Isabella Worsley
photo by helen cathcart
If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live? Marrakech
What are three words to describe your style?
1. Layered
2. Eclectic
3. Joyful!
Tell us about your childhood bedroom? It was wallpapered in a pretty pink design called ‘Petersham Ribbon’ by Nina Campbell – until, aged 11, I decided to take the reins and insisted painting over it in Dulux ‘Soft Hyacinth’ – a slightly terrifying lilac purple, which I pared with a lime green fabric from Designers’ Guild and lava lamp… It was the 90’s!
What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? An antique extendable oak dining table – it didn’t have a provenance of particular importance but at the time felt like quite an extravagance. It shows no signs of giving up a decade later.
In the history of design, if you could hire any designer other than yourself, who would it be? Chester Jones or Veere Greeney.
No room is complete without: Art
People think of me as quite a traditional English designer, but I am really most influenced by the contrasting places I have travelled to.
Things you omit from:
A flower arrangement: ribbons or glitter!
An hors d’oeuvre platter: strong smelling cheese
A bar cabinet: anything plastic
A song for:
Dinner at home: ‘Right Down the Line’ by Gerry Rafferty
Working at your desk: ‘Voyage’ by Riviere Monk
Going for a run: ‘Pass this On’ by The Knife
Biggest Vice? Lazy Sundays and takeaways
If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy? Pretty much anything from Lorfords Antiques.
Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility, if so, how? My dressing tends to be much more pared back and simplified; I do think good tailoring goes a long way in both dressing and interiors!
Who is your star crush? Anthony Bourdain
What is the thing you would never do on a project, but don’t detest when you see others do it?
Styled bookcases.
If there were a fire, and you could only keep one design book, what would it be? The Architect’s Handbook - it’s not glamorous but is one of the most useful publications for anyone in design.
For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? A considered approach.
photo by helen cathcart
A Few Favorites:
Movie: The Thomas Crown Affair
Book: ‘The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’ by Mark Twain
Scent: Do Son by Diptyque
The fabric you always come back to: ‘Milano Linen’ from Claremont
Dream project: A boutique hotel in the Balearicas
Meal: Fish pie – I grew up in the North of England where most things are offered in pie format!
Drink: Vodka Martini, very dry with a twist
Hotel: I would love to visit De Durgerdam, which is located on the lakes just outside of Amsterdam.
Travel Destination: A road-trip around Utah and Nevada is at the top of my list.
Artist: Lucian Freud
A cause near and dear to me: Back-Up Trust, a UK charity supporting people affected by spinal cord injuries.
Thing to collect obsessively: Memories
Era in the history of design: Baroque Architecture
Museum: The V&A in London
Paint Color that always looks great: Any tone of dark green
Favorite person to follow on Instagram: Adam Bray – he has brilliant taste and brilliant humour.
Dogs, Cats, or No Pets? Dogs
