For award-winning interior designer Nia Walker, whose work has featured on ITV’s Lorraine, great design never starts with a colour palette or a piece of furniture, it starts with understanding the individual. Her philosophy is simple: spaces should reflect the people who use them.

“I’ve either fully painted my friends’ house or, while they’re putting the kettle on, I’ve rearranged their whole living room,” she laughs. It’s a familiar confession from someone whose instinct for design has always been impossible to switch off.

Nia’s signature style blends mid-century modern foundations with eclectic prints, plush satin sofas, antique brass accents and, always, a generous scattering of plants. It’s a look that feels curated yet deeply personal… Warm, lived-in, and full of character.

While friends and family may occasionally sigh as she subtly shifts a chair or rebalances a bookshelf, Nia insists it’s second nature. “I’ve always loved it. Even if I’m in a bad mood or I’m going through a difficult time, I rearrange my furniture to change the energy I’m feeling,” she says. “It’s my way of resetting.”

Despite her natural talent, Nia didn’t begin her career in interiors. She worked full-time in an office job until a close friend bought her first home and asked for help transforming it. “I helped her put the panelling up,” Nia recalls. “That was when everything clicked.”

From there, her passion grew into a profession. Whether she’s thrifting through vintage shops or browsing the home section of a store, Nia is always hunting for pieces that are unique, timeless, and layered with personality.For Nia, beauty is only one part of the design equation. Functionality, and emotional resonance, are just as important.

“To create an effective space, you have to get to know the clients who use it,” she explains.

She often works with clients who have neurodiversity needs, ensuring their spaces are not just stylish but also supportive.

“Some struggle with spatial awareness. They’re always bumping into this or that, so I remove hard edges and sometimes replace doors with curtains. Little changes make a huge difference.”

Learning, she says, is never finished. “Design is all about education and continuing to grow.”

Long before she knew the terminology, Nia was practising biophilic design, connecting interior spaces with the calming, restorative elements of nature.

“Biophilic design was something I was naturally doing without even fully understanding what it was,” she says. Her work with Benholm Group began initially while sourcing materials, but she’s watched public awareness of biophilia skyrocket in recent years.

“To me, a place doesn’t feel finished unless there’s a plant in it,” she says. “Whether it’s using natural materials or organic shapes, the idea that a space should be clinical or sharp-edged, it’s not something you see in nature. It feels abrasive, and unless that’s the feeling you want to create, it just doesn’t sit well with people.”

To weave nature subtly into her projects, Nia often uses rich earthy undertones, tactile fabrics and, of course, carefully placed greenery.

Nia also believes commercial environments: workplaces, shops and hospitality venues need to be more personalised.

“Every human being has different needs,” she says. “From body temperature, to textures and colours, commercial spaces should offer a variety of zones that cater to different people. It’s about making sure everyone feels good.”

She also stressed the importance of authenticity in design, especially when it comes to sustainability.

“Design is the easiest way to showcase how businesses work,” she explains. “Don’t just have sustainability as a slogan. Really buy into it and weave it through every element of your business.”

Instagram: niawalkerinteriors