Getting To Know Norden

Conran and Partners interior designer, architect and partner, Tina Norden reveals her favourite home and away haunts

Top global getaway for design inspiration?

For me, the ideal scenario is being able to explore a number of different destinations throughout the year. I find variety and contrast particularly inspiring. If I had to select just one place, it would be Los Angeles, my favourite city in the world. We have been visiting for 20 years now and never tire of it. It’s completely different to any European city, stretched out, low rise, maybe not always conventionally beautiful, but with an incredible energy.

Penthouse terrace or country garden haven?

Despite growing up in a small village on the border of Hamburg, I am now a city girl. I’d take our balcony with panoramic city views any day over a country garden, even if we are still working on the penthouse part. The energy and vibrancy of a large city is really important to me.

When I travel I’m never without

My phone for directions, information and photography has become indispensable. I’m a firm believer in researching a destination before a visit – it allows me to get under the skin of the place and make the most out of the precious time spent there. Another necessity - my beloved glasses. Without them, I struggle to put one foot in front of the other.

Fondest holiday memory?

I have so many happy and special moments associated with travel, that it’s very hard to choose. It’s often that point right after arriving, when you settle in for the first night’s dinner, delicious cocktail in hand, with the whole trip tantalisingly stretching ahead of you. If I had to pick just one moment though, it would be exchanging vows with my husband poolside at a mid-century house in Palm Springs.

Style trend you’d like to bring back?

The distinction between style and fashion is key, as style reigns supreme over more fickle fashion trends when it comes to interiors and architecture. There’s very little that’s truly new and cycles of trends are a fundamental part of creativity - channelling new thoughts through old ideas. Going back to my love for California, it has to be mid century modernism – the heroic simplicity of its architecture across the globe never fails to draw me in.

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