‘I KNEW I HAD TO USE THIS LUXURY WISELY’
Katy Raywood, 40, lives with her husband, Sam, 41, and children Betty, five, and Frank, three, in Nottingham. Ever since I saw my grandparents build their house from scratch as a child in the 1980s, I’ve been fascinated by art and design. I’d look around, mesmerised, by their beautifully designed, open-plan living room and kitchen with tubular chairs, a mirrored wall and wooden panelling.
After studying Art and Design at uni, I trained as an art teacher. Only, as much as teaching paid the bills, it wasn’t the career I’d always dreamt of. I fantasised about one day setting up my own interior-design business, and my husband, Sam, encouraged me, but with a mortgage to pay, I couldn’t see how.
After having my children, Betty and Frank, it seemed even more of a dream as I juggled being a mum with my job. But in March 2020, when lockdown was announced, I was able to work flexibly, marking at home and holding virtual lessons. With no commute,
I had extra time. I knew I had to use this luxury wisely, so I started writing a business plan for an interior-design company.
That summer, I set up a website and started attending industry events and business groups virtually. By August 2020, I was getting enquiries from potential clients and worked on my first project, to convert a barn into a children’s bedroom. I adored being creative and seeing my visions come to life. The venture did so well, in December 2020 I left my teaching job for good. I’ve since worked on a succession of exciting projects, from turning a summer house into a high-end bar, and a games room into a beautiful office space. One thing this pandemic has taught me is that life is too short not to follow your passion. ✱ Howson Design by Katy Raywood is about giving your home a heartbeat. Visit howsondesign interiors.co.uk or @howsondesign
‘I ADORED BEING CREATIVE’