An Interiors Insider Shares Her Little Black Book
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If I could only buy homeware from one place, it would be Pimlico Road. It’s undoubtedly the most interesting and characterful street.
The most interesting interiors shop is Pentreath & Hall. The team are fantastic at hunting down new and interesting objects, and giving smaller brands a platform. It’s rare to find somewhere that has such a unique aesthetic and doesn’t follow trends.
The best department stores in the world for homeware are Liberty and Harrods. Liberty always feels like Christmas to me, and I always love Harrods’ old-school charm.
The coolest independent interiors brand is Dohm Shop. Artist Blue Firth designs, makes and sells the most beautiful ceramic pieces – we were fortunate to work on some salt and pepper pots with her recently. Her candlesticks, mugs and (my favourite) portals are utterly dreamy.
The best destination for independent designers and makers is Townhouse Spitalfields. Fiona has incredible taste and stocks an array of homeware from some interesting designers and makers. They also do coffee and cake, which is unmissable. I also recently discovered Franquemont – it caught my eye immediately but is still somewhat under the radar. It sells a unique line of printed textiles, all of which are designed and styled so well.
My perfect shopping day would be antique hunting in Stow-on-the-Wold. Tara Antiques Centre is a real trove, then over the road you have Cutter Brooks. The charity shops here are often fruitful if you’re willing to rummage and, of course, D’Ambrosi Fine Foods is a must visit.
The best vintage stores in the world are in Florence. I spent a wonderful day rummaging with my daughter. We planned our route meticulously and, as well as the incredible fashion finds, I found some vintage embroidered curtains and linens.
My favourite vintage piece I’ve ever bought is the counter I sourced for our showroom. It was part of a kitchen from a grand house in Belgium and is just so beautifully built; the joinery still fits perfectly.
The best sustainable brand, in my opinion, is Ensemblier. Founder Tara Craig had a true passion for craftmanship and sustainability, and will be sorely missed.
For something really special I go to The House by MAH. Laura Fulmine has an incredible eye and we recently worked on a bespoke silk bedspread with her. Her place is filled with amazing bespoke pieces and is a real celebration of craftmanship and design.
The best interiors gift I’ve ever received was having our kitchen fitted professionally by friends – they’re kitchen fitters by trade and it was their wedding present to us. The best interiors gift I’ve ever given someone else was some Feldspar mugs – they’re just such a classic.
The most recent item I bought for my home was a plush silken velvet carpet. During a recent hotel stay, our room had a similar carpet, and I was obsessed with how it felt to walk on.
The biggest inspiration for my brand comes from the silk mills which I grew up around – and a recent visit to Antico Setificio Fiorentino, a silk mill in Florence. The uncompromised quality and craftmanship which goes into the weaving process is at the heart of everything we do.
For tableware, I recently discovered Marioluca Giusti in Florence. The brightly coloured cut glassware immediately caught my eye. When I found out it was actually synthetic crystal and therefore not going to break, I filled my suitcase with as much as I could squeeze in.
When buying art, I look at either auction or Tat London for something more traditional. The Gallery Editions shop, Whitechapel Gallery and Studio Voltaire are also some of my favourites. McCully & Crane in Rye is fantastic for finding new and interesting artists, as is Partnership Editions.
I mainly buy furniture second hand. It’s not the most glamorous destination, but I’ve found some gems on Facebook Marketplace. It gets to know your taste, which is incredibly helpful. I’ve found everything from an old Duresta sofa to a pair of huge bespoke bookcases and a pair of beautiful vintage La Relco Anglepoise floor lamps.
Talking of lighting, Soane is the best for brass fittings. It has the most inspired collection and I’m always taken back by how strikingly beautiful the pieces are in the flesh. I also love Matilda Goad lampshades.
The item I regret not buying is a good dishwasher! We invested in our fridge and oven and budgeted on the dishwasher, which is also fitted. Huge mistake.
If my house was burning down, I’d save our kitchen table. I bought it years ago for £20 and it’s an old workbench. It’s moved with us multiple times and is the heart of family life; it’s entirely beaten up but holds so many memories.
Next on my shopping list is a Nordic Knots rug. The quality is incredible, and the colours are so well curated and vivid. I’m leaning towards the plush range, obviously.
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