Helmsley cottage wins interior design award

Delighted to share that the Helmsley Cottage project has been recognised in the LUXlife Magazine Home & Garden Awards 2025, winning Best Heritage Holiday Cottage Interior Design – North Yorkshire.

This project holds a special place in my heart as the first complete project for Isobel Star studio. Once a railway crossing keeper’s lookout, the cottage has been reimagined into a space that feels soulful and serene, established in its history but also responsive to the needs of guests. We took great care to honour the building’s original character while making it feel fresh, layered, and welcoming. Much of the furniture was sourced second-hand, many pieces from local sellers, giving the home its authentic, gathered feel.

Winning this award is especially meaningful because it celebrates both interior design and heritage. It’s a lovely reminder that creating something beautiful doesn’t mean starting from scratch, sometimes it’s about seeing the potential and beauty in what’s already there and working with restraint, imagination, and sensitivity.

You can read more about the project here, and the award listing can be found on the LUXlife website here.

Thank you to LUXlife Magazine for the recognition, and to my wonderful client for trusting me with this treasure in the heart of North Yorkshire.