Meet St Albans interior guru Lenka Marsh.

Hi Lenka, so tell us about your interiors business?

I founded Saint & Noire in 2019, to establish a British luxury boutique interior design house, tailored for both style savvy clients and those who need inspiration. We have completed several residential and commercial projects in the Hertfordshire and internationally Our projects are bespoke and there is no limit to our capabilities to fulfil our client’s dreams. With decades of experience each design concept will seamlessly blend expert design and functionality for absolute modern living. We understand the individuality of our clients and deliver unique and pleasing environments that truly represent the client’s identity. Our client portfolio includes celebrities, sport’s personalities, CEO’s and HNW individuals.

What would you say is your strongest feature as a designer?

Since graduating from design education in Prague, my style has been inspired by contemporary art and London fashion - a fusion of European minimalism in contrast with British heritage and an eclectic style. My strongest feature in my design skills is mixing raw materials with refined, vintage and minimal patterns, textures and colours to portray an authentic and effortless story, which evokes the changing moods and lifestyle of the client. Clients are presented with our expert recommendations of custom furniture and fabrics sourced from all over the world in partnership with dealers, emerging artists, antique shops and auction houses. Our incredible clients are always challenging us with a new approach, so we are always learning and growing with every design project.

What sort of look would you say is particularly popular right now?

The pandemic encouraged people to spend more time in their homes for both leisure and work - home renovations are on the rise to accommodate the changing daily lifestyle needs. Workplace and home have merged for so many of us, so the current living space requires a transformation to accommodate this. Interior and garden home offices, home gyms, yoga rooms, steam rooms have all been in high demand. Key interior design trends for 2023 and beyond will fundamentally focus on promoting wellbeing, with multi-functional spaces that include indoor-outdoor fluidity. There is a resurgence of the past, replacing current trends with 80’s postmodern prints, furniture, patterns and bold colours - encouraging us all for a brighter and positive future.

Finally what’s your favourite aspect about life in the St Albans area?

Over ten years ago, I relocated from Manchester. St Albans is now my home and where my two daughters attend primary school. We live in the town center, so we're well placed to enjoy the market, the shops, great coffee, and all the surrounding parks and countryside, it's a fantastic place to live.

Beechwood Park School