Thoughtful Family Home Design with Margot Tsim

Margot Tsim is an award-winning interior designer with a background in architecture and a passion for creating interiors that are as functional as they are beautiful. Margot brings a truly international outlook to her work. This global perspective informs a design approach that is refined yet flexible – not confined to one aesthetic, but tailored to the unique narrative of each project.

Here we share Margot Tsim’s family home project where Margot takes us through the design in her own words.

When I was approached to design this Wimbledon home, my clients – a family of four returning to the UK after many years abroad – entrusted me with full creative direction. Living overseas during the design and refurbishment process, they wanted a home that was elegant yet warm, full of character but never over-designed. Their preference for a clean, uncluttered aesthetic meant striking a careful balance between minimalism and a lived-in, inviting feel.

A Vision Rooted in Craftsmanship

The house, a modern property, was in good condition but felt cold and impersonal due to its developer finishes. My role was to elevate the space through refined detailing, bespoke joinery, and thoughtfully selected materials. I drew inspiration from Wimbledon’s lush, green surroundings, sourcing from independent UK makers and select European artisans to bring a sense of craftsmanship and individuality to the home.

A Palette Inspired by Nature

For the formal rooms overlooking the garden, I chose a soft palette of sage green and pastel pink—soothing yet elegant, blending harmoniously with the natural landscape. I carried this calming green into the dining and kitchen areas, pairing it with natural oak to create a warm and welcoming heart of the home.

The clients also wanted a striking Art Deco-inspired drawing room, where I embraced deep blue walls and a rich burgundy plum sofa to bring drama and sophistication. In contrast, the main bedroom was designed as a serene retreat, anchored by a bold floral wallpaper and complemented by modern Scandinavian furniture with organic forms.

Designed for Family Life

With two young children, practicality was just as important as aesthetics. I designed bespoke joinery in the children’s rooms—integrating built-in desks, bench seating, and storage—while playful animal-themed wallpapers and durable finishes kept the spaces fun yet functional. Safety was also key, so I opted for soft curves and rounded edges on furniture to create a child-friendly environment without compromising on style.

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A Home That Evolves Over Time

With over 6,000 sq. ft. to design, my challenge was to create a home that felt both refined and effortless. Rather than filling every space, I curated key pieces to ground each room while leaving space for the family to add their own layers over time. The result is a home that feels elegant yet relaxed, designed for real family life.

Notable Collaborations

Bespoke entrance chandelier – Haberdashery

Custom upholstery – Sofa & Chair Company, Ateliers London

Walnut furniture – Porada

Handcrafted rugs – Colbourns

Bespoke joinery – Luxe Project

Window treatments – Curtain Tailor

Photo credit: Anna Stathaki

For more information please visit margottsim.com

DISCOVER ANOTHER DESIGN PROJECT HERE.