GETTING TO KNOW CHERYL HERWEG
We sit down with this award-winning interior designer to discuss her recent accolade and her prizewinning Bishopscourt project. We delve into her design inspiration and discover what’s (always) in her handbag.
What kinds of interiors would you say you are known for?
Modern and glamorous, mostly. But I also venture into layered maximalism too. While I am guided by my own sense of style, I am usually driven by what my clients want – it’s always a fine balancing act.
What inspires your interior design?
Oh my gosh, so much! Where do I even begin? Feelings, energy, nature, patterns… just to name a few.
What is your favourite go-to design tip?
I’m afraid I don’t have a favourite go-to tip. I’m not a cookie-cutter interior designer, so all my projects are different.
Which of your projects are you most proud of and why?
I am proud of every project we’ve done because when our clients are over-the-moon happy with what I’ve designed for them, that’s my greatest reward. For me and my team, it’s always about the client’s needs and desires. Since each project is completely different, we’re proud of each one for unique reasons.
Cheryl recently won the SBID Award for Best Interior Design for a Residential Project over £1M. The SBID – The Society of British & International Interior Design – is the UK’s leading accreditation body for the interior design industry. Devoted to excellence in learning, training, and the practice of interior design, SBID sets the standards that shape the industry in the UK and globally.
What does it mean to you to have won the prestigious SBID Award?
It means that I’m on the right track. Receiving recognition for many years of hard work, passion, and dedication to my field is incredibly rewarding. While we don’t do what we do for accolades, it’s still humbling, satisfying, and reassuring to win this award.
Why do you think this particular project is so award winning?
This project was extremely challenging because of the tight timeline we faced. Luckily, I had a blank canvas to work with, as the house was stark and void of any design detail or character. This allowed me to truly put my stamp on it. The home features extensive design work, including custom joinery and furnishings. Having all of this recognised is simply amazing.
Can you tell us more about how you became an interior designer?
From the age of five, my favourite book was one of my mom’s coffee table books titled Elite Homes. I’ve always loved exquisite interiors, fabrics, furnishings, and gardens. While other kids were distracted by toys, I was admiring interiors, sizing them up, and dreaming. I feel like it was just in my DNA.
What must-have item do you always keep in your handbag?
Sorry, nothing exciting here! My cell phone and reading glasses – I can’t function without either.
What’s the most treasured item in your own home, and what does this tell us about you?
My most treasured item is my art collection. I appreciate all forms of art, but I particularly value the pieces we’ve collected over decades during our travels. The memories of acquiring them and the stories behind the artists make the collection truly priceless.
What are your thoughts on the debate about budget versus quality and longevity?
I don’t subscribe to budget interiors—I value quality above all else. If you wait until you can afford a quality piece instead of buying multiple budget items, you’ll acquire something that lasts forever. In my experience, buying low quality inevitably means buying twice!
Your projects mainly focus on beautiful residential properties and enhanced family living spaces, is there still a dream project that you would like to work on?
There are two! I would love to work on a project in the UAE. The high-end, modern, elegant, and glamorous interiors that I love to design are perfectly suited to that region. Another dream project would be a large country house in England, where I could layer patterns, colours, and textures. I’d use my maximalist approach, which I also adore, to create a richly detailed and characterful home.
Which Core Furniture product do you currently have your eye on?
I love all the Eichholtz pieces, but most of all, I’m drawn to their light fittings. I’m currently working on a project featuring a Japanese-inspired home bar, and Eichholtz has a stunning fan wall light that I’ve got my eye on.
