Whether creating relaxed grandeur for an English country house in Dorset or slick contemporary spaces for city dwellings in London, VSP Interiors offers a bespoke service

Founded in 2000 by partners and designers Henriette von Stockhausen and Jane Petti, VSP’s unique style embraces timeless classic design which they fuse with modern and personal elements. The team undertake projects of all sizes ranging from one room colour consultations to turnkey solutions for the entire home.

High-end interior designer Henriette von Stockhausen lives in Dorset with her young family, dogs and horses.

Her childhood and early years were spent in Germany, Italy, Austria and Switzerland. These European cultures have widened her knowledge and appreciation of international architecture and the arts and her particular passion is working with listed buildings.

When Henriette was 10 years old she had two hobbies: horse-riding and collecting glass.

“It was a bit of a weird interest for a little girl,” she laughs, “but I would always dedicate a shelf or corner in my bedroom to displaying my collections. I particularly loved 17th to 20th-century bohemian glass in vibrant colours.”

Henriette studied at City & Guild of London Art School and Sotheby’s where she honed her appreciation and love for antique furniture and decorative design from 17th Century through to 20th Century. She was also involved in country house sales which fed her appetite for beautiful architecture of historical interest.

Deciding to move into interior design, Henriette studied at the prestigious Inchbald School of Design. On graduating she gained experience with leading interior designers including Stephen Ryan who had been head of David Hicks Design. She also had a spell in theatre design which enabled her to indulge her more flamboyant side and made her realise just how much she relishes any challenge.

Having grown up surrounded by incredible antiques, Henriette enjoys including them in her schemes. She loves combining rich colours, interesting prints and antiques to create a layered interior with lots of interest and a warm lived in comfort.

“I’m inspired by the Dorset countryside with its lush vibrant green landscapes and hills - green is my favourite colour - and the coast too. I think the contrast found in a beautiful setting is as important in creating successful interior spaces.

“Dorset is my favourite county. There's so much variety as there is lots of creative talent here, from artists to the finest artisans.”

When planning the interiors of period properties they believe in preserving quality craftsmanship and architectural features while introducing contemporary elements through the use of colour, texture and styling. The juxtaposition of the new with the old creates a modern look that works equally well in the town and country.

Henriette explains: “I always try to mix a few modern pieces into a very traditional set up or the other way round using a few amazing antique pieces in a modern surrounding - this creates a juxtaposition and keeps things interesting for the eye - something unexpected always does the trick. This can also be done with scale - something very big in a small space for example will create a focal point of interest and make the small space seem extraordinary.”

VSP Interiors try to use local craftsmen and artisans in all their interiors - to create a one off custom finish and a unique look. They have an extensive little black book full of artisans ranging from a stonemason who specialises in antique fireplaces and their restoration to furniture makers who create true one-off pieces in addition to contemporary artists who provide many of the finishing touches.

Today Henriette describes her style as classic in architecture and bones, colourful and eclectic with a mix of old and new in decoration.

Over the last few years Henriette and the team have worked on various houses all over England and Europe. A particular favourite was a wonderfully romantic Georgian country house in Devon which was recently finished. They have also just completed a large renovation of a grade 1* listed country mansion in Buckinghamshire.

They are currently undertaking several large projects in the English countryside including two projects on the Dorset coast, two manor houses in Dorset, a Georgian mansion in Hampshire and a large old farmhouse in Oxfordshire.

As an interior designer, Henriette is always commissioning custom-made pieces for her clients such as vanity units, mirrored four poster beds and dining tables – unique items that are difficult to find. As such, Henriette is developing her own furniture collection of ‘out of the ordinary’ pieces which are inspired by rare antiques combined with classic or contemporary design elements.

VSP Interiors, Sheridan House, Frampton, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 9NH

W: www.vspinteriors.com