Curated Spaces
- Hannah Tapping
- Jul 3
- 2 min read
Words by Hannah Tapping
Bespoke, personality-driven interiors with an emphasis on local context and client inspiration.
Founded in 2019 as part of the Cornish Gems holiday home brand, Cornish Gems Interiors is a luxury interior design studio led by Tara Donovan-Soltys, a professional interior designer with over 25 years of experience. Once reserved solely for holiday homeowners, Cornish Gems Interiors is now delighted to offer its services to private homeowners throughout Cornwall and the South West. Comprehensive consultations allow the team to gain a full understanding of each homeowner’s lifestyle and vision, using custom concept boards to develop a tailored design narrative. There’s no fixed aesthetic here, more a focus on authenticity, elegance and comfort.
Farrar Cottage – before and after
Clients can choose from a range of services. The full interior design package offers initial consultation through to sourcing, procurement, installation and styling for entire homes. There’s also a refresh and restyle option for updating key areas with new furnishings, artwork and accessories. With a background in luxury letting, Cornish Gems Interiors can also tailor designs to maximise rental appeal and boost bookings as well as handling the purchase and delivery of furniture, fabrics and decorative elements for out-of-county owners. If you’re simply looking for design guidance, then their consultation service offers expert advice on colours, layout or sourcing without a full project.
A recent full turnkey project for a luxurious private residence above the Helford River saw the inclusion of statement features include a teppanyaki kitchen, Venetian plaster finishes, a bespoke bar and rooftop hot tub. The contemporary interior complements the building’s Japanese-inspired architecture, enhancing the illusion of the property levitating above Port Navas Creek. A sensitive restoration honoured the cottage’s heritage while integrating contemporary comforts.
Bosulla kitchen – before and after
A muted, layered coastal palette with natural textures and botanical patterns evoked tranquillity throughout and the whole design aligned with Cornish Gems Interiors B Corp values, collaborating with local artisans, prioritising longevity and retaining original features where possible.
Creating furniture for the interior spaces they curate was an organic next step for Cornish Gems Interiors. Their exclusive collection of British-made beds, mattresses, sofas and armchairs are handmade in England using responsibly sourced hardwood frames, natural fabrics and traditional techniques. Each piece is custom made to order, built to last, tailored to suit luxury homes and holiday properties and available for delivery nationwide.
