Meet Charlotte Dawson,
a Cornwall-based interior designer with a love for renovating homes and a passion for enhancing her clients’ lifestyles through spaces that are both beautiful and functional. With over five years’ experience designing hotels, homes, and holiday properties, Charlotte has built a reputation for being approachable, thoughtful, and endlessly creative.

Her inspiration often comes from the outdoors — whether it’s the soft hues of a coastal walk or the textures discovered on woodland explorations around Cornwall, nature has a way of influencing her colour palettes, fabrics, and finishes. We sat down with Charlotte to talk about her journey, her inspirations, and what really goes into creating spaces that feel like home.

We sat down with Charlotte to discover her key influences, design approach and top tips.

What first sparked your love for interior design, and how has that journey shaped the way you work today?

I hadn’t thought much about the interior of a home until my Nan suggested I start a ‘bottom drawer’ collection when I turned 21. Fast forward a few months, and we were in showhomes for a new build. Becoming a homeowner for the first time was really exciting. I planned what furniture I would have for months, and the bottom drawer, which had become a large collection in the loft, set me up for three very happy years in a home that was calm, bright, and easy to look after. However,I knew something was missing; it was too manicured and not lifestyle focussed.  

Was there anything in your childhood that made you realise you might have a knack for interiors?

I was very creative growing up, favouring pencil cases and sketchbooks over any sport. Having a disability meant I spent a lot of time needing to rest so I would have the latest QVC stained glass window or bow making kit on order and spent a lot of time with my mum who is a talented curtain maker. On occasions when I couldn’t go to school, I joined her visiting clients, or would craft whilst she was making curtains. I guess I had an early education into fabrics and sewing, I once made a small cushion using this lovely duck egg James Hare sil,k which I now know would have been very expensive - fortunately mum didn’t mind! I adore fabrics and have an overflowing collection of samples, with many earmarked as favourites just waiting for the right projects. 

Before becoming a designer, what were you doing — and how did that path lead you here?

In 2010, I graduated with a teaching degree and stepped into a career that I loved for twelve years. Despitemy  mum being in the design world, I always wanted to be a teacher. I quickly realised it wouldn’t suit me forever with changes in my mobility. The craving for a more intentionally designed home grew, and I bought and developed two properties. It was actually the support from my best friend that encouraged me to make a career out of a passion (and addiction) to designing homes that align with lifestyle. 

What brought you to Cornwall, and what drew you to join the Uneeka family?

Like so many others it was the way of living, being close to the sea and having the best paths to walk. We were very lucky to move during the covid pandemic and when the shops opened up again I remember visiting Uneeka. Jess was there and gave me a warm welcome. There was so much to take in and I instantly felt inspired by all of the mixed textures. 

When you begin a new project, how do you turn someone’s ideas into a home that feels truly theirs?

Lots of questions and lots of listening. Often people have some sort of image of what they want their home to look like, maybe even ideas saved on pinterest. My job is to find the opportunities they don’t see themselves in, understand how they live in their home now, what they want from their home in the future, and present them with a sanctuary that they can’t believe is theirs. 

Is there a past project you’re especially proud of — one that really shows what you love about design?

They all stand out for different reasons, but one I particularly loved the transformation of was the snug at the Polurrian Hotel. Before the redesign, it had become tired and wasn’t really being used. Shortly after it was finishe,d the owner messaged me to say it had been a perfect place to read the papers on a rainy day. A chef also posted on social media using the room, shoes off and feeling cosy playing games with his family when there was a storm. I love when homes and hotels I’ve designed become a beautiful backdrop to making memories.  

What do you love most about your job, and what’s the trickiest part?

The transformation has to be the best bit, when finally the client sees what’s been living in my imagination. Whilst moodboards, drawings and floor plans can illustrate the design, there’s nothing quite like the reality. There’s so many moving parts in design, a footstool for instance, could have three fabrics from different fabric houses that all need to come together with our skilled upholsterers, Paulus and Brown. Keeping organised to track the ordering and work of other professionals and trades can be a lot to orchestrate - but it’s worthwhile to get the best result for the client. 

How do you make sure the spaces you design aren’t just beautiful, but also practical for everyday life?

Function is so important; this is why it’s necessary to start here and understand the lifestyle of people who live in the home. I’m very aware of comfort and accessibility, both physically and emotionally, and creating a home that makes life easier is a priority. It’s important to create the perfect layout, assess the appropriateness of materials, understand the maintenance of flooring and furniture for instance. You’ll sometimes find me testing fabrics whilst cooking with turmeric or tomatoes. 

Where do you find your biggest sparks of inspiration?

Always on the coastal path, nature is fascinating. Secondly it’s fabrics, the talent that textile designers have makes my job so much more fun and the colours in a print or texture in embroidery can inspire a whole room. Finally being in a property that’s ready for change, it’s like a pair of magical glasses appear and I get so excited by what could be. 

Learn more about Uneeka Interior Design Services HERE