I began my career working for the fabulous Mary Fox Linton in her Fulham Road showroom. I spent the next three years learning all about the trade, from designing specific pieces of furniture, assisting on a variety of interior design schemes - concentrating on domestic interiors. Whilst there, I also developed my own clients - which I still have the great pleasure of working with to this very day. I became involved in the creation of new fabric and wallpaper collections for companies such as Jim Thompson and Today Interiors, and the colouring of bespoke commissioned dhurries woven in India by the Shyam Ahuja company.

 

When Veere Grenney set up his first company, he asked me to become his personal assistant, working on a huge spectrum of varied and exciting projects which including designing the corporate offices for GPA and Ryanair, as well as lots of domestic interiors in London, the refurbishment of numerous country houses in France, Ireland, and the UK. It was also during this time, that the late Dudley Poplak, asked me to design many interior details for his prestigious clients, which included HRH King Charles III & the late Princess of Wales, at Highgrove House & at Kensington Palace. 

 

I started my own company in 1989, specialising in domestic interiors & soft furnishings, working on projects in London; as well as country houses in Devon, Dorset, Herefordshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Wiltshire, and even providing all the soft furnishings for a castle outside Vienna.

 

During 2005-7, I joined forces with my dear friend and fellow interior designer Andrea Maflin and we worked on numerous domestic projects and show houses - one of which was featured on ITV’s "Homes & Property" programme.

 

In November 2010, I was asked by the illustrious firm of architects, John Simpson and Partners, to become their senior Interior designer and create and furnish an "Art Deco" styled property in the heart of St. James. At this time I also designed and furnished a number of flats in St. Johns Wood area, as well as consulting on the new visitor’s centre at Kensington Palace.

 

For the last 12 years, I have been working by myself again, and concentrating on the domestic interior projects that I love. Every project is tailored for each client’s taste and budget. I can offer a full design, decoration, supply, and project management service; whether it’s a single room or an entire property.

 

We are currently reworking & refurbishing a house in Lincolnshire, a huge six bedroom barn conversion in Wiltshire, remodelling and refurbishing a 70's built house in West Dulwich. 

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Robert Atherton Design is included in House & Garden The List 2024 - the indispensable directory of design professionals.

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https://thelist.houseandgarden.com/united-kingdom/brixton-london/service/robert-atherton-design

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In January 2021, I announced our most recent collaboration with Nicholas Engert Interiors who supply beautiful home decor items and also Fourth Dimension Lighting.

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https://nicholasengert.co.uk/pages/design-services#

https://www.fourthdimensionlighting.co.uk/

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