solutions. I combine creativity with practical expertise, helping clients navigate the design process with confidence while bringing their vision to life.

What values drive your company?

Integrity, creativity, collaboration and attention to detail are at the core of Urban Interiors. We believe great design should be both beautiful and practical, with every project tailored to the individual client. Honest communication, quality craftsmanship and creating spaces that stand the test of time are values that guide every design decision we make.

How would you describe your brand style or design philosophy?

Urban Interiors is defined by a classic British urban aesthetic. I love blending the timeless elegance of traditional British design with contemporary influences to create spaces that feel sophisticated, layered and full of character. My approach is always centred around designing interiors that are beautiful, functional and personal to the client. I believe great design should stand the test of time, so I focus on quality materials, thoughtful details and creating spaces that feel both effortlessly stylish and genuinely lived in.

What do you believe customers value most about working with you?

Clients value having a trusted professional guiding them throughout the design process. They appreciate the personal approach I take, listening carefully to their needs and translating their ideas into practical and beautiful design solutions. Many clients tell me they value my creativity, honesty, attention to detail and ability to make what can feel like an overwhelming process enjoyable and straightforward. My aim is always to create a collaborative experience where clients feel supported, informed and excited about the journey from concept to completion.

What have been your biggest business milestones and successes?

Becoming a BIID Registered Interior Designer has been one of my proudest professional achievements. Over the years, Urban Interiors has successfully delivered a wide range of residential and commercial projects throughout Norfolk and beyond, building a strong reputation through referrals and repeat business.

Another significant milestone has been receiving support through the Jarrolds Growth Fund, which helped support the continued development of my business. More recently, I was delighted to be appointed to design and oversee the installation of a new restaurant project for Jarrolds in Norwich. As one of Norfolk’s most respected and established businesses, it is a privilege to work with such a well-known local brand, and a project I am incredibly proud to be involved in.

Seeing clients fall back in love with their homes or successfully launch a new commercial space remains one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do, and I look forward to continuing to grow Urban Interiors through exciting collaborations and transformative design projects.

Are there any particularly exciting projects or transformations you are especially proud of?

One of the projects I am most excited about is the redesign of The Pantry restaurant for Jarrolds in Norwich. The design has recently been approved and the installation is due to begin in July. As a proud Norfolk business owner, it is a real privilege to be working with such an iconic local company.

I love creating hospitality spaces that not only look beautiful but enhance the customer experience, and I can’t wait to see the transformation come to life. It is certainly one of the projects I am most proud to be involved in to date.

Have you noticed any major trends in the Norfolk interiors/home market?

There is a growing focus on creating homes that feel personal, timeless and connected to lifestyle rather than simply following trends. Homeowners are investing in quality materials, bespoke joinery, layered textures and multifunctional spaces that work harder for modern living. We are also seeing a move towards warmer colour palettes, natural materials and interiors that prioritise comfort, wellbeing and longevity.

What are your main business goals for this year?

This year I am focused on continuing to grow both the residential and commercial side of Urban Interiors, developing relationships with local businesses and delivering exceptional design experiences for my clients. I also aim to increase awareness of the full range of services available through Urban Interiors, from concept design and 3D visualisation through to procurement and project coordination. Building on exciting commercial opportunities, while continuing to create beautiful and functional homes for clients across Norfolk, remains a key priority.

Are you launching anything new?

I am continually refining my design packages to offer greater flexibility and value for clients at different stages of their project. I am also investing further in visualisation technology and presentation tools to help clients experience and understand their proposed schemes with even greater confidence before implementation begins. My focus is always on making the design process as engaging, collaborative and seamless as possible.

Are there any future plans, expansions or ambitions readers should know about?

My ambition is to continue establishing Urban Interiors as a trusted and respected interior design studio throughout Norfolk and the surrounding areas. I am passionate about growing the commercial side of the business, collaborating with local businesses and makers, and continuing to create thoughtfully designed interiors that enrich the way people live and work. Above all, I remain committed to delivering exceptional service and timeless design that stands the test of time, while building a portfolio of projects that reflect the quality and individuality of every client I work with.