All chic apartments have this in common, according to an interior designer

As one of the UK’s most sought-after interior designers, Jo Hamilton has a few design rules to live by, first and foremost, never buy short curtains. “Curtains should always look luxurious and should frame a window to maximize the effect. Short, budget-cutting curtains are always a no-no,” the designer told Stylight.

Home to some of the world’s most famous and interesting designers, London is an interior design hotspot. “British design has a huge history to draw from, so there is tremendous depth and elegance to classical British design,” Jo told Stylight.

Dubbed as one of the 50 finest interior designers in the UK, Jo Hamilton says these are the chic interior design staples all homes should have.

“There are a few pieces I believe every home should have,” Jo told Stylight. “I’d always go for a statement piece to build around – one or two wow pieces to take centre stage but that allow the rest of the space to sit back and breathe.

Most Londoners want their homes to look unique and different, so tend to search out special one-offs to add interest and create a talking point. This could be almost anything – a handcrafted sculptural feature, an antique rug or furniture piece, a special piece of art – the key is that it’s interesting and unlike anything your neighbour might have and I think that’s great.”

“I think Londoners are design savvy. We are privileged to live in one of the design capitals of the world and as such, we are constantly visually bathed in beauty,” Jo said.

“Every bar, restaurant, hotel is carefully considered and curated (some more successfully than others), so we expect a lot from our homes and we take the time to hunt out unique pieces that will give that edge we’re looking for.”

“Right now, I’d really like to be a fly on Boris Johnson’s wall. I’d have half an eye on the design (which would inevitably be incredibly interesting, either way) but also how does a nesting mother blend with a Prime Minister dealing with Winston Churchill conditions? And how does that play out in the decor?”

“I think Kate would have the home I’d feel the most comfortable in. I’m basing this mostly on assumptions (although I do personally know the designer who helped her with her home) but I just think her style would have an understated elegance that I’d appreciate.”

“I love art, so I’ve made it a main feature. Over the years I have collected many pieces that I truly love; some by well-known artists, others not; some expensive, others not; some classic, others not but they work together and they blend somehow. I have arranged groups of art that contrast and complement each other at the same time and chosen mismatching frames that work with the overall look and I like it. A lot!”