Interview: Sophie Conran
never mind a silver spoon, designer Sophie Conran was virtually born with a baking tray in her hand. Her dad is British designer Sir Terence Conran, creator of the U.K.-based habitat stores. Her mom is noted food writer Caroline Conran, as well as her siblings delight in a similar pedigree, counting artist, designer as well as restaurateur among their credits. Conran breathed fantastic food as well as style her entire life, so it’s no surprise that after stints as a designer as well as chef, she introduced a celebrated collection of tableware for Portmeirion. The simple, stylish lines of her porcelain pieces are the essence of great type as well as function. As a child, Conran scuttled between her father’s style studio as well as her mother’s kitchen. now the mom of two young kids herself, she states of her parents: “These two amazing pillars have offered the motivation for my present blend of food as well as design.”
House & Home: explain what you like many about your home.
Sophie Conran: It’s where I spend many of my preferred time puttering about with my youngsters or unwinding with a friend. It’s multifunctional as well as has different moods in different areas; the kitchen area is fun as well as bright (with bright pink walls), while the bedroom is tranquil.
H&H: exactly how would you explain your sense of style?
SC: I believe I am a bit eccentric. I believe in making environments practical, comfortable, inspiring as well as creative. I like to play with scale as well as understanding to add a bit humour.
H&H: Are you a collector of anything?
SC: Antique kitchen area equipment. I’ve always rummaged around in antique shops as well as should have started collecting bits as well as bobs from about the age of 12. I have to limit myself as I’m running out of space.
H&H: explain your ideal getaway getaway.
SC: For me, a household holiday in the south of France is ideal. We go to food markets, eat as well as cook fantastic food, as well as go to regional fêtes.
H&H: What city do you discover inspiring at the moment?
SC: London is so vibrant. There’s always something going on — new exhibitions, buildings, theatre or events like the Frieze [Art Fair]. It has a great mix of cultures as well as landscapes, ideal for whatever mood I’m in.
H&H: What’s your concept of a ideal night out?
SC: A Chinese meal with great deals of friends, youngsters as well as chatter.
H&H: Whose personal style do you many admire?
SC: My mum’s. She’s a skilled gardener as well as [food] writer, as well as is always trendy in a extremely ethereal way.
H&H: Do you have a present obsession?
SC: I’m incredibly tidy. I like order; it provides me a big amount of enjoyment to have things in the appropriate place.
H&H: What is the very best gift you’ve ever received?
SC: My father provided me shares in his company. I purchased my flat with the money from them.
H&H: name two people you’d like to have at a dinner party.
SC: My children, Felix as well as Coco.
H&H: explain what makes you feel rich, satisfied as well as happy.
SC: A meal with my family.
H&H: What makes you get out of bed in the morning?
SC: My alarm clock.