The loves of my life Elaine Jerrard

The interiors expert chats to Chloe Brennan about her favourite people, places and things

The person

This is easy to answer — my family. I am so lucky to have five gorgeous children, and my husband, who is my rock. There is also the newest edition, Bobby Browne

— our British Shorthair kitten, who we have all fallen madly in love with!

The memory

I have lots of special memories, but my granny was a huge influence in my life

— she lived with us, so she was like a second mum. I still miss her, and think about her most days. The moment of the day Bed! I love my job, and feel very lucky, but it is really hard work — much harder than I thought it could be. Trying to juggle work and family is very challenging, and at the end of every day I look forward to snuggling up in bed. “Juggling work and family is challenging, I look forward to snuggling up in bed”

The song

I could not pick just one song; there are so many amazing artists. But my eldest son, Andrew, is in a band called Romes, and I suppose I am slightly biased!

The movie

Every Christmas, the one thing I have to see is It’s A Wonderful Life — it is my all-time favourite movie, and it makes me cry every time! It reminds me that it is important who you have [in your life], not what you have.

The book

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. If you haven’t read it, read it!

The hero

There are so many unsung heroes living day-to-day lives, who have to deal with hardship and heartache, and who still manage to see the ‘up side’ and smile. I admire many of my family and friends, and people I meet.

The outfit

I’m a jeans girl.

The accessory

I love shoes and, lately, I love handbags, too.

The gadget

As part of my job, I use a measuring tape, and, of course, my phone. Sadly, I could not live without my iPhone.

The pet hate

Housework.

The beauty product

I love my Nars lip gloss, and YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils mascara.

The friend

I couldn’t pick one — I have a gorgeous gaggle of friends. They are all unique, strong, funny women. We always have such a laugh when we are together.

The hotel

Ashford Castle, Cong, Co Mayo. The rooms, the food and the staff are amazing. You feel like a princess when you are there. You can’t beat Irish hospitality.

“If you are passionate about what you do and work hard, the world is your oyster”

The holiday

Any holiday is good. I love to travel, and I adore the sunshine. Over the last two years, I have started learning to ski, though anyone who knows me well seems to find this very funny! Austria is beautiful while you’re are knee-deep in the snow.

The advice

Never underestimate yourself or anyone else. Anything is possible, and if you are passionate about what you do and work hard, the world is your oyster. Surround yourself with people you love and who love you.

The drink

A vodka and tonic, with ice and a slice of red grapefruit.

The hobby

Interiors was my hobby — it is now my job, and I no longer have time for a hobby!

The virtue

I’m pretty sure that I would be considered hardworking, and I really care, and try always to do my very best for people.

The vice

I am a perfectionist — I am always striving for 100pc, and I’m never happy with anything less. I can’t pass a cushion without fixing it — even in hotels, which is something my husband finds very embarrassing.

The smell

I love Grapefruit by Jo Malone London, and one of my very close friends has just introduced me to Dior Addict, and now I am addicted!

The taste

I am a chocaholic, and any time I am in the airport, I can’t pass the giant Toblerones!