THE JOURNAL | IN GOOD TASTE
Reena Simon
Reena Simon is an award-winning design authority, founder, author and Creative Director working at the intersection of home, culture and modern family life – internationally recognised by Domino and consistently profiled by The Times, The Telegraph and Livingetc as one of the most distinctive voices in considered British interiors. She is the author of Scandi Rustic and Scandi Modern, celebrated books that showcase her signature interior aesthetic. Known for an emotionally intelligent approach to design that prioritises atmosphere, ritual and how spaces make us feel, not just how they look.
She is the founder of the lifestyle brand Hygge for Home, now evolved into The Intentional Home® – a philosophy rooted in the belief that homes should hold our rituals, not just our things. Her work spans publishing, product design, creative direction and long-term brand partnerships across the UK, Europe and the US.
Chatting to The Roost, Reena walks us through her styling philosophy, how she chooses items for her home, and what she's loving right now.
Photography by Haus of Hyde.
THE JOURNAL | IN GOOD TASTE
Reena Simon
Reena Simon is an award-winning design authority, founder, author and Creative Director working at the intersection of home, culture and modern family life – internationally recognised by Domino and consistently profiled by The Times, The Telegraph and Livingetc as one of the most distinctive voices in considered British interiors. She is the author of Scandi Rustic and Scandi Modern, celebrated books that showcase her signature interior aesthetic. Known for an emotionally intelligent approach to design that prioritises atmosphere, ritual and how spaces make us feel, not just how they look.
She is the founder of the lifestyle brand Hygge for Home, now evolved into The Intentional Home® – a philosophy rooted in the belief that homes should hold our rituals, not just our things. Her work spans publishing, product design, creative direction and long-term brand partnerships across the UK, Europe and the US.
Chatting to The Roost, Reena walks us through her styling philosophy, how she chooses items for her home, and what she's loving right now.
Photography by Haus of Hyde.
Describe your interiors style in three words...
"Intentional, warm, atmospheric"
What is a piece you would always invest in?
"A dining table. It's where life actually happens; meals, conversations, work and gatherings. I always think about how a space will be used day to day, and the table becomes the foundation for connection and shared moments."
"I'm always drawn to lamps made from natural materials, and the charred wood base on this lamp is really special.
The texture and depth in the wood is what caught my eye, no two pieces will look the same, which is exactly what I look for. I love using table lamps to bring warmth into a room, and the contrast between the dark base and the white shade keeps it feeling light rather than heavy."
Leon Table Lamp
£395.00
Wild Horse Print
From £55.00
"I was immediately drawn to Wild Horse. This year feels significant for me creatively, and the strength and movement in the piece really resonated.
I love artwork near a dining space, it brings character and feeling to the room without taking over."
Your current design obsession?
"Designing through the senses rather than just visually. I've always been drawn to candlelight, fragrance and softer lighting because they shape how a home feels as much as it looks. Scent in particular can change the experience of a space instantly, it becomes as important as furniture or colour."
What's the room that says the most about you?
"The dining space. It's the heart of our home and where we come together at the end of the day, lighting candles, setting the table even for simple meals and creating space to slow down and connect. I'm less interested in formal rooms and more drawn to spaces that support everyday living and our rituals."
"Candles are a big part of how I shape atmosphere at home. I’m always drawn to pieces that feel sculptural even before they’re lit, and this holder brings that sense of artistry to the table. Lighting candles changes the feeling of a space instantly, it signals that it’s time to gather, slow down and simply be present."
Helecho Tapas Bowl
£22.00
"I'm always drawn to handcrafted pieces like this. A simple ceramic bowl is something you naturally reach for every day, whether it's holding fruit, serving food, or just sitting on the table between meals. Pieces like this bring warmth and a sense of life to a space, reminding us that the table is there to be lived around, not just styled."
Your no-fail styling trick?
"Begin with feeling, not decoration. I usually light candles first and then layer natural textures like linen, ceramics and wood, around that atmosphere. Once the feeling of a space is right, everything else falls into place."
What is your signature philosophy?
"I believe homes should hold our rituals, not just our things."
Describe your interiors style in three words...
"Intentional, warm, atmospheric."
What is a piece you would always invest in?
"A dining table. It's where life actually happens; meals, conversations, work and gatherings. I always think about how a space will be used day to day, and the table becomes the foundation for connection and shared moments."
Leon Table Lamp
£195.00
"I'm always drawn to lamps made from natural materials, and the charred wood base on this lamp is really special.
The texture and depth in the wood is what caught my eye, no two pieces will look the same, which is exactly what I look for. I love using table lamps to bring warmth into a room, and the contrast between the dark base and the white shade keeps it feeling light rather than heavy."
Wild Horse Print
From £55.00
"I was immediately drawn to Wild Horse. This year feels significant for me creatively, and the strength and movement in the piece really resonated.
I love artwork near a dining space, it brings character and feeling to the room without taking over."
What is your current design obssesion?
"Designing through the senses rather than just visually. I've always been drawn to candlelight, fragrance and softer lighting because they shape how a home feels as much as it looks. Scent in particular can change the experience of a space instantly, it becomes as important as furniture or colour."
What's the room that says the most about you?
"The dining space. It's the heart of our home and where we come together at the end of the day, lighting candles, setting the table even for simple meals and creating space to slow down and connect. I'm less interested in formal rooms and more drawn to spaces that support everyday living and our rituals.
What's the room that says the most about you?
"The dining space. It's the heart of our home and where we come together at the end of the day, lighting candles, setting the table even for simple meals and creating space to slow down and connect. I'm less interested in formal rooms and more drawn to spaces that support everyday living and our rituals."
"Candles are a big part of how I shape atmosphere at home. I’m always drawn to pieces that feel sculptural even before they’re lit, and this holder brings that sense of artistry to the table. Lighting candles changes the feeling of a space instantly, it signals that it’s time to gather, slow down and simply be present."
Helecho Tapas Bowl
£22.00
"I'm always drawn to handcrafted pieces like this. Pieces like this bring warmth and a sense of life to a space, reminding us that the table is there to be lived around, not just styled."
Your no-fail styling trick?
"Begin with feeling, not decoration. I usually light candles first and then layer natural textures like linen, ceramics and wood, around that atmosphere. Once the feeling of a space is right, everything else falls into place."
What is your signature philosophy?
"I believe homes should hold our rituals, not just our things."