MY STYLE STORY

The broadcaster and designer tells Sophie Hannam about her love of old properties, good paint, cushions and shopping on London’s Portobello Road

Broadcaster and designer Fearne Co%on shares her love of period houses, bold wallpaper designs and shopping on London’s Portobello Road

I fell in love with my home when I walked into the hallway just past the front door. I knew it had to be mine. It was more the atmosphere than anything else – I just had that feeling. The rst piece of furniture I bought

was a bed from Ikea for my !rst "at. It was wicker and actually quite cool. Probably the only redeeming feature of my ! rst "at, which I decorated single-handedly – and you could tell.

The oldest item in my home is a French dresser that belonged to my husband Jesse’s late mum, Krissy Wood. She had it in all of her homes and it sits proudly in our kitchen displaying our plates and trinkets. It’s dark aquamarine and is a real showstopper with lots of history. The most recent addition to my home is the House of Hackney "oral wallpaper in our lounge. It’s a bold print so I used it in a recess to create a feature wall.

At the top of my interiors wishlist has to be good paint. I love how it can instantly change a whole mood and space. I want to decorate our conservatory with a deep colour but currently I can’t decide which shade.

I love the age of my home and the way it holds history. It’s an 1800s property and has lots of original features, such as ! replaces and arching hallways. The top level has high ceilings too, which give good space and light. I’m a big fan of older properties as they always ooze character.

RIGHT Fearne’s lounge is decorated in House of Hackney wallpaper, like this Artemis design in Blush and Florika in Petrol (both £185 per roll). Plus, from her Fearne by Swan range: mini heart springform tin (£11.99 for two) and die cast stand mixer in Peacock (£249.99).

My home in one word is eclectic. I don’t like things to look showhomey or too pristine. I love a cosy atmosphere that makes you feel relaxed. The biggest collection in my home is probably the cushions – in varied prints, pa#erns and colours spread across beds, dining room chairs and sofas, adding comfort and texture.

My favourite room is my bedroom as I love sleep and never get enough of it. It’s snug and cocoon-like with lots of warm colours such as peachy burnt orange and moss green. We also have a huge bed for small night-time invaders. I love to look for inspiration from bohemian homes from the 1970s. I think a home has to feel welcoming but also exciting to be in and that decade certainly delivered. My favourite place to shop for pieces for my home is Etsy as it’s so cool to support up-and-coming designers. You can !nd some really interesting accessories on there. A visit to London’s Portobello Road is great for ! nding one-o$ knick-knacks, too.

On a free day you’ll nd me in my kitchen. I love baking and cooking, which is why I was delighted to work with Swan on my own collection. My kids also now get involved, which is lovely. It relaxes and grounds me.

I wish I could play an instrument. My husband is so musical but I don’t have it in me. I love to sing but I have no idea how to play guitar or piano and I really wish I could. Fearne has collaborated with Swan on a new kitchenware and cookware collection, Fearne by Swan. swan-brand.co.uk