Where do you live and why?
Between Devon and Notting Hill. Because basically, I think they’re the nicest places to live. I love west London. We grew up in the country, but always had a flat in Knightsbridge and west London was very exciting growing up. When we met, my partner had a house in Devon, so we spent every weekend and holiday there. I love London and would never leave, but Devon is amazing and the children love it.
What inspired you to create a children’s range – how did Little Living first come about?
I was first asked by Ashley Wilde to do a bed linen range three years ago. It was so easy, fun and intuitive I wanted to do it again. Modern technology allows you to take a pattern you see on one thing, a fabric on another, and a colour scheme from yet another source, and amalgamate them into exactly what you want.
Everything I do has a child-friendly aspect. It was a given I’d do a children’s range at some point, and bed linen seemed a good place to start.
Why launch in Peter Jones?
They don’t have celebrity-led items. It meant a lot to me that the launch was at Peter Jones as it has always been a big part of my life. As a child my parents used to bring us shopping here at half-term; I found everything terribly exciting and Peter Jones has remained relevant to me throughout my life.
You have two sons and two stepsons – what do they think of the Little Living designs?
I was with my son at the cinema on Sunday morning and someone asked for a picture with me – my little boy was very confused about why anyone would be interested in me. They’re quite protected from the media side of what I do, and I work hard to keep it that way.
Where do you hang out in west London?
My working life is in London and most of my downtime is in Devon, but I like the new Notting Hill restaurant The Shed, also Hereford Road, and Granger & Co are great.
A friend recently re-opened The Pelican pub on All Saints Road and we particularly like Julie’s in Clarendon Cross. We generally stay within walking distance from home.
Has your work taken you to any far-flung or exotic places?
Yes, on Vacation, Vacation, Vacation, a show I did for Channel 4, we were jet-setting a lot. I’m the only person I know who’s gone to the Maldives for just three days!
What do you think you would have done had you not gone into interiors and home design?
I would have stayed with property searching, if I hadn’t gravitated towards television. My work would definitely have revolved around homes and interiors in some way, shape or form.
What are your favourite things?
Aside from my children, small things I’ve had over the years. I have a large collection of jugs which I adore. I love things that have meaning and a story, things I can remember where I got them, who I was with, and why.
