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Senior Interior Design Editor

Eleanor Whitmore

Specialist in Victorian terrace renovation, period property styling, and contemporary space maximization across UK homes with particular focus on London and Manchester residential interiors.

Hearth & Haven Ltd

Eleanor Whitmore, Senior Interior Design Editor at Hearth & Haven Ltd, specialist in Victorian terrace layouts and modern flat styling

From Georgian Bath to London & Manchester Interiors

Eleanor’s passion for interior design started early. Growing up in Bath, surrounded by Georgian and Victorian architecture, she was fascinated by how spaces told stories. It wasn’t just about pretty rooms — it was about understanding why buildings worked the way they did, and how people could live better inside them.

She studied Interior Design at Central Saint Martins in London, then spent five years working with heritage conservation architects in Bristol. That’s where she learned the real complexities of period properties — the quirks of original plasterwork, how to restore features authentically, and why you can’t just slap modern finishes on a 150-year-old house and expect it to work. It taught her something crucial: respecting a building’s history makes better design, not worse.

When she transitioned into residential interior design, that background proved invaluable. She wasn’t just designing pretty rooms — she was solving real problems. How do you create an open-plan kitchen in a Victorian terrace without destroying the character? How do you maximize a 400-square-foot Manchester flat without it feeling cramped? These aren’t abstract questions. They’re what every homeowner faces.

Over the past 14 years, Eleanor’s worked with over 200 homeowners across the UK, with particular focus on London and Manchester properties. She’s completed her postgraduate certification in Heritage Property Conservation at the University of Manchester, bringing even more depth to her work. Her approach is straightforward: honour the building’s bones, understand how people actually live, and create spaces that feel both authentic and functional.

What She Does

Areas of Specialization

Victorian Terrace Layouts

Maximizing awkward floor plans, preserving period features whilst improving flow, and creating practical modern living in traditional spaces. Eleanor’s worked extensively with Bristol and London terraces, understanding their distinct characteristics.

Modern Flat Space Optimization

Making compact urban apartments feel spacious and functional. From studio conversions to 2-bedroom flats, Eleanor’s guided countless Londoners and Manchester residents through smart storage, colour, and layout strategies.

Heritage Décor & Period Styling

Authentic approaches to British heritage interiors. She knows how to respect original cornicing, fireplaces, and character features while integrating contemporary comfort. Her conservation training informs every recommendation.

Functional Living Zones

Creating distinct, purposeful areas in open-plan spaces. Whether it’s separating work from living in a studio flat or defining zones in a large Victorian living room, Eleanor’s solutions are both practical and beautiful.

Renovation Planning

Guiding homeowners through structural decisions that impact design. She’s consulted on everything from removing walls safely to choosing period-appropriate materials for restoration work.

London & Manchester Expertise

Deep knowledge of these cities’ distinct architectural characters. She understands the specific challenges of Notting Hill conversions, Manchester warehouse lofts, East London Victorian terraces, and everything in between.

Education & Credentials

Professional Background

Education

Diploma in Interior Design

Central Saint Martins, London

Postgraduate Certificate in Heritage Property Conservation

University of Manchester

Experience

Senior Interior Design Editor

Hearth & Haven Ltd (2018 – Present)

Heritage Conservation Architect (Assistant)

Bristol Architecture Practice (2008 – 2013)

Residential Interior Designer

Independent Practice (2013 – 2018)

Publications & Features

The World of Interiors

Featured projects & design commentary

Country Living Magazine

Heritage interiors & period renovation guides

Hearth & Haven Ltd Editorial

Senior editor for UK interior design content

Key Numbers

14

Years in Interior Design

200+

Homeowners Consulted

5

Years Heritage Conservation Work

2

Major Publications Featured

Her Philosophy

Design Principles That Guide Her Work

“A home should tell its owner’s story whilst honouring its architectural heritage. Good design doesn’t fight the building — it works with it.”

— Eleanor Whitmore

Respect the Building’s History

Every building has a story. Whether it’s a Victorian terrace with original cornicing or a 1970s conversion, understanding that history informs better design decisions. You’re not just decorating — you’re preserving something meaningful whilst making it work for modern life.

Functionality First, Beauty Second

A beautiful room that doesn’t work for the people living in it isn’t actually beautiful. Eleanor starts by understanding how homeowners actually use their spaces — their routines, their storage needs, where they entertain, where they work. Design solutions come from that reality.

Authentic Over Trendy

Trends fade, but authentic design endures. She’s never interested in forcing a style onto a space just because it’s currently fashionable. Instead, she develops approaches that feel genuine to the building and the people inhabiting it — something you’ll still love in five years.

Smart Problem-Solving

UK homes come with genuine constraints — narrow Victorian terraces, small flats, low ceilings, weird layouts. Rather than lamenting these limitations, Eleanor sees them as design challenges that often lead to the most creative solutions. Constraints breed creativity.

Honest Communication

She’s upfront about what’s possible, what’s practical, and what’s worth the investment. If something won’t work, she’ll say so — and offer better alternatives. No jargon, no pretension, just honest advice from someone who genuinely understands the challenges of UK homes.

Individuality Matters

There’s no one-size-fits-all interior design. A scheme that works beautifully for a family with young children won’t work for a couple working from home, and neither will work for a retiree. Eleanor tailors her recommendations to actual lives, not generic ideals.

Get in Touch

Questions about interior design, period properties, or space planning? Eleanor’s always happy to discuss your project.

Eleanor works with Hearth & Haven Ltd to provide guides, consultations, and design expertise. Based in the UK with extensive experience across London and Manchester residential projects.