About

About me

Hello, I’m Philippa, founder of Sandrock House in Dorking, Surrey. With a background in interior architecture and a lifelong love of interiors, I source furniture, lighting and decorative pieces, and help clients create homes that feel personal, inviting and full of character.

I’m drawn to pieces with presence: an antique cabinet with a beautiful patina, an oversized mirror, sculptural lighting or something unexpected that brings a room to life. At Sandrock House, you’ll find an evolving mix of antiques, vintage finds and thoughtfully chosen new pieces, brought together through a love of craftsmanship, texture and enduring design.

I believe our surroundings have a real influence on how we feel. A considered home should be beautiful, but it should also work for the people living in it—comfortable, practical and a pleasure to spend time in.

HOW IT STARTED

I’ve always been a bit bonkers about interiors. Few things excite me more than discovering a wonderful piece or seeing a room come together.

My degree in interior architecture gave me a strong foundation, while renovating our period homes has helped develop my eye and deepen my understanding of how spaces work in everyday life.

Sandrock House began with an Instagram account documenting the renovation of our Victorian family home, Sandrock. What started as a place to share our progress became a community of fellow interiors enthusiasts, with followers asking for styling advice and where I found the pieces in our home.

Along the way, I won the UK Interior Award for Best Use of Dark Decor in 2019 and Best Eye for Interiors in 2020. Our home also featured in Ideal Home, 25 Beautiful Homes and Surrey Life.

In December 2020, I took the leap and founded Sandrock House, turning my passion for sourcing and styling into an independent interiors business on Dorking’s historic West Street.

my approach to interiors

Rich colours, atmospheric lighting and a little drama will always have a place in my interiors, but my style continues to evolve.

I love mixing periods and finishes: antique wood alongside contemporary upholstery, a touch of glamour against a timeworn surface, or a bold piece balanced by quieter surroundings. It’s the relationship between these elements that makes a room feel cohesive.

For me, the most interesting homes develop over time. They reflect the people who live in them, with pieces chosen because they’re loved, useful or hold a story.

That same approach shapes the Sandrock House collection. I choose pieces I would be excited to use in my own home, with an eye for quality, individuality and the possibilities they bring to a space.

Family life

I live in Surrey with my husband Al and our three boys. In December 2020, we moved from Sandrock to Rose Hill Lodge, a Grade II listed Georgian house and our most ambitious renovation yet.

Restoring it has been a lesson in patience, problem-solving and balancing the character of an old building with the needs of a busy family. It has also given me the opportunity to explore a different palette and approach, allowing the house itself to guide many of the decisions.

I've shared some of the renovation on Instagram at @thathouseonrosehill.

Interior design & styling

Alongside the collection, I offer interior styling and room design through Sandrock House, from a Styling Session at Home to a Room Refresh or Full Room Design.

Whether you need help bringing an existing room together, finding the right furniture or developing a scheme from the beginning, I can help you create a space that feels cohesive and distinctly yours.

You can explore the collection online, visit Sandrock House on West Street, or get in touch to discuss your home and the support you’re looking for.

I’m delighted you’re here.

Philippa x