Sussex House: Gatwick Airport
By Imogen Emmott
Jan 9, 2025
For this latest commercial project, we collaborated with Emma Wood Interiors for the refurbishment of a large restaurant and bar at Gatwick Airport.
When it comes to airport interiors, "bland" and "homogenous" often come to mind. But Emma Wood Interiors, a West Sussex-based design studio, has turned that notion on its head with the recently unveiled Sussex House Restaurant and Bar at Gatwick Airport. This project is a masterclass in transforming a high-churn space into a destination that feels as warm, dynamic, and unique as the Sussex countryside it pays homage to.
Creating a Sense of Place
Designing for an airport is no easy feat. The transient nature of the environment and the necessity for practicality often leave little room for personality. However, Sussex House embraces its surroundings with a bold brief: to create a “sense of place” that celebrates the region's rich heritage and craftsmanship.
Emma Wood explains, “Leaning on the wealth of creativity we have both locally and further afield, we were keen to show off the beautiful craftsmanship and smaller designer-makers that the UK has to offer.”
Inspired by the Bloomsbury Group
The restaurant’s interiors draw heavily on the vibrant spirit of the Bloomsbury Group, a collective of intellectuals, artists, and writers who made Sussex their home in the early 1900s. Known for their kaleidoscopic use of colour, creativity, and a sense of camaraderie, their influence is woven into every detail of Sussex House.
Emma Wood describes the result as a “loving homage to the colours and spirit of the Sussex countryside and the historic Bloomsbury Group.”
The design incorporates vivid geometric tiles, including Soho Redchurch Street Otura tiles and bespoke Arco Belen Medina tiles from Bert and May.
Emma Wood goes on to explain 'The Bloomsbury ‘look’ was replicated using beautiful vivid kaleidoscopic geometric tiles from Bert & May and handmade tiles featuring the distinctive Bloomsbury ’spot’ on the walls. The walls are clad in colourful murals and original paintings from the talented artist Jane McCall at Bloomsbury Revisited and faux bookcases with beautiful handmade book fronts from Original Books nod to the intellectuals and thinkers that championed the movement.
The finished result is a joyful array of print and colour, handmade touches and a finish that showcases real creativity and individuality. A rare uplifting site in a large airport environment.
For more information about Emma Wood Interiors, visit her website or follow on Instagram.