For more than 15 years, Nick Woodhouse and John Law, designers and co-founders of Woodhouse & Law, have overseen the design transformation of some of Bath’s most iconic residences, hotels, and bars. The dynamic duo took time out of their busy schedule to answer some of our questions on life in Bath. Image: Pete Helme Photography
Tell me the story of Woodhouse & Law and what makes it unique?
We met in a bar in London. We think the planets might have been aligned in some way that night because we were both out with school friends. They met that night, too, and are now married. We married in 2007 and set up Woodhouse & Law two years later, shortly after moving to Bath from London. We established Woodhouse & Law in response to what we saw as a significant gap in the market. No other design firms were offering a holistic approach to the design of both interiors and gardens, which to us seemed so inextricably linked. From the outset, we were determined to avoid an identikit look to our designs, preferring instead to work with our clients to create individual schemes that reflected their own character and lifestyle.
What have been some of your favourite design projects this year?
We are so proud to be working alongside The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa in their ongoing refresh and modernisation programme. Initially appointed in 2023 to transform its lobby, drawing room, and bedrooms, we have since been awarded the contract to design and renovate their conference and event facilities, further suites and bathrooms, and a new residents’ bar. We are really excited to soon start on the next design phase: the refurbishment of the hotel’s renowned spa and fitness facilities in The Dower House.
Can you tell me about some of your community projects?
In 2023, we launched our Random Acts of Kindness scheme. Each month, a member of the team is given £50 to contribute to a local cause, charity, or individual. So far, donations have gone to Grow for Life, Eddie’s Street Cuts Suicide Prevention, Bath Food Bank’s Christmas Appeal, and Bath Hygiene. We extended this recently to clients at our Summer Party, where each guest was given £20 to donate to a local cause close to their hearts.
We also encouraged our team to take part in Bristol’s MoRun last November. In all, ten of us ran a combined 90km, raising over £2,000 for two charities very close to our hearts: Cancer Research and CCS Adoption. While many of us had never run before, a number of the team have now found a new passion in the sport, planning to run further events this year.
Bath is such a stunning city; how do you draw inspiration from it?
Bath is such a unique, special place. Its rich Georgian heritage perfectly combines elegance with wonderfully proportioned spaces. To add to that, it sits within an almost amphitheatre-like setting, each window enjoying its own unique view onto the surrounding hills. It is that intrinsic link between inside and out that was the very inspiration for our own company. For us, being able to look at inside and out as one from the very outset of the design process allows us to approach the project in a truly holistic manner, with greater flexibility in colours, materials, and textures. Even though these links can be subtle and nuanced, they can really help break down visual barriers between inside and out.
Any challenges with working with Bath’s Georgian and Victorian properties?
We are incredibly lucky in Bath to have so many historic buildings, most of which are protected through their listed status. Whilst this status comes with its challenges, it does mean the beautiful, original features remain intact. Our approach is always to celebrate the architecture of a building; that doesn’t necessarily mean highlighting every element; instead, it’s about the balance of the overall scheme. People can tie themselves in knots trying to match their furniture to the period of their property. They shouldn’t; antique pieces can work in contemporary and traditional settings alike – as long as there’s contrast. For example, a bold piece of contemporary art will work just as well in a Georgian drawing room as it would in an ultra-modern setting. Arguably even more so with the glorious high ceilings of that architectural style.
We are on the cusp of a new year: What new design trends are you seeing?
Integrating natural elements, with their rich diversity of life, shapes and colours, is fast gaining a dedicated following for its ability to greatly improve our well-being and creativity. As such, we’ve noted a growing number of pieces made from natural stone and wood coming to the fore recently, with curved lines and soft shapes to instil a more natural, organic feel to a scheme. This move towards those more natural elements has gone hand in hand with a growing appreciation for a more sustainable approach to design. We are keen to leave behind the disposable approach of constantly changing trends and regular renovation. It’s critical that we include in their place timeless, well-built, occasionally bespoke, pieces that endure and evolve with us.
What are some of your favourite spots in the city?
We love the spots on the outside of the city as much as those at its centre. For food, drinks, and coffees, we love Rooted on Chelsea Road, Goodies at Larkhall, and Roasted Lemon Café at Sydney Gardens.
What do you love most about living and working in Bath?
Whilst the city is internationally renowned as a historic Georgian city, with its UNESCO World Heritage status, we are keen to avoid becoming a pastiche, instead giving equal importance and support to its burgeoning creative industry and vibrant cultural, arts, and entertainment scene. To have that, and the beautiful landscape that surrounds it on your doorstep, is a very special thing.
How do you relax at the end of a busy day?
We plan time away together. By the beach, with our son and our dogs.
Finally, what is your top design tip for 2026?
Be bold and allow yourself to be more open to schemes that reflect your own personality, rather than getting too hung up on the latest design must-dos. If you love colour, embrace it. If you are drawn to a more clinical look, but are chaotic by nature, try leaning towards a more cosy, comfortable vibe that will be more accepting of that very chaos.
Worry less about second-guessing what the next buyer might want from your home; instead, thinking more about the here-and-now: what items you have an emotional attachment to and what makes your heart sing.
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