I’ve long been a fan of Hilary Robertson’s interiors. I’m obsessed with her latest book, Nomad at Home, which features, among other moody interiors, her own country home, a former school house in East Haddam. What I love most about her interiors is what she calls her “European Modern Country” look, a mix of highly personal collections, unfitted kitchens (forget upper cabinets and islands), and a monochrome palette. You won’t find matchy-matchy fabric and wallpaper here, but found items “from pebbles to a twig picked up in the woods,” loads of texture, lime-painted walls, a high/low mix, and a keen eye for antique furnishings. Her husband shares her vision, and they do most of the demo and reno themselves, including the kitchen and bath in this fantastic home.

Both Hilary and her husband grew up in Europe, and Scandinavian and French interiors inform her design process. Hilary is inspired by the light in a dwelling, which helps her define the interior. She prefers to use what’s already there rather than starting from scratch. For example, when the knotty pine interior at the Schoolhouse proved too dark, she just covered it in lime wash.

Hilary is not just another interior designer; she calls herself an Interiors Expert and currently works on styling and photo shoots with many well-known national brands like Sunbrella, West Elm, and Crate & Barrel. If you’re a design enthusiast, you’ve probably got one of her seven books on your bookshelves. She’s just launched a print magazine with Leanne Ford (you’ve likely seen her collaborations with Crate & Barrel) called Feel Free. The idea surrounding the magazine is to see your home as a canvas for creativity, encouraging readers to do things themselves. It’s full of ideas, resources, and profiles of folks who have pivoted their careers from corporate to creative.

What’s next for Hilary Robertson? The Schoolhouse in East Haddam was just listed by Sotheby’s last week, and you can see it for yourself here. She loves the place, but allergies have driven her out of Connecticut. The couple is on the hunt for a new house across the pond; Mallorca is on the shortlist. We can’t wait to see what’s next.

Hilary Robertson: https://www.hilaryrobertson.com/

The Schoolhouse. https://www.sothebysrealty.com/eng/sales/detail/180-l-660-pntreb/190-tater-hill-road-east-haddam-ct-06423

Nomad at Home, buy the book. 

You’ll find lots more resources and a link to purchase their new magazine on Leanne’s website: https://www.leanneford.com

Photographer: Dana Gallagher
Book: Nomad at Home, Ryland Peters & Small, 2022