For me, inspiration can come at any moment, whether simply taking a walk in the forest or a cultural day out visiting galleries, or a flower markets. I can also find it in ordinary and mundane situations – there is so much beauty that is overlooked in the everyday ordinary.

That’ said, creatively, I am always drawn to colour and print, which stem from my days working as luxury fashion buyer. I gravitate to anything that feels artisan and handmade and I’ve lately I’ve cultivated a slight obsession with hand painted ceramics.

New techniques and fresh ideas on how to imagine everyday objects always get my creative juices flowing - I love to follow interiors design studios that really focus in on re-imaging spaces by mixing colours, shapes & materials.

Ha. well, my principals of colour will always be more is more!! For me adding colour is like adding seasoning to a dish – it’s always the magical ingredient that makes something personal and sing. Colour is something you should “feel”, it is a tool that has a direct impact on our moods and how we feel.

The pandemic was weirdly a bit of a colour awakening for so many people after having to spend so much time in their homes, creating the right “mood” with colour is fundamental to how we live and think.

I know how much colour affects my mood when it’s not right, a cold colour in a room will make me want to leave – whereas good colour/light makes me want to dwell in the space. We also see so many more businesses investing in their corporate spaces because it’s a proven fact that a better environment aids productivity. Colour has a direct impact on our sense of well-being whether at home of at work.

I would say that since lockdown the garden/outside space has undergone a huge repositioning within the home, becoming much more integral and less of an afterthought.

Investing in colourful furniture and outdoor accessories instantly enable you to create a much more personal and creative space. There is something much more visually enticing about a colourful picnic and al fresco dinner situation, especially as warmer temps and summer sun always lift the mood and fundamentally change our approach to colour.

There is also such a host of amazing websites now such as Glassette, Maison Flaneur that have an abundance of gorgeous artisan products for the outdoor, so why not embrace natures backdrop and keep up those happy vibes.

As said above, there is always something celebratory about most al fresco gatherings. I always approach my outdoor hosting with the view that the table must look as good as the food tastes.

Investing in beautiful table mats, napkins and a statement tablecloth (the latter is really making a comeback) will instantly elevate - it’s the little things such as nice glassware, plates and cutlery that add a polished feel.

Statement salad bowls and serving cutlery is also key to cultivating your outdoor tablespace. And it’s the little details such as adding fresh fruit to water jugs that add colour and elevate. Rather than just serving wine from the bottle, investing in some nice carafe’s – tbh adding an assortment of pretty “vessels” for wine/ condiments is always a great way to add quirky points of difference to your table.

If you want to go all out, depending on the size of your gathering, adding fresh flowers also adds that additional summery touch. Lastly, festoon lighting and lanterns is also a must and really set the mood, oh and of course a great Spotify play list.