Our Favourite Things
Ally's top 5 things she loves at the moment
Favourite Wallpaper – Atelier- De Gournay
I will forever be in awe of de Gournay - not just for their exquisite wallpaper but as a living tradition of craftsmanship and storytelling. Founded in 1986, this family-run atelier hand-paints and hand-embroiders each wallpaper panel on remarkable materials including silk, tea paper, and gilded grounds.
Their designs are breathtaking - from chinoiserie and Japanese-inspired motifs to sweeping landscapes and Art Deco decoration; each collection transforms walls into immersive works of art. Working with de Gournay means embracing narrative and slow, human-scale creation. In a world of mass-produced décor, their work reminds me why texture, technique, and the marks of the human hand still matter.
Favourite Flower – Café Au Lait Dahlia
Bringing life and nature into the home is an essential part of my design philosophy. Allowing a space to echo with scent and shift with the progression of a bloom is deeply inspiring to me.
When I’m in search of the perfect natural element to bring into my home, I often reach for branches or café au lait dahlias. I’m drawn to the dahlia’s structured yet softly tousled petals and its layered, origami-like silhouette. One of my favourite vignettes is a vintage vessel billowing with these petals, arranged carefully yet effortlessly.
Favourite Ceramic Atelier – Laboratorio Paravicini
On a recent trip to Milan, I had the pleasure of visiting the Paravicini workshop, tucked away in a quiet courtyard in the city’s historic center. Often described as a Wunderkammer - a cabinet of curiosities - it is a haven for lovers of hand-painted art.
This family-owned Milanese ceramic atelier specializes in bespoke, hand-painted dinnerware. While deeply rooted in the heritage of Italian artistry, the workshop reimagines tradition through a distinctly contemporary lens. Their designs push the boundaries of classic China motifs, blending playfulness with timeless elegance.
Watching the artisans at work - their hands steady and skilled as they brought intricate patterns to life in vibrant colours — was mesmerizing and an honour to witness.
Favourite Little Luxury – A Pair of Cashmere Socks
As a designer, my appreciation for fine textiles extends well beyond the home; I’m drawn to the way exceptional materials can transform not just interiors but experiences. A pair of cashmere socks does just that for me - lending a quiet sense of ceremony to the everyday, an invitation to slow down and savour something so simple yet exquisitely made. Warm, understated, and undeniably indulgent, they embody the beauty of thoughtful materiality in its most personal form.
Favourite Accessory – Decorative Screen
One of my favourite interior accessories is a beautifully crafted screen.
Screens bring a timeless sophistication to an interior space and create a natural opportunity for thoughtful layering. They add depth through their sculptural silhouettes and establish a gentle rhythm. Their generous surfaces invite rich explorations of materiality - mixed metals, glass, wallpaper, upholstery, and mixed-media art - each choice becoming an artwork in its own right.
Beyond their decorative appeal, screens delineate space with grace - framing vignettes, shaping intimate moments, and introducing a quiet structure that brings unity to even the most expansive rooms.