Tales from the Drawing Room: Bailee Roberts

Founder and Principal Designer at House Rupert Interior Design Studio, Bailee Roberts spent 15 years in London successfully working in modeling and commercial acting before moving back to the US and becoming a brilliant interior designer. She's passionate about creating timeless, comfortable interiors with a natural, pared-back sensibility, blending European refinement with Californian cool. 

You started your career as a very successful model, travelling and living all over the world. Now you have pivoted to become a brilliant interior designer. Tell us a bit about your journey and how you got started in the world of interiors.

Oh, well, thank you! I’ve been studying form and beauty for a long time, and architecture and interiors have always been a significant part of that.

Before launching House Rupert, I spent 15 years in London, traveling extensively for a successful modeling and commercial acting career. When COVID hit, my husband and I moved our three small boys back to my hometown of Santa Barbara, CA. Away from our London network and struggling with my new role as a stay-at-home mom, I found myself searching for my next chapter.

Then, over a simple coffee with a friend who works for a world-famous design firm, everything changed. As she described her upcoming projects, I had a moment of absolute clarity—I knew this was what I was meant to do.

If I could go back and give my 18-year-old self one piece of advice, it would be to study architecture instead of politics! I always tell my kids, 'Find the thing you love and do that,' and I only wish I had figured it out sooner. My passion for design and architecture has been with me from a young age—constantly redesigning my own spaces and feeling a deep sense of wonder when encountering beautifully designed buildings.

Determined to follow this calling, I enrolled in Interior Design 101, gained hands-on experience working with another firm, earned my design degree, and—like so many things in life—when you’re on the right path, everything just falls into place.

What gets you inspired and where do you look for inspiration when it comes to decorating? 

Is there any greater inspiration than travel? I've been incredibly fortunate to explore the world, and with that comes a deep appreciation for its beauty, artistry, and craftsmanship. The experience of immersing myself in different cities, cultures, and languages is endlessly inspiring—an ever-expanding source of wonder and possibility.

What is your favourite space in your home and why?

My bed is, without a doubt, the most comfortable place in my world. It took time to find the perfect sheets and pillow combinations, but now it’s the coziest spot in the house—and I’m grateful for it every day!

With 3 sons at home, do you have any tips for decorating a home to feel elegant and serene - but also being practical towards the busy day-to-day?

Yes, please! I’d love some tips as well. With young kids, practicality has to take priority, and you can’t be too precious about your things. For example, our large sectional in the living room is actually outdoor furniture because I needed something nearly indestructible. Is it the most beautiful sofa I’ve ever owned? No. Will I replace it as soon as I stop finding sticky fingerprints everywhere? Absolutely. But this is my children’s home too, so we create a space that works for all of us.

Your top 3 tips for adding character to a space? 

Blend Old with New
A purely modern space can sometimes feel sterile, while a room overflowing with antiques and gilded details may feel overwhelming. The key is balance. Mixing contemporary pieces with vintage finds—like a sleek modern sofa atop an antique hand-knotted rug—creates depth, warmth, and a sense of grounding, which feel more cultivated than matching fabrics and uniform palettes. 

Let Art Take Center Stage
Art isn’t meant to match your sofa, and it shouldn’t. Instead, it should be the focal point—all my favourite rooms are finished with great works that invoke meaning and intrigue. The most captivating interiors feature artwork that evokes meaning and intrigue. Invest in pieces that resonate with you, and don’t be afraid to go bold.

Incorporate Personal, Meaningful Touches
In an era of Instagram-perfect interiors, I worry that we lose a little bit of our individualism and eccentricities. Personal objects—whether a treasured heirloom, a flea-market find, or a travel memento—add character and authenticity to a space. If something holds meaning for you, it belongs in your home. These layers of personal history are what make a space truly unique.

Has your style evolved over the years? If so, how?

In my 20s, I definitely experimented with fashion. Working as a model, it came with the job—but over time, the high heels and bright party outfits have evolved into a much more tailored style – understated elegance. I like to feel polished,  put together but not showy–I will continue to refine what that means for me. That said, I deeply admire those who see fashion as a form of self-expression and fully embrace it as an art form. Lately, I’ve been making a conscious effort to invest in more statement pieces.

Is there something you can’t live without?

Tea and dark chocolate. 

Tell us something about you that people don’t know.

That’s a tricky one! I suppose it would be my inner geek, always eager to learn—my motto is ‘every day is a school day’ (as cringey as that sounds!). I’m constantly striving to improve, and right now, I’m retraining in new design software to create more efficient, realistic 3D renderings and furniture designs. AI is here to stay, and I want to use it well to enhance how effectively I communicate my ideas with clients.

You were kind enough to host Sharland England’s recent trunk show in California. Did you hang onto any favourite Sharland England pieces? 

The Sharland England trunk show was absolutely brilliant! It happened to be a horrible, rainy day in Montecito, and since Californians tend to hide from the rain, I was a bit nervous. But we still had a fantastic turnout, and guests were excited because everything was just so stunning!

Of course, I can shop anywhere, so I couldn’t resist picking up the Splatter Serving Platter in pink and blue, along with a set of rattan placemats. I’m still thinking about the Marbre flatware—it’s absolutely gorgeous in person!

Bailee's Favourite Products

Rattan Placemat	Splatter Serving Platter	Marbre Dinner Plate

What are you currently reading - listening - watching?

Oh, there’s so much great literature out there! Right now, I’m reading The Wedding People by Alison Espach, and it’s so much fun. I also highly recommend The Women by Kristin Hannah and American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins—both were my favorite reads from last year.