Interior Design for the Coast: From Margate’s Old Town to Bespoke Seafront Homes
Margate’s transformation from a Victorian seaside retreat into one of Southeast England’s most talked-about creative outposts continues, (though it may be taking a little longer than Mary Portas might have predicted!). As an Interior Designer, and former student of the area, it was so exciting for me to return recently, years later, and find it rejuvenated, now rife with architectural heritage, artistic ambition, and locally sourced design flair - ingredients perfect for any discerning clients or interior design enthusiasts of Kent, Sussex and the surrounding area.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a little ‘rough around the edges’, but in a manner that is almost charming and suited to the area, speaking of the history and age of the architecture. The number of affluent creatives that have relocated to the coastal retreat is testament to its gentrification, with friends of mine sighting actress Emma Corrin (of The Crown, My Policeman etc) and singer songwriter’s Jade Thirlwall and Jordan Stephens (Rizzlekicks) on prior visits.
Naturally, I found myself gravitating to the Old Town neighbourhood – an area that famously draws both tourists and art lovers, abundant in specialty shops, antique markets and art galleries. For clients, designers, or interior enthusiasts who crave craftsmanship, inspiration and distinctive finds, these destinations may be of particular interest, serving as both creative fuel and procurement goldmines:
Top Picks: Interior Design Attractions & Outlets in Margate
Papillon Interiors: A family-run treasure tower that opened in 2011, alongside Turner Contemporary’s renaissance, that offers curated lines of mid-century and “future classic” furniture and lighting, paired with a warm, consultative service ethos.
AARVEN Concept Store: Situated on King Street, this chic lifestyle boutique melds ethical craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. They offer fine homewares, jewellery, and statement pieces that are arranged with gallery-like poise. They also have a sister store in Rye, East Sussex.
Paraphernalia: Also located on King Street, Paraphernalia is a vintage and antique luminary. From retro British style to rare curios, it’s a go-to for one-of-a-kind furnishings and décor to anchor a design scheme.
Scott’s Antiques: Whilst I have not yet visited this one myself, I understand it is quite the institution for local antique lovers. Expect bons mots and bargains, ideal for statement furniture.
Turner Contemporary: This goes without saying really! Though a fine art gallery by nature, it remains an essential design pilgrimage. Its architecture and exhibitions are profound sources of spatial dialogue, material treatment, and atmospheric mood (and their gift shop is rather tasteful too!)
The Margate Book Shop: I realise this is drifting from the design theme somewhat, but I couldn’t not mention it. It’s such a local landmark that I feel it essential to any visit, and somewhere you can pick up both fiction and non-fiction (design related of course) alike.
Interior Design for Local Margate Homeowners
Despite the above, Margate isn’t just about shops and galleries – it’s a place where art and design is woven into the cultural fabric. For homeowners in Kent, that means access to:
Unique sourcing: One-of-a-kind pieces that add individuality and local narrative to a home.
Design heritage: Period properties are aplenty from Georgian townhouses to Edwardian villas, ripe for sensitive yet contemporary redesign
Creative energy: A thriving community of makers, designers, and craftspeople who can bring bespoke touches to interiors.
Infusing ‘Piers Thurston Home’ into a Coastal House
For those inspired by the Kent coast, here are some design ideas drawn from Margate’s unique atmosphere and assets:
Light & Material: Think timber tones and raw plaster set against soft coastal neutrals or pale blues and greens. Be inspired by shimmering textures that recall shell-inflected installations like the Margate Shell Grotto—a “living mosaic” of seashells and hidden alchemy.
Craft-Led Features: Commission bespoke joinery or upholstery with local makers who can fashion signature pieces – think a scalloped console, limewashed cabinetry or a signature window seat to utilise the gorgeous bay windows that are prevalent among many of the seafront homes.
Local Accents: Integrate beautifully finished vintage finds, pastel ceramics, or textural artifacts from local shops to evoke memory and sentiment, and balance the rawness of the coastal neutrals and plaster.
Seaside Subtlety: Furnish interiors with driftwood greys, seafoam greens, and soft blush—picked from Margate House’s embrace of dusky pinks, boucle armchairs, and travertine elegance.
A local apartment we stayed in found via Kip Hideaways with raw plaster throughout the property
The kitchen also combined raw timber with exposed brickwork
If you’re based in Margate or the surrounding Kent coast and considering a renovation or full redesign, these local touchpoints can be the starting point for creating a home that feels truly yours—layered with both luxury and a sense of place. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of a coastal villa in Margate, the grandeur of a country house in Tunbridge Wells, or the charm of a Sussex townhouse, we specialise in creating interiors that blend heritage with contemporary living. Contact us today for further information.