There’s something undeniably special about a well-designed home. It’s not just about the furniture or the colour palette—it’s about the feeling. That instant sense of ease when you walk into a space where everything just works, without trying too hard. That’s the magic of great interior design. And if anyone understands how to strike that perfect balance, it’s Gemma, the creative force behind Alpine Rose Interiors.
Gemma’s work is all about crafting interiors that are both stylish and deeply personal—elegant yet inviting, sophisticated yet lived-in. Her designs aren’t about creating picture-perfect rooms for Instagram; they’re about real homes, filled with warmth, character, and thoughtful details. With a background in art and a deep love for natural materials, she brings spaces to life by layering textures, blending colours, and—of course—incorporating beautiful houseplants in ways that feel effortless.
We sat down with Gemma to talk about her design philosophy, the role of nature in her work, and why a room simply isn’t complete without a houseplant (or three).
Your portfolio features such a variety of beautiful projects, from elegant living rooms to serene bedrooms. How do you approach creating spaces that feel both stylish and deeply personal to your clients?
Each project begins with understanding the people who will live in the space. I take the time to learn about their lifestyle, how they use the space, and their personal aesthetic preferences.My goal is to design interiors that not only reflect their personalities but also enhance their well-being. I believe that a home should feel effortless yet intentional—layering textures, materials, and natural elements to create a sense of harmony and warmth.
Every space tells a story, and your designs seem to capture the personality of each home. Can you share an example of a project where you faced unique challenges and how you brought your vision to life?
One particularly memorable project involved designing a multifunctional family room that needed to seamlessly accommodate various activities. The space had to serve as a home office, a dining area for entertaining, a music room housing both a piano and a harp, and be a cosy retreat for the couple to unwind by the fire in the evenings. Given the room’s modest size, creating a layout that met the needs of every family member was a challenge.
Additionally, its north-facing orientation made it feel particularly cold and uninviting. Once the layout was planned, choosing the right paint colour became essential in transforming the atmosphere. We opted for Jonquil by Edward Bulmer—a soft pink with warm yellow undertones—which instantly brought a sense of warmth and comfort to the space.
Plants are just one element of a room, but they can have such an impact. When incorporating houseplants into your designs, what’s your strategy for ensuring they complement the overall look and function of a space?
When a room is finished and styled, it can sometimes feel like something is missing. Adding a houseplant instantly lifts the space, introducing a living element that brings texture and a sense of life to the room.I consider a plant’s shape, size, and texture just as I would with furniture or accessories.
I carefully choose plants that enhance the mood of a space—lush greenery for a relaxed, organic feel, or sculptural plants for a more structured, architectural aesthetic. I also consider practicality, selecting plants that suit the client's lifestyle and the lighting conditions of the space.
Biophilic design is more than a trend—it’s about creating spaces that nurture well-being. How do you interpret this concept in your work, and how do you balance nature-inspired elements with your signature style?
Biophilic design is at the core of my work, and I’m naturally drawn to a colour palette inspired by nature. Greens and blues feature prominently in my own home—they are the colours I personally connect with, evoking a deep sense of comfort and relaxation.My Swiss heritage has undoubtedly influenced this affinity. My mother is from Switzerland, and we’ve spent countless holidays there, taking every opportunity to immerse ourselves in its breathtaking landscapes.
The ever-changing mountain scenery, from lush green forests to the shimmering blues of lakes and skies, has left a lasting impression on me. These natural hues feel instinctively like home and continue to shape my design approach.
It’s not just about adding plants but about creating an intrinsic connection between nature and the home. I draw inspiration from natural landscapes, incorporating organic textures, earthy tones, and natural light to foster a sense of calm. My approach blends these elements, ensuring that nature feels integrated rather than an afterthought.
Beyond aesthetics, how do you think plants and other natural elements impact the emotions and well-being of the people who live in the spaces you design?
Nature has a profound effect on our emotions. Spaces enriched with natural elements—whether it’s the soft movement of leaves, the warmth of wood, or the diffused light filtering through linen curtains—create a sense of tranquillity and balance. Clients often tell me that their redesigned homes feel more peaceful and uplifting, which is exactly what I strive for.
Houseplants are living elements, constantly growing and changing. How do you work with this dynamic nature to create spaces that feel alive and adaptable?
I think of plants as evolving design elements rather than static decor. A well-placed plant brings movement and softness to a space, but its growth means that the design naturally shifts over time. This is a good thing—it keeps a room feeling fresh and dynamic.When I select plants, I consider their long-term development. Some will thrive and spread into lush focal points, while others will stay neat and compact.
I also encourage clients to embrace the seasonal changes of their plants—yellowing leaves, new growth, and the occasional surprise flower are all part of the beauty of living with greenery.
Your gallery showcases a refined balance of elegance and warmth. What’s your process for choosing textures, colours, and materials to create spaces that feel cohesive and inviting?
I rely on a balance of contrasts—pairing smooth with rough, matte with gloss, and light with dark to create depth. My colour palettes are often inspired by nature, drawing from soft greens, warm neutrals, and deep earth tones.Texture plays a crucial role in adding warmth, so I love layering natural materials like linen, wood, and stone to create a tactile, inviting environment.
Finally, for those of us inspired by your work, what advice would you give to someone looking to refresh their home design, whether they’re incorporating plants or simply rethinking their interiors?
Start with nature as your guide—introduce organic textures, embrace natural light, and add greenery in a way that feels effortless. Don’t be afraid to mix materials to create depth and interest. And most importantly, design with emotion in mind—your home should reflect how you want to feel every day. Small changes, like rearranging furniture or introducing a statement plant, can have a big impact on the energy of a space.
Try to look beyond trends—if you genuinely love something, embrace it, but if it doesn’t truly resonate with you, you may find yourself growing tired of it quickly. Instead, focus on creating timeless interiors that will bring you joy for years to come, rather than just a season or two.
The Secret Ingredient to Great Design? Just Ask Gemma.
Talking to Gemma feels like stepping into one of her designs—thoughtful, calming, and full of warmth. Her ability to weave personality, function, and nature into her spaces is what makes Alpine Rose Interiors so special. She reminds us that good design isn’t just about how a room looks, but about how it makes you feel.
And let’s be honest—no interior design is complete without greenery. A room without plants is like a cake without icing, a book without words—it just feels naked. Houseplants don’t just fill a space; they finish it. They soften harsh lines, bring in movement, and breathe life into interiors in a way that no piece of furniture ever could. Whether it's a trailing Philodendron cascading off a bookshelf, a bold Monstera making a statement in the corner, or a delicate fern adding softness to a bedside table, plants belong in interior design.
They do more than just look good—they change the way we experience a space. They create depth, texture, and a natural rhythm that makes a room feel alive. And in the hands of a designer like Gemma, they’re not just an afterthought but an essential part of the story.
If you’re looking for inspiration—or an excuse to finally tackle that neglected corner of your home—take a look at Gemma’s stunning portfolio at Alpine Rose Interiors. We promise, you’ll come away brimming with ideas (and maybe an urge to buy just one more houseplant).
For more interior design and plant inspiration, head over to our blog at Happy Houseplants—where we explore the power of plants in making every space feel like home. 🌿
Follow Gemma.
Gemma is the founder of Alpine Rose Interiors, where she transforms spaces into beautiful, functional, and deeply personal sanctuaries. With a passion for nature-inspired design, she blends rich textures, soft hues, and organic elements to create interiors that feel effortlessly stylish yet incredibly inviting.
Drawing inspiration from her Swiss heritage and love for natural landscapes, Gemma infuses her projects with warmth, balance, and a deep connection to nature. Whether it’s layering textiles, choosing the perfect colour palette, or incorporating greenery to breathe life into a space, her approach is all about making a house truly feel like home.
Follow Gemma for more stunning interiors and inspiration here
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