Written by Natalie Aldridge.
Today, we’re thrilled to introduce Ash Mazzina, a London-based designer with an eye for detail and a heart for heritage. For the past two years, Ash and his partner, Chad, have been meticulously renovating every inch of their Victorian London home—one charming inch at a time. Ash’s design philosophy is one of thoughtful curation, believing that a well-designed space should evolve organically, with pieces that complement the rhythm of everyday life.
With an old soul, a deep passion for craftsmanship, antiques, and the fine art of curating a home that reflects personal style, Ash has embraced the journey over the destination. His approach is all about patience, selecting items that not only tell a story but will continue to feel like they belong for years to come. No fast furniture here!
In what he jokingly called the “ugliest house on the street,” Ash has transformed his historic, yet once characterless, home into a beacon of timeless elegance and craftsmanship. Rich, earthy tones and classic English details now infuse the space with warmth and sophistication, making it a true reflection of Ash’s refined design sensibility.
And lucky for us, Ash has been documenting every step of this thoughtful transformation, from the inevitable challenges to the delightful triumphs, across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Ash truly proves that the process can be just as rewarding as the final reveal.
Welcome, Ash!
Q: What is your favorite aspect of being an interior designer?
A: My favorite part of being an interior designer is the chance to create spaces that truly feel like art. I love crafting environments that evoke strong, positive emotions. Too often, modern interiors feel predictable and bland, so I always aim to think outside the box and ensure that anyone walking into one of my spaces experiences something fresh and unique.
Living in the UK, we’re lucky to have so many beautiful period properties with amazing architectural details, but it’s disheartening to see these opportunities wasted on designs that lack character. There’s a common misconception that older designs are outdated, but in reality, they’re timeless and elegant. They offer a charm that can really make a space stand out. My approach is to blend these classic elements with modern touches, creating spaces that are both distinctive and inviting.
Q: What are some style/design elements that you think are distinct or signature to your decorating style?
A: My design style is a blend of influences, grounded in Georgian and Victorian traditions. I’m a big fan of creating moody rooms with deep, rich colors that make the space feel immersive and cozy. I love using dark woods like mahogany, especially for pieces like side tables, which add a touch of warmth and classic charm. To give the space a bit of flair, I mix in decorative elements inspired by Italian and French designs, adding that extra layer of elegance. At heart, my style is all about combining traditional elements with modern touches to create spaces that feel both timeless and inviting.
Q: Where do you source inspiration and/or mentorship?
A: I like to think of myself as naturally artistic, but inspiration can come from anywhere. Sometimes, just looking at a color card can make me envision a fully designed room. We’re fortunate to have endless resources online, so I love exploring other designers’ work to spark new ideas. Traveling to stunning destinations also fuels my creativity. Scotland and Italy, in particular, are among my favorites for their rich beauty and history.
Q: Where do you enjoy sourcing antiques and art?
A: Most of my best finds come from Facebook Marketplace or eBay, but they require a lot of searching. I grew up in the Cotswolds, where the countryside is dotted with charming antique stores. Antique hunting is truly a labor of love for me. Sometimes, you can spend hours searching and come away with nothing, but other times, you might find treasures within minutes. That’s part of the charm and excitement. I’m especially passionate about lamps. I discovered an incredible artist in Florence, Tuscany, who creates stunning hand-painted ceramic lamps. Their work adds such a unique and beautiful touch to any space.
Q: What are 5 everyday luxuries you could not live without?
A: My coffee machine, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, Penhaligon’s – The Tragedy of Lord George, fine wine, and my cookbooks.
Q: What do you consider the most exciting part of your work, and how do you stay energized on a project?
A: The most exciting part of my work is definitely the chance to dive into all things related to houses and design. I could talk about it all day, and sometimes I do! Beyond the thrill of creating a beautifully designed space, I love meeting new people. Whether it’s tradesmen or business owners, we all share a passion for interiors, and collaborating with them is incredibly rewarding.
My recent project in my own home involved restoring the Victorian wooden sash windows and front door. I had the pleasure of working with Beechhall, a British joinery company renowned for their bespoke craftsmanship. Supporting British brands is really important to me, and showcasing their work through my own projects keeps me motivated and inspired.
Q: Have you ever had a decorating disaster that you can laugh about now?
A: While painting my bathroom, I managed to break the radiator valve and almost turned the room into a small swimming pool. Luckily, my partner swooped in and knew exactly where the shut-off valve was, something I still haven’t figured out. Let’s just say, I’m better at picking paint colors than plumbing!
Q:What are your tips for setting a lovely table?
A: I adore the elegance of a simple tablescape. There’s something beautiful about the combination of a linen cloth, ceramic plates, silver cutlery, and fresh flowers. I prefer to start with simple plates and layer them with smaller, decorative ones. Linen napkins adorned with rosemary sprigs, held together with rings, add a touch of charm. Seasonal flowers woven into the center complete the look and bring a lovely, fresh touch to the table.
Q: What is your favorite easy weeknight meal?
A: My bible is Ottolenghi Simple. My most worn-out pages are for Chicken Marbella, Baked Mint Rice with Pomegranate and Olive Salsa, and Miso and Peanut Butter Chickpea Salad.
Q: What are your favorite Instagram accounts to follow?
A: Remy Renzullo, Ben Pentreath, and Steve Cordony.
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We cannot wait to see the full transform. For on going inspiration, follow along Ash’s journey across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram!
x Natalie
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