It made perfect sense, then, when in 2009, Emma launched her own eponymous interior design practice, Sims Hilditch – albeit after a circuitous, though not unconstructive, route that saw her first try her hand at business and then film. Her new and fresh English country style has garnered her a legion of fans over the business’ eleven years – as well as pages of coverage within glossy interiors bibles.
Here she shares the places she finds inspiration online, as well as some solid marriage advice: simply, know when to put your phone away.
My favourite website...
I love House & Garden’s website, it always has a great selection of design inspiration, beautiful gardens and delicious recipes.
My favourite app...
There is a wonderful app called Picture This which allows me to take photos of plants and flowers and identify them within seconds! This is a great tool to use when out walking, and I find it incredibly helpful when planning which plants I might use in my garden.
My favourite blog...
Studio McGee has a lovely blog which is always full of interesting content and beautiful imagery. I highly recommend taking a look if you haven’t already.
My favourite podcast...
House Guest hosted by Country & Townhouse’s interiors editor Carole Annett is a favourite of mine. It’s an interiors related podcast which hosts experts in the world of design and decoration, and provides truly insightful content for those who love interiors.
My favourite YouTuber...
I’m a big fan of Yoga and try to practice as often as I can in my studio at home. I subscribe to Boho Beautiful, an excellent Yoga and Pilates account to help me with my technique.
My most recent buy online...
I love the brand Me+Em, and my most recent purchase was one of their shirts.
Last book you downloaded or read...
Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. If you’re looking to bring more joy to your life, then I’d recommend reading it.
Favourite Instagrammer...
I adore Amber Interiors’ page. Her interiors are always so beautifully presented in both the photos and stories and she’s great at connecting with her followers.
Favourite tech gadget...
My electric HaiBike. It’s revolutionised the way that I bike and is an easy ride even when the terrain gets a little rough. It’s been great for getting out and about during lockdown.
The most useful gadget/item on your desk...
I couldn’t get by without my paint and colour charts. They’re an important design tool and they don’t leave my desk.
Most useful digital resource during lockdown...
Instagram has been invaluable to me during lockdown. I have really enjoyed creating and sharing my home cooking videos with my followers as well as images and information on our projects.
First thing/app you look at on your mobile when you wake up/in the morning...
I often check my daughter Daisy Sims Hilditch’s Instagram account in the mornings to see if she has posted any more of her beautiful artwork. I find it soothing and calming to see the landscapes that she paints.
Last thing you binge-watched...
The Last Kingdom. It’s truly gripping, and I’m sure you’ll be hooked too!
Favourite brands have you discovered online...
I love Bloomsbury Revisited. It has a unique collection of hand painted lampshades which look great in a sitting room or bedroom.
Social media allowed me to meet...
Amelia Partridge of Cotswold Interior. She runs a fantastic lifestyle and interior account on Instagram and we had the pleasure of hosting her at our Cotswold studio recently where she assisted with styling a photo shoot.
The best digital advice I've been given...
If you want to have a long and happy marriage, know when to put your phone away! It’s very easy to become obsessed with checking social media, emails or WhatsApp, so I tend to set a cut-off point during the evening where the phone goes away in my charging drawer for the night.
My screensaver is...
At the moment it’s a lovely photo of my husband at the helm of our classic sailing boat. It reminds me of summer and happy times.
My standout online memory...
There are many to choose from, but the one that springs to mind is having had the privilege of being included in the Country Life Top 100!
My pet online hate is...
I believe in live and let live, but I have to say that I’m not a huge fan of posting too many selfies on social media.
The Internet. On balance, a force for good or ill?
All things considered, in my opinion the internet is a force for good!
By Nancy Alsop
September 2020
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