From the beaches of Plymouth to homes across Devon and Cornwall, designer Abbie Downey brings a fresh take on interiors with her mix of patterns, objects, and history, creating spaces full of life and discovery.
- Combines new and vintage objects in a dynamic display style
- Uses pattern layering to create excitement and visual interest
- Offers online design consultations beyond her Devon base
What happened
Abbie Downey, a rising star in interior design, was recently recognized as one of the Next in Design 2026 winners for her Plymouth-based studio Feather and Fossil. She has developed a unique style she calls ‘curated chaos,’ where layering patterns and displaying collected treasures brings both personality and history to interiors. Her projects mainly focus on residential homes in Devon and Cornwall, with additional online consultations for clients further afield.
Downey’s journey into interior design began after diverse studies in art photography, psychology, and project management, alongside working in healthcare facility build projects. She transitioned fully into design in 2022 after completing a diploma and launching her business. The name Feather and Fossil reflects the natural and contrasting inspirations behind her work—from feathers representing exotic softness to fossils anchoring a sense of rustic history.
Why it feels good
Downey’s interiors invite a feeling of discovery and excitement through her careful balance of patterns and objects. Rather than overwhelming, her ‘curated chaos’ style ensures that no space feels cluttered, but rather joyful and thoughtfully arranged. This approach encourages inhabitants to notice new details and stories every time they enter a room, creating spaces that feel both calm and uplifting.
Her love of pattern stems from the challenge and joy of piecing together prints that harmonize, offering a puzzle-like satisfaction. Influenced by brands like House of Hackney, Downey thrives on the vibrant colors and scenic designs that make interior spaces lively yet grounded in personal narrative and history. Her instinctive layout and display skills make each project sing with a carefully orchestrated energy.
What to enjoy or watch next
For those inspired by Downey’s eclectic and thoughtful style, exploring Feather and Fossil’s work offers a masterclass in combining old and new elements gracefully. Homeowners looking for design advice can also take advantage of her online consultations to bring some curated chaos into their own spaces, no matter where they live.
Keep an eye on interior design trends that embrace maximalism not as excess but as a refined eclecticism, where pattern harmony and storytelling treasure collections take center stage. Downey’s approach provides fresh inspiration about how to make interiors uniquely personal and endlessly engaging.