About Morton House Interiors

About Morton House Interiors

Morton House Interiors was founded in 2022 by Sophie Bayliss, as a tribute to her late father’s legacy. "He was an extraordinary man who pursued his passions fearlessly," Sophie recalls. "A Captain at British Airways, he later started a business that led him to work in F1 and travel the world. His loss was profound, and channeling my energy into facing the challenges that scared me most felt like the best way to honor his memory, just as he would have done."

Named after her maiden name, Morton, the shop reflects Sophie’s family heritage and her lifelong love for creating beautiful spaces. While the shop itself opened in 2022, Sophie has been styling and designing interiors since 2012.

Her passion for interiors began early, constantly reimagining her childhood bedroom. Today, Sophie believes that everyone deserves a beautiful home, no matter the budget. "We spend so much time in our homes; they should not only be beautiful but functional. Our surroundings influence our moods. Think about the last time you were in a stunning building, whether it was a restaurant or hotel. How did it make you feel? Uplifted, joyous. Homes are vital, perhaps the most important spaces in our lives."

After studying interior design at the National Design Academy in 2012, Sophie embarked on renovating her family home, followed by an even larger project during her second pregnancy — a full renovation and partial rebuild. The house, though initially unsuited for family life, was in a perfect location with beautiful gardens and stunning views, which Sophie sought to enhance through her redesign.

Pregnant with her second child, Sophie took the house back to bare brick. "The plumbing was exposed, and the electrics were basic with nowhere near enough sockets or lights," she says. The garden views were blocked by overgrown hedges and old outbuildings. "We loved the garden, but we couldn’t see it, so the outhouses were the first to go." They leveled the garden and added a modern kitchen-diner where the outbuildings had stood. The contrast between the modern extension and the traditional cottage gives the home its unique charm. "The project was chaotic with a newborn, but it was worth every second."

Sophie understands the stress of living through renovations while balancing family life, having hosted her husband’s 40th birthday on chipboard floors amid the dust. "I’ve been there, feeding a baby and caring for school-age children in the middle of a building site, relying on a microwave for meals." Her experiences, along with those of family and friends, have provided her with invaluable lessons in budgeting, project management, and the importance of keeping morale high during tough moments.

A business owner and mum of four, Sophie plans to take on more interior design work through Morton House Studio, but for now, her focus is on Morton House Interiors shop and website. "Opening the shop has been a joy. I get to chat with lovely, interesting people all day, and the support from the community has been incredible."

"It feels like a dream come true, and while I’m loving every second, I still have one eye on the future."