Spanning the extraordinary breadth of the studio s most recent work projects in townhouses, historic country manors, and seaside villas the interiors in this book reflect the design philosophy of founder Emma Sims-Hilditch: Every house needs to work on a functional level before one even considers the decoration. Spaces, from sumptuous entrance halls and sitting rooms to hardworking kitchens and boot rooms, are organized for efficiency and practicality before the design team introduces an abundance of floral and damask textiles, striking colors, both refined and comfortable furnishings, and decorative trims. This book not only explores the fruits of complex and rewarding collaborations that artfully breathe new life into old buildings but also offers an insight into an exciting new chapter in the fascinating story of classic English country houses. New materials and technologies, paired with traditional decorative devices, reinvigorate a Victorian house in the city, an eighteenth-century country house, a Jacobean manor, an apartment in London s Old War Office, and many other quintessentially British residences. The Sims Hilditch team comes to every commission with an open mind, ready to respond to the setting and architecture and create something original for each client a style that is classic and comfortable but also highly relevant to the shift in the way many people are now living.

House Beautiful Best New Design Book of 2025: "Anglophiles will find much to love in the latest book from Sims Hilditch design firm, which pays homage to all that makes British interiors so appealing."

"Sims Hilditch: Beautifully British Interiors is a richly layered new volume that redefines the English country house for contemporary living... Sims Hilditch has become synonymous with a modern British aesthetic—pared-back yet warm, rooted in traditional craftsmanship yet entirely relevant today. The firm’s philosophy begins with function: Homes must work seamlessly before decoration is considered. That ethos translates into interiors that prioritize boot rooms, kitchens, home offices, and family spaces, which are then enriched with floral and damask textiles, refined color palettes, and a mix of comfortable, timeless furnishings." — ELLEDECOR.COM

"If you subscribe to the Inigo real estate emails, if you rewatch Downton Abbey for the decor—in other words, if you’re one of the many people who fantasize about owning a British country house, designer Emma Sims-Hilditch is likely already on your radar and you will thoroughly enjoy this, her second book. Leafing through its pages, you contemplate the glories of having a flower arranging room, a pantry, a boot room. Sims-Hilditch specializes in sensitively adapting centuries-old homes for modern-day families, from a Jacobean manor house to a Cornish coastal estate, with an emphasis on function and comfort woven into her beguiling designs." — FREDERIC

"From the serene countryside to the endearing seaside, Sims Hilditch: Beautifully British Interiors invites readers into a world where timeless design meets modern comfort. Known for their blend of natural materials and understated elegance, the British design studio transforms every space into a refined sanctuary that feels both classic and current. Founder Emma Sims-Hilditch’s philosophy, that a home must first function before it can inspire, comes to life through stunning townhouses, historic manors, and coastal villas. This new volume is an irresistible celebration of English craftsmanship and contemporary living." — CURATED TEXAN

Giles Kime is the executive editor of Country Life magazine. Emma Sims-Hilditch launched Sims Hilditch in 2009, using the skills she honed through her previous career in film production. Today, she heads an expert team comprising interior designers, interior architects, and project managers.