The Topology Team ยท Interview Time
Meet Topology interior designer Amy Johnson. In this interview piece she shares her practical renovation advice on layouts, lighting, scale, sourcing to create a warm, timeless home.
Planning a home renovation can involve hundreds of individual decisions, from choosing furniture and lighting to getting the layout and proportions right. We sat down with Topology interior designer Amy to learn more about her creative background, her warm and relaxed design style, and the advice she believes every homeowner should consider when designing or renovating a space. Amy joined Topology in 2025 after running her own interior design company, having quickly realised she’d rather be part of a team. She’s recently bought her first home in Brighton — a dated property with beautiful period features to lean into — and, as a lover of antiques, she’s excited to transform it into a space that truly reflects her and her style.
The Details
Below Amy’s shares her story & creative process
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what drew you into interior design?
I’ve always known I wanted to do something creative. Growing up, I was really into art, photography, and graphic design - basically anything hands on where I could make something. Even as a kid, I was forever rearranging my bedroom, trying out different layouts just to see how it felt. I think that’s what naturally led me into interiors, it’s that perfect mix of creativity and problem solving. I’m super detail oriented (and a bit of a perfectionist, which isn’t always a good thing!), but it definitely comes in handy in this profession. It’s such a rewarding process to take someone’s vision or help them find it and bring it to life in a way that reflects their personality and actually works for their day to day lives.
How would you describe your personal design style?
I always go back and forth on how to best describe my style but if I had to sum it up, I’d say it’s earthy, rustic, warm, and relaxed. I love materials like wood, terracotta, brass, and linens, along with plenty of natural light and greenery. I’m also always drawn to pattern and print, they’re such a great way to add personality and pops of colour through things like textiles and artwork
What inspires your design ideas - are there places, people or eras you’re drawn to the most?
I’ve always loved vintage decor and furniture, there’s something so special about pieces that bring character and make a space feel lived in and timeless. For me, a home should truly reflect the person who lives there. I think that connection to vintage really started when my grandad passed away. He was a bit of a hoarder but the best kind - always collecting beautiful vintage pottery, jugs, and ceramics. After he passed, we’d sit around looking through all his treasures, each one carefully labelled with the date, where he bought it, and the story behind it. Now, those pieces live on with all of us, and they carry so much meaning. It’s those kinds of personal touches, something picked up when travelling, a piece handed down through family, or just something that you see and love - that’s what really brings a space to life and makes it feel like home
Do you have a favourite material, colour palette or design detail you always come back to?
I’m often drawn to warm, earthy tones like olive greens, deep reds, browns, and soft neutrals. They just have such a timeless feel and work so well in all kinds of spaces.
What part of the design process excited you the most?
Ooh, that’s a tough one! I think I’m torn between sourcing and styling. I absolutely love hunting for the right furniture or decor, I’m always scrolling online and piecing together items for my client’s concepts. But then again, nothing beats the feeling of seeing it all come to life during an install. Adding those final styling touches and watching the space transform is such a rewarding moment - it really never gets old!
For me, a home should truly reflect the person who lives there.
In Plain Terms
Amy’s rapid fire
Go to paint colour
JoJo’s Green, La Toree & Safe Play by COAT
Favourite country for travel inspo
I’d probably have to say Italy - I just love all the architecture. But I’m desperate to visit Lisbon and I’ve got a long list of vintage markets across France I’m wanting to explore too!
Favouite interior brands
Zara Home, Rowen & Wren, Soho Home
When not designing where would we find you?
You’ll most likely find me walking along the beach with a coffee in hand or dragging my partner around a car boot sale on a Sunday morning (also with a coffee in hand!). Basically, anywhere I can be outdoors and get a decent coffee, I’m happy!
Work with Topology
Love Amy’s approach?
Get in touch and request Amy as your interior designer — we’ll match you with the right package for your home.
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