As the Founder and Creative Director of HESSELIC Design, acclaimed international interior designer Sally O’Connor has established a presence in the United States, expanding from the United Kingdom and Dubai. Upscale Living magazine spoke exclusively with her about her career and how she manages to transform an ordinary space into something extraordinary.
Sally, please tell us a bit about yourself (schooling, formative years, etc.)
I began my career in television production shortly after graduating from university, but my real creative spark ignited when I transitioned into art direction. It was there that I discovered a passion for interiors. With no formal training, I immersed myself in the industry by joining a London decorative finishing studio. Under the guidance of master craftsmen, I learned intricate techniques such as gold leafing, lacquering, and French polishing. This rigorous, hands-on education instilled in me an obsession with texture, layering, and detail, which continues to define my work today.
Did you have an influence in your youth that shaped your career path?
Absolutely. My parents kept a beautiful home, and from the age of nine, my mum recalls me constantly re-organizing the furniture in my bedroom and helping her to choose fabrics for curtains and upholstery. I was captivated by transformation! Looking back, it feels inevitable that I would end up in the world of interiors.
When and why did you start your firm, HESELLIC Design?
After freelancing in London for some time, I founded HESELLIC in 2011 in response to a commission from a prominent London art gallery undergoing an extensive renovation. The scale of the project made it clear that I needed a formal business structure to deliver at the highest level, both creatively and professionally.
What does a day in the life as the Founder and Creative Director of a multifaceted interior design studio entail?
Each busy day brings a new rhythm. When I’m based at our UK HQ, my mornings begin early with Dubai team calls, followed by collaborative sessions with my UK team. By late afternoon, I transition to our U.S. projects, liaising with clients, suppliers, and contractors across time zones. My role flows between creative direction, site visits, strategic growth, and business stewardship—an energizing balance I truly thrive on.
Your ability to blend classical European influences with a soft, modern sensibility has resonated with a discerning clientele and now extends to the U.S. through HESELLIC’s newly established Los Angeles studio. How do you feel about this new chapter and expansion of your brand?
The expansion into the US is incredibly exciting. For years, we received enquiries from US-based clients wanting to explore our European aesthetic after discovering our work on Instagram. However, we were unable to service them in the way we wanted, so sadly had to decline those projects. The pandemic was a turning point, proving that working globally is more achievable than ever. We recently completed a beautiful condominium refurbishment on Miami Beach, and stepping into that finished space was a dream realized.
Please talk us through the process of designing amazing homes for your clients.
Every project is unique, but our approach usually unfolds in four stages. We begin with concept design, immersing ourselves in the client’s vision. Next comes the schematic phase: floor plans, elevations, lighting design, and MEP design. The detailed design stage is where we craft every nuance, from bespoke joinery to bathroom designs and finishing schedules. Finally, we complete the FFE phase—curating furniture, fixtures, and accessories to deliver a true turnkey home. Our goal is for clients to walk through the door, take off their shoes, and immediately feel at home.
How hands-on are you with each project?
I remain deeply involved in every project. I believe in building genuine relationships with both clients and my team, which comes from being truly present and hands-on. We work like a family, united by a shared passion for design and the impact it has on how people live.
You have a reputation for poetic reimagining of interiors and impeccable attention to detail. Please talk us through that process.
We begin with the architectural canvas and layer upon layer the detail in a way that quietly tells the client’s story. Even the interior of a cabinet should feel like a luxury moment. I enjoy being on-site, workshopping ideas directly with contractors to ensure impeccable execution. It’s always, and only, a collaborative effort.
Do you favor clean lines and neutral colors? If so, why?
Yes, I embrace timeless neutrals, but never in a way that feels flat. We layer trims, fringing, and intricate detailing into everything from joinery and window treatments to ceilings and floor designs to create subtle richness. Our neutrals are a canvas for texture and form.
How often do you introduce pops of color?
We’re led by our clients. If color excites them, we celebrate it. When color enters, it does so with intention. For example, in Miami Beach, we worked with an atelier to create a mosaic hallway inspired by the sea’s many hues. Personally, I often introduce color through art and accessories, which allows our neutral foundations to shine.
How can people create a fresh look without breaking the bank?
Timeless investment pieces anchor a room, while accessories can be refreshed seasonally to transform a space. When thoughtfully scaled and selected, even accessible décor can feel like objets d’art.
Do you believe in repurposing?
Absolutely. There’s something so satisfying about transforming a space by repainting kitchen cabinetry, updating hardware, or reupholstering a beloved sofa.
What sets HESELLIC Design apart?
Our work is as much about feeling as it is about form. Clients know they are truly valued and seen. We pursue perfection, always choosing what’s right over what’s easy, and that dedication translates into homes that truly reflect and uplift the people who live in them. We cherish working with our clients, and our relationships are extremely important.
Exciting projects on the horizon?
Yes! We’re developing a private country estate in the Cotswolds and several new-build family homes across the UK. In the US, we’re thrilled to be working on a Palisades rebuild, while in the Middle East, we’re engaged in both large-scale renovations and new construction residential projects. It’s an exhilarating time for the studio.
