Courthouse Interiors was founded in 1998 by my parents, Hoss and Tia Fatemi, born out of a lifelong obsession with Persian carpets and a deep appreciation for fine fabrics. Our original store in Wiveliscombe, on the edge of Exmoor, is a nineteenth‑century Grade II listed merchant’s house — a remarkable building that continues to shape the spirit of Courthouse Interiors today.
From the very beginning, the business was rooted in family life. My father was always searching for spaces to sell antiques, carpets and textiles, and growing up, interiors were as much a talking point in our household as films, books or travel. Family trips to auctions, antique shops and dealers were a regular part of life, and Courthouse became a place we all fell in love with collectively.
Set across three floors and more than twelve rooms, the Wiveliscombe store still echoes the original layout of the merchant’s house. It remains home to an extensive collection of Persian carpets — over 500 at any one time — spanning a wide range of styles, sizes, colours and origins. Alongside this sits a carefully curated selection of furniture, lighting, wallpaper, fabric and decorative objects, with unexpected pieces tucked into every corner of the building.
Courthouse Interiors has always been a true family affair. Anyone who comes to stay quickly learns that they may end up helping out, particularly during busy periods. Christmas is a perfect example, when the shop fills with siblings, cousins and extended family serving mulled wine, offering mince pies and helping customers find last‑minute gifts.
When I took the helm from my parents in 2018, the business naturally evolved. Coffee, scones and cakes grew into a much‑loved brunch club and licensed restaurant, and the space became a venue for exhibitions, talks and lectures by artists and designers we admired. While the hospitality side has since closed, this period helped cement Courthouse as a cultural as well as retail destination.
Annual summer trips to Italy to visit family sparked a lasting passion for Italian design, which remains central to our offering today. We are proud to stock Italian brands such as Kartell, FLOS, Alessi and Qeeboo, alongside long-standing British names including Colefax & Fowler, Morris & Co., Mulberry Home, GP & J Baker and Sanderson. Our approach is deliberately selective, working with design-led brands that value craftsmanship and originality.
In 2019, we took the digital leap and launched courthouseinteriors.com - Since then, the business has grown into an international operation, shipping to over one hundred countries while maintaining the same considered approach that defines our physical stores. Today, we balance a global reach with local expertise, offering bespoke design solutions for hospitality and interior consultancy, and have worked with clients including MTV, The Ritz and Raffles Hotel Group.
In September 2025, we opened our second physical location at Kilver Court, marking an important new chapter for Courthouse Interiors. The Kilver Court store allows us to present our collections in a new setting, reaching a broader audience while staying true to the character, curation and personal service that define the brand.
Today, our focus is on growing Courthouse Interiors thoughtfully — expanding our reach while preserving the integrity, warmth and family-led ethos that have defined the business since 1998.
Oliver J Fatemi
Managing Director.
UTR: 2113384376
