I'm Annika, founder and creative director of Istigh Interiors.

I'm drawn to homes that have a sense of character, whether that's a Victorian cottage with original features to preserve or a new build that needs a little more personality. I love exploring how architecture, colour, materials and considered details can come together to make a home feel special, without losing sight of how it needs to work for the people living in it.

After graduating with a First-Class Honours degree in Interior Design from Manchester Metropolitan University, I spent several years refining my skills in the industry before founding Istigh Interiors.

Today, I work with homeowners on renovations, extensions and new-build projects, guiding them through the many decisions that go into creating a home. My approach is collaborative and personal. Rather than bringing a fixed look to every project, I take the time to understand the property, how my clients live and what matters to them, developing a design that brings those things together.

I live in a Victorian cottage in Bridgnorth, where I have plenty of opportunities to experiment with colour, pattern and texture in my own home. I'm particularly interested in the balance between old and new, and how thoughtful choices can give a space its own identity, whether you're working with decades of history or starting with a blank canvas.

For me, good design isn't about making a home look like someone else's. It's about making the most of what you have, making decisions with confidence and creating a home that feels right for you.