Memory and the making of English interiors

When my eldest daughter left for university, I set about redecorating her bedroom, unchanged for over a decade and marked by all the usual signs of teenage life, including the make up spillages and hair dyeing experiments. It was certainly time for a change. Like many young people, especially those in London, I was aware she would be coming to and from our home, living here on and off for some years. I wanted the room to feel layered and comfortable, not too perfect and matching, and full of charm and character. The room is a delightful space, situated on the very top floor of our London townhouse. It was part of what sold me the house; there is something slightly magical about being up in the eaves. It reminds me of the nursery in an illustrated Peter Pan book I used to read to the girls when they were small.

My daughter is an avid reader and loves being surrounded by books, so we made her bookcase even more of a focal point by lining it with a linen check. A bluebell and basil scroll chair from our Parlour collection fits perfectly in the corner, and small hints of red lift the scheme – like a ceramic base from Pooky on her bedside. Finally, I chose pretty, delicate cream and blue bedding to sit against the wallpaper, with a gingham cushion to keep things from feeling too matched. The best interiors are never entirely finished. There are notes here from the bedroom it was before, and I think that is lovely. Rooms become more interesting when they carry something of their past with them.