Rebecca Hughes: The Luxury Interior Designer And Mother Of Three On Finding The Right Balance In Motherhood.
Photo Courtesy Of Rebecca Hughes Interiors
When navigating motherhood, some of the most valuable tips that really help are the insights that have been shared with you. Those insights can vary from one woman to another, and they are all so different, yet they help guide you when you need it, because it’s always nice to know that someone else has been in your shoes. I like to think that all the conversations we have at Luminary Mothers do just that, help and guide you, especially this one with Rebecca Hughes.
As a mother of three boys and the founder of a luxury interior design studio based in London, Rebecca Hughes Interiors, she has her hands and schedule full. From designing projects in Kensington or abroad in Monaco with her team, to cheering her boys at football after school, she’s found a balance that suits her best with her family in mind. It’s apparent that she has impeccable taste, and is an incredible interior designer judging by her studio’s seriously impressive portfolio, but more heartwarmingly apparent is her dedication to her family. You can feel the love she has for her children through her words, and you can’t help but imagine how wonderful their dynamic is at home.
In this beautiful discussion on motherhood and career, Rebecca is open and honest. She tells me about the beautiful bond between her three boys, how she started her design studio a year before having her first son, how she made it work for her family, and she shares some of the best advice and words of wisdom that I hope will inspire you as much as it did me.
By Alice Codford
ON MOTHERHOOD
Alice: Do you feel that motherhood has changed you? In what ways do you think it has?
Rebecca: From a business perspective, as my time is much more limited, I am much better at prioritising tasks, and working out what is and is not important and what deserves my attention.
From a personal perspective, I’ve definitely discovered the lioness inside of me - there are depths of compassion and love I didn’t know existed as well as a protective desire to fight for my boys and help them discover who they were made to be.
Is motherhood what you expected?
Rebecca: I love being a boy mum and having three little boys in the house. There is a lot more laughter (and rude jokes!) than I had imagined - they don't let me take myself too seriously, which is a great thing!
“Watching my boys play together and develop such a special bond has been precious. They are incredibly boisterous boys and wrestle and don't always behave immaculately when we go out for dinner, but they laugh a lot together and have a deep friendship.”
What has been one of the most difficult points of motherhood for you? Were you able to overcome it, and if so, how did you navigate through that challenging time?
Rebecca: I started the design studio a year before I had my first son, so setting up and running a new business didn't allow any official maternity leave for any of the boys. For me, I absolutely loved the newborn stage (getting to discover this new little person) but it was gruelling in terms of sleep deprivation. From ensuring that they could switch from breastfeeding to a bottle, to making sure I remained active in my business and was present at key meetings, I was learning to navigate their needs as well as what was required from me.
It was a constant pull in every direction and to manage this time, my husband and I kept life very simple. For a long time, it felt like I didn't have a social life - I didn't attend baby classes or meet new mum friends in the park, but I did take the boys to the Design Centre and they would help me select fabrics. We bonded at site meetings and when they were in the studio with me.
Photo Courtesy Of Rebecca Hughes Interiors
What has been one of the highest points of motherhood for you so far? Are there any particular moments or experiences that stand out?
Rebecca: Watching my boys play together and develop such a special bond has been precious. They are incredibly boisterous boys and wrestle and don't always behave immaculately when we go out for dinner but they laugh a lot together and have a deep friendship. My eldest had a tough day at school and whilst sharing with me, instinctively my youngest son (who is 4) walked over to him, gave him a massive hug and said "I feel sad for you". They deeply care for one another.
“I am very happy when I'm just known as just 'Phoenix, Rocco or Indi's mum' and nothing else.”
After a particularly tough day of juggling being a parent, running a business, and life in general, what do you do to recharge or unwind? What helps you find some calm amidst the chaos?
Rebecca: Whilst I love people, I've realised that at my core I'm an introvert and so honestly an evening to myself with a bath and glass of wine can refuel me to no end. I also have a good group of core girlfriends - I love cooking so hosting them for a meal at home is absolute bliss.
Have you found it easy or challenging to maintain your friendships since becoming a mother? And have you made any new mum-friends along the way?
Rebecca: I consciously chose not to join an NCT class or mum's groups as I often find lots of opinions overwhelming. My experience at the newborn stage felt very different to that of some of my peers, and so whilst these settings were supposed to be bonding, I actually found them quite isolating. I am blessed with two fabulous sisters-in-law and some older friends who have gone before me in motherhood, and I am lucky to have them on hand if I need advice or want to bounce ideas around. As each of the boys has joined school or classes, I have also met some amazing people and learned to open myself up to making new friends when least expecting it!
“Honestly being a mum whilst working is like having a 'superpower' - you become more decisive and more aware of your limitations which can in fact make you realise where you excel.”
It is a fact that women often feel a loss of identity after becoming a mother, did you experience this?
Rebecca: For me, I am very happy when I'm just known as just 'Phoenix, Rocco or Indi's mum' and nothing else.
Photo Courtesy Of Rebecca Hughes Interiors
What are your must-have products that you found the most useful, that you always recommend to new mums?
Rebecca: Having had three boys, I'm always surprised at all the kit there is for new babies and whilst a lot of it is super helpful, you really don't need as much as you think you do. For me, the best things are:
1. Zip-up babygrows, these are so helpful during the night when you need to change them and can barely keep your eyes open. I loved the ones from M&S and Mori.
2. A really good baby carrier, for me, this was much more important than anything else - I can't believe the time I spent researching prams and buggies...I ended up carrying the boys everywhere!
3. Good quality loungewear or pyjamas for the house - I have my eyes on a set from Johnstons of Elgin, I love their homeware as well, we often use their throws in our schemes.
What advice or words of wisdom do you want to share with other mothers that you wished you knew before having children?
Rebecca: Invest in your marriage and relationship with your partner as well as investing in who you are before you have kids. For me, motherhood is like holding up a huge magnifying glass, exposing the good and the bad bits. My faith is really important to me, and so in this season, I have really prioritised discovering who I am and my identity without all the labels projected on me.
Also, a side note...whilst a birthing plan can be really helpful in preparing for labour, I have discovered that these things don't always go to plan and the best thing is to stay as relaxed as possible and release control. Hypnobirthing also really helped!
ON HER BUSINESS, REBECCA HUGHES INTERIORS
Photo Courtesy Of Rebecca Hughes Interiors
Can you tell me what your typical day looks like?
Rebecca: I wake up at 5.30am and go to the gym for a Reformer Pilates class (1rebel) before the boys are awake - I'm then home just after 7am to help get them ready for school. I try to do the school drop-off (when I can) and then arrive in the studio at 9.30am to brief the team. Each day looks different but could consist of Zoom calls, site meetings, supplier meetings, and designing and reviewing drawings. Typically, I stay in the studio until 6pm, but if not, you'll find me at the side of a football pitch cheering on one of my boys. Back home for supper, often we may be hosting friends, or it may just be my husband and I.
“In the early years, in order to be present with the boys, I would need to make up the working hours at night and would often do one all-nighter a week. It's not something I'm proud of but I think it's important to share as it is a lot of hard work and no one really sees what it costs you personally.”
How did you navigate running your business after having children?
Rebecca: Honestly being a mum whilst working is like having a 'superpower' - you become more decisive and more aware of your limitations which can in fact make you realise where you excel. My working day was not always 9am to 6pm. In the early years, in order to be present with the boys, I would need to make up the working hours at night and would often do one all-nighter a week. It's not something I'm proud of but I think it's important to share as it is a lot of hard work and no one really sees what it costs you personally. I am blessed to have the most incredibly supportive husband and together we are often reassessing the needs of the boys and having to change what our week/days look like. I have definitely learnt to be a lot more flexible and realised that one model won't fit all.
Photo Courtesy Of Rebecca Hughes Interiors
Do you find it hard to switch off work at the end of the day? Any tips on how to help with this?
Rebecca: Definitely! I just try to be as present as possible in every moment. When I get home, I really try to put my phone down. I love hearing about my boys’ days and my husband’s day. However busy work is, I love these small family moments. I was challenged a number of years ago when someone said as a mother, "You need to know what relaxes you" - your time is limited and sometimes I may just have an hour window. My main tip in those moments is to put your phone down! I try not to have my phone too close to me when I'm with the boys so that I can be fully present. When I look at my phone whether for work or pleasure, I get distracted....
Have you had any mentors along your business journey?
Rebecca: I have been very fortunate to have a business mentor whom I deeply respect. When I was first thinking about setting up the business he gave me the courage to go for it on my own. More than that, he has regularly helped and inspired me to understand that the trajectory of a business is not always a neat curve upwards. There are inevitable moments of breakthrough and setbacks and the role of a leader is to successfully navigate their way through. In his business journey he started out selling a particular type of product but then realised a side stream of products was much more profitable. He immediately pivoted his business and this brave decision transformed his company. His story is a helpful reminder to have a vision but to be agile and follow where the energy and opportunity are leading you.
What are some of your favourite achievements in your business that you're particularly proud of?
Rebecca: It is such an exciting time for the studio. Our team is growing and we have numerous projects in the pipeline both in the UK and internationally. Currently, we are completing several projects in London, alongside Norfolk and Monaco.
I love the process of working with our clients. I am passionate that interiors should authentically reflect those that inhabit them - as a studio, we really enjoy getting to understand our clients and what motivates their lifestyle choices and personal style.
Photo Courtesy Of Rebecca Hughes Interiors
I assume you work on a lot of nurseries and children's bedrooms, how do you go about designing them?
Rebecca: Our process of working with clients is extremely collaborative. Ultimately, we want their homes to be a reflection of their personalities that can be loved for years. Our clients value authenticity and uniqueness, and they’re incredibly design-savvy. They view their homes as a carefully curated expression of their personal journeys and values. They’re interested in the narrative behind each piece, the sustainable credentials of the materials, and how their spaces can adapt to their evolving lifestyles. Many of our clients have young children and this plays an important part in the design journey.
Children’s rooms are the perfect canvas for introducing fun colours and playful patterns that may be unseen in the rest of the home. Recently, we transformed a little boy's bedroom with a classic red and white palette, and a whimsical airplane-themed wallpaper to create a space that's equally chic and cheerful.
“I love receiving a brief, really getting to know a client, understanding a building and its limitations as well as its potential, and then starting to dream. I find that parameters in design actually fuel my creativity – each project is an exciting challenge that is incredibly rewarding in return.”
When designing the interiors of a family home, how much do you take into account making the home family-friendly?
Rebecca: Many of our clients have young children and want spaces that are simultaneously sophisticated and practical. As a studio, we really enjoy getting to understand our clients and what motivates their lifestyle choices and personal style. If we are designing for a client with a family, this will absolutely play a central role in the design scheme, in both form and function.
I love receiving a brief, really getting to know a client, understanding a building and its limitations as well as its potential, and then starting to dream. I find that parameters in design actually fuel my creativity – each project is an exciting challenge that is incredibly rewarding in return.
What do you think are some of the biggest decor trends of 2025 for nurseries and children's bedrooms?
Rebecca: In 2025, colours and playful patterns are getting bolder. Our clients want their spaces to be a reflection of their personalities, and children’s rooms are the perfect spaces to do this. I love pattern mixing and playing with varying scales in a scheme, whether that be large prints, small ditsy florals, bold stripes, or solid expanses of colour. Soft furnishings and tactile textures will never go out of style. A child’s room should be playful, yet calming, comfortable and soothing.
Photo Courtesy Of Rebecca Hughes Interiors
ON HER STYLE SINCE BECOMING A MOTHER
Has your personal style changed since becoming a mum? If so, how has it influenced the way you dress?
Rebecca: I feel like due to the pressures on time, I have developed more of a capsule wardrobe of high-quality basics that mix and match effortlessly, meaning that I can transition from mum to work mode quite easily. I also love embracing statement accessories to add personality and sharpen an outfit for work.
What is your go-to outfit for every day? Any particular pieces you wear on repeat?
Rebecca: At the moment, nothing beats my Zara marine jeans and Sezane Emile cardigan - I can wear them with my Adidas Gazelle trainers or leopard pumps depending on the occasion.
What are your favourite brands that you always gravitate towards?
Rebecca: I love Sezane, BA&SH, Soeur and Malene Birger.
Whose wardrobe would you love to raid? Do you have any style icons?
Rebecca: I have a huge girl crush on Olivia Palermo, however, closer to home I love the style of Pip Hodgson from SheerLuxe.
Have you received or gifted yourself something special to commemorate the birth of your children?
Rebecca: My husband kindly gave me the sweetest necklace with the initials on each of my boys (including him).
What is on your shopping list right now?
Rebecca: I feel like my wardrobe would massively benefit from a short trench coat, I love the Max Mara Weekend Bazar Coat. Someone recently introduced me to Malina and I think that the Cleo Puff Sleeve Top is so chic.
“I have developed more of a capsule wardrobe of high-quality basics that mix and match effortlessly, meaning that I can transition from mum to work mode quite easily.”
What is your go-to handbag for everyday?
Rebecca: I currently use a Whistles shoulder bag but to be honest I'm looking for a smart rucksack that works with my lime bike addiction - I think that the roll-top rucksack from Stubble & Co looks great.
Let's talk a bit about beauty, has your skincare routine changed since becoming a mother? What skincare products or treatments do you recommend?
Rebecca: For me, nothing beats Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting Liquid Exfoliant, I was introduced to it a couple of year's ago and it is a firm staple as you can literally wave goodbye to uneven skin tone and texture. Since turning 40 last year, my skincare is definitely changing. I am in need of more collagen as well as hyaluronic acid and I love La Roche-Posay Substiane Riche Face Moisturiser.
What makeup products do you swear by daily?
Rebecca: A dear friend recently gifted me with a voucher to Liberty recently and I was introduced to Hourglass Vanish Foundation Stick, it is incredible and provides the perfect coverage. I also hate to walk out of the house without mascara, no matter where I am going and nothing beats Lancome Hypnose Drama Instant Extreme Volume mascara.
@rebecca.Huges.Interiorsrebeccahughesinteriors.com