Matthew Williamson, known for his vibrant use of colour and bold, eclectic style, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Andrew Martin Interior Designer of the Year Award. The award, which is often referred to as the “Oscars of the design world,” celebrates some of the most influential and innovative figures in contemporary interior design. With a career spanning two decades, Williamson is celebrated for his distinct approach, blending rich colours, intricate patterns, and exotic touches across both fashion and interior design.
Having first made his mark on the fashion world in the late 1990s, Williamson’s shift into interiors has been both celebrated and influential, as his work brings a unique aesthetic to spaces in the UK and abroad. His designs, seen in both private homes and hospitality projects, are characterised by a bold mix of hues, statement prints, and a touch of the exotic. This vision, paired with his commitment to personal, liveable spaces, has made him a standout in the design industry.
Upon receiving the award, Williamson expressed his admiration for the Andrew Martin Interior Designer of the Year Award and its legacy, noting, “I’ve followed the careers of previous winners of the Andrew Martin International Interior Designer of the Year since its inception in 1996. It’s a huge honour for me to win this prestigious award this year and have my work as an interior designer recognised.” Williamson joins a distinguished list of past winners, including Kelly Hoppen, Kit Kemp, and Axel Vervoordt, all of whom have significantly shaped the design landscape.
Williamson’s interior design style is often described as “the road less travelled,” combining antique and modern elements and infusing elegance with a touch of the unexpected. Martin Waller, founder of Andrew Martin, commended Williamson’s unique vision, stating, “Matthew always takes the road less travelled. He cooks up a uniquely Williamson world of colour and pattern. He swims against the tide of cream and grey and the tyranny of taste.” Waller’s comments highlight Williamson’s ability to break away from design conventions, offering an aesthetic that is unmistakably his own.
The Andrew Martin Interior Designer of the Year Award has now been running for 28 years, with the intention of celebrating outstanding talent in the world of interior design. The award, which has previously honoured a diverse group of designers, recognises individuals whose work redefines traditional design, bringing fresh perspectives to interiors and providing inspiration across the industry.
Williamson’s work is featured in the latest edition of the Andrew Martin Interior Design Review, Volume 28, now available. This annual publication showcases the work of leading designers from around the world and is widely respected as a barometer of global design trends.
As the 2024 winner, Matthew Williamson further solidifies his place among the top creative talents in the field. His commitment to creating spaces that are both personal and livable, marked by bold design choices, continues to influence and inspire within the world of interior design.
