At Mash and Mint, we love shining a spotlight on UK interior designers who are transforming the way we live and Samantha-Jane Agbontaen, founder of House Designer®, is doing just that.
As the creator of one of the UK’s leading online interior and garden design services, Samantha combines professional design expertise with smart technology to make affordable, accessible home design available to homeowners across the country. Samantha shares her story with Mash + Mint, her expert approach to online design, and how she helps clients turn inspiration into beautifully curated, functional spaces.
Meet the Interior Designer Behind House Designer®
Can you tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to launch House Designer®?
I’m Samantha-Jane Agbontaen, an interior designer and the founder of House Designer®, a leading interior and garden design company where expert designers and smart technology come together to make professional design more accessible across the UK.
The idea for House Designer® came about quite naturally during 2019. A friend of mine was endlessly scrolling through Pinterest, overwhelmed by beautiful ideas but unsure how to bring them together for her renovation project. I helped her design her space, and that was the spark.
I realised there were so many others like her; homeowners who wanted stylish, cohesive interiors but didn’t know where to start, or felt priced out of traditional design services. That moment planted the seed for House Designer®, with a mission to make high-quality design more accessible, flexible, and available online.
How Online Interior Design Services Work at House Designer®
House Designer® works closely with clients to bring their ideas and inspirations to life. How do you guide clients from a Pinterest board or initial idea to a fully designed space?
It all starts with listening. We take the time to understand our clients, their lifestyle, their tastes, and how they use their home.
When a client brings us a Pinterest board, it’s a brilliant starting point. We look for patterns in the images they have saved, such as tones, layouts, and styles, and then build a design that feels personal, practical, and cohesive.
Blending Personal Style with Expert Design Advice
How would you describe your approach to blending a client’s personal style with your professional expertise?
It’s always a collaboration. We never impose a set look or style.
Our role as designers is to bring structure, creative balance, and expert knowledge to the process, enhancing the client’s vision and making sure their space works beautifully for their everyday life.
Top Interior Design Trends Clients Love in 2025
What are some of the most popular styles or themes clients are asking for now?
There is a strong love for modern minimalism with warmth – clean lines, natural textures, and calm, neutral palettes.
Biophilic design is also growing in popularity, with more people wanting to bring greenery and nature into their homes. Timeless styles like Scandinavian and Japandi continue to be client favourites too.
Designing With Purpose: Tips for Homeowners Starting a Project
How do you help clients refine their ideas when they’re feeling overwhelmed with options?
We help create clarity by focusing first on function.
How do they use the space? What is their daily routine? What are their priorities and what budget are they working with?
From there, we refine based on how they want the space to feel. Once the intention is set, the design choices naturally fall into place.
Why Home Accessories and Styling Matter in Interior Design
What role do home accessories and decor play when you're pulling a final look together?
Accessories are the final layer that make a house feel like a home.
Artwork, cushions, books, and lighting all add warmth, personality, and a lived-in feel. They tell the story of the people living there and bring a sense of character to the design.
Start with Intention: Advice for New Home Projects
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone starting a home project with lots of saved ideas but no clear plan yet?
Start with intention, not just inspiration.
Ask yourself how you want to feel in the space.
This simple question brings more clarity than hours of scrolling. Once you have a feeling in mind, such as calm, energised, or cosy, it becomes much easier to make design decisions that align with it.
Samantha’s Favourite Projects and Client Success Stories
What has been one of your most memorable or rewarding design projects so far?
One of the most rewarding moments was when our very first client came back years later, asking us to design their second home.
It was a real reminder of how important trust and long-term relationships are in this industry. Many of our clients return or recommend us to their friends or family and that loyalty means everything.
What Inspires Samantha as a UK Interior Designer
Where do you personally find inspiration when you're designing, beyond client briefs?
Nature has always been a constant source of inspiration for me, especially when it comes to texture, tone, and balance.
I also love finding inspiration through travel, exploring architecture, and even wandering through beautifully curated shops.
It’s often not about what you see, but how a space makes you feel, that feeling is what sparks the best ideas.
What’s Next for House Designer®: Expanding Online Design Services
What's next for House Designer®? Any exciting developments you can share?
We recently celebrated our 5th anniversary, which feels like a huge milestone.
We are expanding into new services, including our HD Bespoke Studio offering more tailored design experiences.
We are also deepening our work in garden design and exterior and sharing more behind-the-scenes stories from our projects.
It feels like the start of an exciting new chapter.
Whether you're just beginning your home renovation journey or looking to refine your personal style, Samantha-Jane and the team at House Designer® offer the perfect blend of expert interior design and accessible online services to help bring your vision to life beautifully and thoughtfully, right across the UK.
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