From rearranging furniture in her childhood bedroom, to reimagining the character of period properties, Salsabil El-Awaisi, has always had a flair for interior design.

Today, as the founder and lead designer of SE Interiors in Edinburgh, and with an impressive 11k followers online, Salsabil brings this lifelong passion to life, transforming spaces into warm, soulful sanctuaries where traditional charm meets contemporary comfort.

Although she graduated in 2011, it wasn’t until 2018 that she took the bold decision to establish SE Interiors.

With a distinct interior design style and a passion for creating spaces with personal meaning, Salsabil has built a thriving interior design business.

“My design style is transitional,” she explains.

“It’s a mix of old and new, and I think that blend creates something truly unique for clients.”

Salsabil’s portfolio spans Edinburgh’s grand period homes, new builds, and commercial projects.

At the heart of her approach is a belief in authenticity and in weaving together elements from different eras to create harmonious, purposeful spaces.

Earthy sages, soft oatmeal tones, gold accents, natural woods, and tactile finishes bring her signature style to life. But for Salsabil, beautiful interiors aren’t just about colour and texture, they’re also about energy and atmosphere…

And that’s where biophilic design enters the room.

“Plants are a big part of what we do,” she says.

“Biophilic design brings in so much texture, movement and life while adding something different. More recently, I’ve started using artificial plants too because the selection is fantastic.”

For Salsabil, using biophilia is more than a stylistic choice – it’s a principle rooted in the belief that humans thrive with nature connection.

“Biophilic design transforms a space. When we create a room, we want it to feel energised. Without plants – without that layer of greenery – something essential is missing. I love adding depth through different layers, and plants play a huge part in that.”

Her ability to blend natural elements with architecture is evident in her work with SE Interiors. She approaches every project with reverence, seeking to preserve character while adding modern touches.

Her redesign of Drum Opticians, in Edinburgh, is a striking example: what used to feel cold and clinical now features sage-green walls, sculpted wood arches, organic furniture, abundant plants, and an infusion of natural light.

When working on new builds, Salsabil’s process shifts as she focuses on adding warmth, character and a deep sense of grounding through texture, symmetry and carefully curated pieces.

Whether she’s restoring character homes, or crafting contemporary sanctuaries, Salsabil’s work is guided by one simple idea: design should make people feel at home.

In one memorable project, Salsabil encountered a client who owned a traditional heirloom table that simply didn’t fit the space. Rather than removing it, she looked for a way to honour its history while adapting it to the client’s lifestyle.

“The client was really sad to let the table go,” she recalls. “So, we took a risk and decided to adapt it by changing its shape. It completely transformed the piece, and the client loved the result.”

When it comes to wider trends, Salsabil has noticed a clear shift in the design world.

“I’m really glad to see more colour being used and plants are becoming a staple!”

She believes this trend reflects something deeper. More clients are craving warmth, connection and authenticity in their spaces to feel connected.

For aspiring interior designers, Salsabil offers simple but powerful advice.

“Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. You’ll find your style as you evolve and gain more experience. Learn as much as you can and don’t shy away from new challenges. Every project, big or small, teaches you something.”

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