My Secret Globetrotting Address Book

My Secret Globetrotting Address Book

Interior design royalty, Tricia Guild shared her favourite colour trends and holiday havens with Abode2

Favourite hangout close to home?

I live in Notting Hill and have lived in the area for many years – it’s such a beautiful neighbourhood with lots of green space and a fantastic, slightly bohemian community. My favourite spot, which is relatively close, is the V&A museum. It's a fantastic museum which has the most incredible displays – the perfect place to look for inspiration.

Top destination on your bucket list?

I am fortunate enough that my work allows me to travel often; it has taken me to some truly remarkable and beautiful spaces over the years. Each space, in its own way, has informed a part of my consciousness, my view in that moment. A space that particularly stands out for me is the Samode Palace in Rajasthan – it should be on everyone's bucket list! Every room is covered with the most exquisite paintings in blue, white, indigo and turquoise. It’s astounding to find all this inspiration and wonderful architecture in one place. Such devotion and quality of workmanship that belongs to a way of life is a special rarity.

Best global getaway for design inspiration?

The various countries and cities of our world evoke very different colour palettes for me. Each country's colour combinations are utterly distinct and unique and I find a plethora of emotion and inspiration in each, so I'm not sure that I could possibly choose a favourite… although I do adore India – it has the most brilliant palette, gorgeous architecture and so much culture. Think shocking hot pink, carmine red, rich aubergine and stony black, together, these evoke a splendid fusion of femininity, daring, strength and dynamism. This palette is rich, raw and uncompromising – entirely exhilarating in my view.

Fondest holiday memory?

Being at home in Italy, surrounded by family and friends. The idyllic countryside in Umbria holds a special place in my heart and that in itself is deeply inspiring; picture the changing light rising and falling on the distant olive groves and orchards that dominate the 360 degree views from the garden and the house, it really is the most magical of settings. The artistic legacy of Umbria too, is so special to me – there's a sacristy in the church at Citta della Pieve, not far from my house, with a fresco by Perugino. It’s totally inspirational and an extraordinary composition of life and colour – how amazing to have that kind of history in the locality. And it goes without saying that the Italian way of life always stirs me, from the everyday markets, the delicious food and wine, beautiful art and fabulous architecture. The region of Umbria feeds the soul, with a cultural heartbeat that always excites me.

City pad or country pile?

Both. I have homes in London and Italy and both residences represent two very different sides to me – life in Italy is about seasonality and nature, it’s a place to relax whereas life in London is full and joyfully, wonderfully busy. Life in London is centered on what we do at Designers Guild and my work there. In London, home is an urban carnation of my creative spirit and feels more experimental.