Jane Churchill is a legendary interior designer whose fabrics and wallpapers have been gracing elegant homes since the nascent days of her business in the 1980s. From her Pimlico HQ, her signature interiors bestride timeless classicism and a fresh, contemporary sensibility. Here, she tells us what makes for a life beautifully lived.

Every day is different. One day I could be on site negotiating ladders and the next I’m sourcing wonderful antiques. I’m lucky that I work with some incredibly talented people. Yesterday I went to the Jamb workshop and Oh My God! the level of creativity was amazing.

 

Can you describe a perfect day? 

You’re not going to believe me but I’d be in the office having a very busy day!

What are the most cherished items you own and why? 

My gold Venyx ring is my most treasured possession. It’s a Madagascan tortoise who carries the world on his back and I am never without it. I also adore the antiques that I’ve picked up over the years. Whenever I’ve moved house (and I’ve moved quite a lot) they are the pieces that have made a house feel like a home.

 

 

What’s your favourite failsafe dish? 

For a dinner party, whatever Finns of Chelsea have on their menu! I’m better at the presentation part.

 

Dog walks, country pubs or gallery hopping: how do you spend your Sundays? 

I’ll usually be with my children and grandchildren. Once they’ve exhausted me over lunch, I’ll enjoy some time to myself at home.

Where do you go for inspiration? (Could be a physical place, a book, the work of a particular artist, friends etc) 

I’m always amazed how inspiration can strike anywhere. Instagram gives me lots of ideas and I always keep my eyes open as you never know what you might see. I once got the idea for a fabric from the drizzle on a cake.

 

 

What was the last book you loved and why? 

I thought Matthew Perry’s book Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing was very moving. It helps you understand the nature of addiction a bit more.

 

What’s your favourite hotel and why? 

I adore The Colony in Palm Beach, The Carlyle in New York, the Park Hyatt in Saigon and the Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong…anything 5-star really.

 

 

Favourite restaurant? 

L’ Avenue in Paris. It’s on Av. Montaigne near the Dior Gallery and has the best mashed potato I’ve ever tasted. Have it with the chicken and it’s délicieux.

 

Your favourite artist, living or dead, and why? 

Cy Twombly. I met him once and was expecting him to be incredibly trendy but he was dressed like a Virginian gentleman…which is what he was of course.

 

Name a song that is significant to you and why? 

Is That All There Is by Peggy Lee. The lyrics are full of emotion.

 

Who would play you in a film?  

I don’t have the confidence to choose- it would have to be up to Spielberg.

 

Who has had the biggest impact on your career?

Nancy Lancaster my great-aunt. I remember her houses so well from my childhood. She was a real pioneer of design; the grande dame of the English country house style

Which delights you more: garden pottering or kitchen pottering?

Neither! I’d rather be out and about.

 

 

If you had to choose, are you happier in city or country – and why? 

I think the city. Even when the weather is bad, there’s always something to do.

Early riser or night owl? 

Early riser definitely. I’m often the first one in the office.

How would you describe your style? 

Comfort is key.

 

 

Your favourite item of clothing? 

I’ve got an Alice Temperley white lace dress which never goes out of style. I still get as much wear out of it now as I did ten years ago.

 

What job would you do in a parallel life?  

I’d be dancing the Can-Can at the Moulin Rouge.

 

What pieces from the Cabbages & Roses AW24 have you got your eye on? 

The Elizabeth cardigan is absolutely sweet…and Elizabeth is my middle name. I love the cream waist coat from the Ivory Canvas collection and I’ll be hoping for some of the long navy cashmere socks at Christmas. Grandchildren take note.