AT HOME IN WEST LONDON
Dreamers & Schemers
Featuring Sophie Ellis-Bextor
If you weren’t cutting a rug to her hit single ‘Murder on the Dance Floor’, you’ll definitely know her for bringing joy to millions with her iconic Kitchen Discos and gracing our screens as a dancing queen; our latest dreamer and schemer is musician, podcaster and writer, Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Sophie lives in London with her husband, fellow musician Richard Jones, and their 5 sons.
We joined Sophie in the hallway of her grade 2 listed Victorian home.
The house, like its owner, is pure joy. A riot of pattern and colour, every inch tells the story of a life shared with her family; cherished mementos, kitsch collections and treasured artworks from her children fill its walls.
“The house can take a lot and so I’ve gone pretty bold throughout.”
A self-confessed ‘fearless decorator’, Sophie's home is full of character - both 19th century and that of her family’s - and the space is a jewel box of eccentricities, optimism and above all, fun.
Make it count!
Often overlooked, but perhaps the most frequented part of a house, the hallway is a space where you can really go wild with your creativity. It also sets the tone for the rest of your home as it is the first thing people see, so make it count!
Sophie’s house was built as part of the Arts and Crafts movement so, honouring its history, she was inspired to bring in a touch of our House design hero, William Morris. A nod to the ARTEMIS wallpaper in her dining room, Sophie opted for the COMPTON carpet to dress her stairs. Originally created by Morris in 1896 for the interiors of Compton Hall in the West Midlands, intertwining tulips and poppies form a flowing pattern in this classic print, reimagined by House of Hackney in a palette of powder blue, pinks and greens against a backdrop of ‘Onyx’ black. Made in partnership with Royal warrant holding Axminster Carpets from responsibly sourced British wool, this luxurious flooring is sure to stand the test of time - even with 5 boys to contend with.
The uplifting sky hued walls reflected in the blue of the carpet, Sophie has created her very own stairway to heaven.
We caught up with the songstress to find out about her dreaming and scheming
HoH: Sophie, what inspires you when it comes to your space?
Sophie: A few things…Firstly I think houses and rooms let you know what they need so whenever I’ve moved I don’t try to do everything at once. It’s nice to let the house tell you stuff. Then I’m inspired by maximalism and nostalgia. I like vintage pieces and things with character. I also like to have colour around me as I genuinely think it improves my mood.
HoH: What drew you to House of Hackney’s COMPTON carpet?
Sophie: “I love how indulgent, bold and beautiful it is.”
It’s a daily treat to walk on it and I love being greeted by it when I open my door. I’m lucky that my house is Victorian with lots of light and high ceilings. The house can take a lot and so I’ve gone pretty bold throughout. It makes me happy!
WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF...
A SONG…God Only Knows - The Beach Boys
A MUSE…Julie Andrews
A BOOK…Hangover Square by Patrick Hamilton
A PLACE…My mum’s house
A SCENT…Salon Rose by Agent Provocateur
AN IG ACCOUNT…@minimadehome
A PARTY GUEST…Dolly Parton
A SEASON…Christmas for the decorations and spring for the optimism
A FEELING…Waking up after a lie in
A WORD…Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
“I know how I want people to feel when they are in my home and I don’t think process works as well with me. Same thing when I’m songwriting; I go by instinct.”
If you’d like to dream and scheme your way to interior heaven like Sophie, book a complimentary Decorating Consultation with House of Hackney.
If you’d like to dream and scheme your way to interior heaven like Sophie, book a complimentary Decorating Consultation with House of Hackney.
Whether you want to coat all four walls with wonder or need advice on how to introduce the harmonious hues of nature into your space, we are here for you. Our in-house experts are ready to help you with everything from colour matching and pairing print to creating your dream interior - no space is too small or project too big.
At House of Hackney, we want to empower you in your creative freedom to go with whatever your heart desires - and to give you the confidence to do so.
Book your complimentary appointment and get ready to turn your dreams into a reality.
Listen to Sophie and House founder Frieda as they talk all things inspiration, life and womanhood on Sophie’s podcast Spinning Plates.
Listen to Sophie and House founder Frieda as they talk all things inspiration, life and womanhood on Sophie’s podcast Spinning Plates.
If Sophie is a dream you don’t want to wake from; here’s where you can find her next.
FOLLOW: @sophieellisbextor
Read: Love Food Family by Sophie Ellis-Bextor & Richard Jones
Listen: Spinning Plates Podcast
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