The scoop on Ellen DeGeneres’ new Royal Doulton range.

Ellen DeGeneres has collaborated with Royal Doulton to produce a range of fresh, fun tableware. We quiz the irrepressible star about her style and inspiration.

Entertainer Ellen DeGeneres is famous for her eponymous talk-show, for hosting the Oscars, being a judge on

American Idol, and for her roles in Finding Nemo and Finding Dory. What’s less well-known is that America’s favourite funny gal also has a passion for architecture and interior design (see her book Home,

HarperCollins, $45) and has renovated almost a dozen homes over the years.

Now she offers up tableware! Just launched in Australia, the range, named ED Ellen DeGeneres Crafted by Royal Doulton, includes dinner sets, bowls, platters, mugs and serving vessels in porcelain, glazed ceramic and glazed stoneware.

You have a keen eye for good architecture and design. What are your go-to decorating staples?

“I don’t have any staples, but I do like to design a room around one big piece. Either a sofa or a big piece of art or a sculpture of Ryan Gosling, as an example.”

How would you describe your personal interior style at home?

“Too beautiful for children.”

How did the collaboration with Royal Doulton come about?

“I’ve always wanted to do a tableware collection and Royal Doulton seemed like the perfect partner. I called Mr Doulton and said, ‘I want to work with you!’ And then I was told he was born in the 1700s and was no longer with us. Long story short, I got through to someone else at the company and we made a deal.

I love their taste and they love my taste and since we both have great taste, we decided to work together.”

The collection is inspired by your style and personality. Where can you see aspects of your taste and lifestyle most strongly represented in the designs?

“I am reflected in every piece – I’m clean, I’m neat, I’m sophisticated and I fit in everywhere.”

Royal Doulton has referenced your appreciation of mid-century artists and designers. Can you name a few?

“I love Prouvé, Arne Jacobsen, Carl Auböck. I don’t know if you’ve heard of him, but I’m also a fan of an obscure artist named Pablo Picasso.”

Can you tell us a little bit about the development and design process of the range?

“I worked with Royal Doulton from the very beginning on design, function, moodboards, everything. I was very hands-on. Sometimes I was so hands-on they were like, ‘Could you take your hands off, you’re getting fingerprints on the dishes.’ I have to say, it was my idea to make the plates flat and I’m pretty proud of that.”

Do you have a favourite piece from the collection?

“It’s too hard to pick a favourite. I think everyone should get one of everything.”

Any lessons or knowledge that you’ve been able to take away from this experience?

“Don’t drop a ceramic plate on a tile floor.”

What’s your favourite meal of the day?

“Cake.”

Will we see you in Australia soon?

“I don’t have any immediate plans to go there, but you are more than welcome to come visit me in Los Angeles.”