London-based homeware designer Alice Palmer launched the brand that bears her name in 2019. She fast garnered a devoted following thanks to the instantly classic box pleat lampshades with which she is now synonymous. Since then, her collection has expanded in new and ever more beautiful ways as she has incrementally unveiled a full gamut of interior pieces, with strings to her lovely bow including covetable mirrors and cushions, valances and even the most longed-for (and most-photographed) tissue box covers in town. She works from her north-west London studio and spends much of her time travelling, chiefly to India.

What do you love most about your job? 
The process of designing and eventually seeing the designs come to life is both really exciting and satisfying. I love being able to create things that I really want to live with, as well as seeing them in others’ houses too. I am currently renovating my home, which I feel really goes hand-in-hand with what I am then inspired to create. I also love working with great people and bouncing off other people's talents and skills. I have a great team in London and India who are such a joy to work with. 

Can you describe a perfect day? 
A perfect day for me would be in the sunny garden at home with my family and friends. I love to make the house look its best – before the kids trash the place! – by laying the table with tablecloths, placemats, napkins etc, lots of fresh flowers and delicious food. I love going to my local Mexican deli, Sonora, and getting their fresh guacamole, tortillas and other bits. 
 

What are the most cherished items you own and why? 
One of my most precious things is my Annabel Jones Bee necklace, which was given to my mum by her father, and then passed down to me. It is made from yellow gold and I have worn it every day for the past 15 years.

 
What’s your favourite failsafe dish? 
You can’t go wrong with a roast chicken and a delicious salad. But my most impressive failsafe dish is definitely slow-cooked pulled pork with tacos and trimmings; guacamole, charred sweetcorn with lime, chilli and Mexican cheese. It’s a real crowd-pleaser.

Where do you go for inspiration? 
Although it’s a cliché, travel definitely provides a large source of inspiration to me. I always feel really inspired by the architecture and ceramics in Morocco, the patterns and textiles in India, and the lifestyle and effortlessness of Spain. Old English country homes and gardens always fire up my imagination too. 
 
What was the last book you loved and why? 
Jamie Parladé’s coffee table book, Decoracion. He is one of my favourite interior designers and the book is filled with colour and interior inspiration. His style is effortless. 

What’s your favourite hotel and why? 
I must say, I much prefer having a more relaxed holiday in a villa as I don't love being fussed over. But Trasierra, which is just outside Seville, is the perfect balance. I love it because it really does feel like a home, it is effortless and doesn’t have a stuffy hotel feel. The interiors and food are amazing, you can play tennis, ride horses or there are great walks around the beautiful countryside.


 
Favourite restaurant? 
I was brought up above my parents’ restaurant Brinkley’s in Chelsea, (I am actually back living there at the moment, whilst my house is being renovated), so that will always be my favourite. It is basically my second kitchen and does the best jalapeno margaritas! 

 
Your favourite artist, living or dead? 
This changes quite a lot, but at the moment I am loving the work by Florence Hutchings, who is based in Margate. I have recently bought a painting by her which I am planning to hang in the sitting room of my new house against a bright yellow wall.

Which delights you more: garden pottering or kitchen pottering?
Kitchen pottering. As much as I love being outside in the sun, I am a bit of an amateur when it comes to gardening whereas I love trying new things in the kitchen.

If you had to choose, are you happier in the city or country? 
City, definitely! I was brought up above a busy restaurant in the city and think that is inherently why, but I love to be busy and think I would go a bit stir crazy if I was in the country for too long.

Early riser or night owl? 
I would say I am an early riser. I sort of have to be with three young children, but I love a morning walk, getting up and getting things done. 


How would you describe your style? 
I love dressing up for a party and going all out with fun, eccentric dresses but, day-to-day, my style is pretty casual and always colourful. 

Your favourite item of clothing? 
My friend Leah de Wavrin from the PJ brand, Thelma & Leah gave me a flamenco-style dress she had made in a vintage Indian block print fabric, which is the perfect shape and great for any occasion. 

 
What job would you do in a parallel life?  
I would love to design and run a small boutique hotel, possibly a kasbah, in the Atlas Mountains. I love Moroccan architecture with its quirky arches. I always think more is more and would use lots of local artisans to incorporate colour and pattern.

 

What pieces from the Cabbages & Roses SS24 have you got your eye on? 
It’s such a fab collection but I am dying for the Deborah Dress in White Seersucker.  I also love the Rainbow Dress in White Cotton, Deborah Dress in C&R Brigitte Print Seersucker, and the Gertrude Coat to name a few!