House Guest by Country & Town House | Interior Designer Interviews

Be transported to the realm of magic and myth in this episode, as Carole Annett chats to British graphic artist and homeware designer Emma J Shipley. From fabrics and wallpaper to lampshades and candles, Emma's intricate designs bring to life the most enchanting aspects of the natural world. She delves into her artistic inspiration and discusses the origins of her unique style, which channels her childhood love of fantasy novels and films as well as experiences from her travels. She offers us an insight into her success and gives us the lowdown on her stunning new Quetzal collection.

We’re whisking you away to the sunshine of the French Riviera in this episode, as we head to Nice. Once home to Coco Chanel and Henri Matisse, Nice lost its mojo over the last decade or so, but it’s back – and an influx of luxury hotels are hustling for the supermodel crown along the Promenade des Anglais. Leading the way is the Anantara Plaza (anantara.com), a belle époque beauty dating from 1848. Carole Annett sits down with general manager Stéphane Vilar to hear about the hotel’s history, its new look, and what it takes to entice a new generation of discerning travellers.

This episode is sponsored by Naturalmat. naturalmat.co.uk

This week, in view of the royal proceedings, we are revisiting one of our favourite podcasts: Charles, Ninth Earl Spencer. The Earl chats openly about growing up in his family home, Althorp, as well as discussing the décor (which he altered dramatically after his step-mother passed away) and why he put a bouncy castle in the state dining room. Tune in for more.

This week’s House Guest is Jason Stewart, associate director of David Collins Studio, who gives a glimpse into the design of Cunard’s new ship, Queen Anne, which is launching next year. ‘We have take elements of a bygone era and reimagined them in new ways,' he reveals.
We also chat about Cunard’s history, its importance in Liverpool, and what guests got up to in the early years of sailing (truffle sauce for breakfast and onboard games which included separate races for single and married ladies and pillow fights for men.) An exhibition of Cunard’s history is on at Liverpool's Victoria Gallery & Museum now. Tune in for more.

It all started when Cal went to an auction in Scotland intending to bid for a two-bed flat in Glasgow and instead came away with a crumbled old wreck in the run-down area of Jameswood. Claire, his girlfriend and partner, is my House Guest this week. She recounts the last four years of their lives, from the ‘colander’ ceiling and the structural engineer who advised them to knock the house down to the joys and surprises of DIY renovation. Their Instagram account @whathavewedunoon sets out their extraordinary renovation journey and how it has transformed their lives and opened up a whole new world of friendship and community. A wonderful uplifting tale of our times.

‘Design is much more than just things, it’s about the memories you create,’ says Jacu Strauss, creative director and designer for Lore Group hotels including the highly acclaimed 100 Shoreditch in London and Pulitzer Amsterdam.

After growing up in the Kalahari desert, where he spent hours building castles out of sand, Jacu headed for London aged 18. After working in a bank (to keep himself afloat), and studying architecture, he found work with Tom Dixon. He then embarked on the interiors of Sea Containers house, which brought him to the attention of Lore Group hotels – a career-changing moment which has allowed him total creative freedom in his new ventures. Tune in for more.

Jewellery designer Stephen Webster shares his story, from apprenticing aged 15 at Hatton Garden to working on his latest collection, Sworn Enemies. Plus, he reflects on why we are experiencing an exciting jewellery renaissance. Tune in for more.

This episode is sponsored by Naturalmat. naturalmat.co.uk

From early days flat-sharing with Martin Waller of Andrew Martin, to her studio in the old Aston Martin building in Knightsbridge, Karen Howes and her team have redefined luxury in interior design. Her credits include Soho’s glam-goth-meets-polished-punk hotel Chateau Denmark, to Knightsbridge penthouses and super-luxe ski chalets. Tune in to hear how she made it to the top. 

This episode is sponsored by Naturalmat. naturalmat.co.uk

Nicky Haslam, one of the most important figures in British interior design, chats with Carole Annett. "People think they've got to make it perfect but the whole point of decorating is layers and layers of imperfection making something wonderful".

This episode is sponsored by Naturalmat. naturalmat.co.uk