Named one of House & Gardens twenty ‘up-and-coming designers you need to know about in 2021’, we love her fresh but classic style, which is focused on creating warmth through the use of colour and pattern, while always allowing for plenty of breathing space.
Here, she tells us about the lockdown cliché that is her screensaver; the YouTuber whose dance moves she’s perennially trying to perfect; and the Instagrammers who always brighten her day.
My favourite website...
House & Garden’s website is such a great information source and has so many ideas for interior design enthusiasts, it’s hard to beat.
My favourite app...
I couldn’t live without music and have BBC 6 Music on all day, every day. I listen through the BBC Sounds App when I’m out and about.
My favourite blog...
Kate Watson-Smyth always has something interesting to say and a loads of great interiors ideas on her blog Mad About the House. She shares inspirational images of fabulous rooms in her 10 Beautiful Rooms feature and is passionate about sustainability and diversity in design.
My favourite podcast...
Nothing design related, but I do love listening to Louis Theroux’s Grounded podcast which he recorded during lockdown. His interview with Boy George was a particular favourite. I also often overhear my husband listening and laughing to Bob Mortimer’s podcast Athletico Mince. His impersonation of Peter Beardsley is hilarious.
My favourite YouTuber...
The only YouTuber I have ever followed is Levanna McLean and her Northern Soul dancing. I have tried to master the dance moves for many years with varying degrees of success.
My most recent buy online...
I’m so happy to have been able to support and buy from several antique dealers through lockdown, notably Tallboy Interiors and Spencer Swaffer in Arundel. I recently bought a fabulous chair from Alexander von Westenholz, which is going to look amazing in my client's house.
Last book you downloaded or read...
I love reading autobiographies by musicians and recently finished Set The Boy Free by Johnny Marr. Lots of interesting stories about Morrissey and his time in The Smiths.
Favourite Instagrammer...
I follow so many interior design Instagram accounts which I love. I am always excited to see new posts from Nicola Harding & Co., Rita Konig and Beata Heuman, as they are so unique and individual. I also love seeing TAT.London’s inspirational posts as well as Condé Nast Traveller for a bit of escapism.
Favourite tech gadget...
I don't really have any gadgets, everything I need is on my phone. I do love my Sonos though.
The most useful gadget/item on your desk...
My tape measure. I take it everywhere although I would like to upgrade to a laser one.
Most useful digital resource during lockdown...
My friends and I have been using Marco Polo, an app that lets you record a video message that can be viewed when you have time.
First thing/app you look at on your mobile when you wake up/in the morning...
Always Instagram followed by BBC News and the weather app. I have quite a few followers in the US so often wake up to direct messages that I need to reply to.
Last thing you binge-watched...
I loved everything about The Serpent: the styling, the music, the 70s outfits and the big sunglasses.
Favourite brands have you discovered online...
So many but the best has to be Paboy Bojang, who makes wonderful handmade cushion covers in Naples.
Social media allowed me to meet...
I have met so many great people through social media both professionally and personally. I am so happy to have met and become friends with my fellow interior designer Brooke Copp-Barton. We support each other and share ideas and I love that she lives over the road in Chiswick.
The best digital advice I’ve been given...
To try not to over share. No-one wants to see ten posts from the same person in their feed.
My screensaver is...
My seven-month-old Cockapoo puppy, Rudi. Such a lockdown cliché!
My standout online memory...
Being included in House & Garden's twenty up-and-coming interior designers. Such a thrill to be alongside so many other designers that I really admire.
My pet online hate is...
Irrelevant ads that pop up in my Instagram feed.
The Internet. On balance, a force for good or ill?
Good. I have been able to build my business and connect with people that I wouldn't otherwise have met.
By Nancy Alsop
June 2021
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