Nadene Ghouri
Nadene's style is extremely eclectic. She hates anything mass-produced and only uses individual pieces; vintage, modern and well made.
1. Who is your style hero?
Sir John Soane, a Victorian architect who merged a great understanding of classicism with wit and imagination. His former house is now a museum in London. I love the basement where he played poker with his friends. It is jammed with artifacts from around the world. Another design hero would be Vivienne Westwood. She's so good at witty English style, which she has been reinventing for decades now. There's no other designer to top her.
2. If you had an unlimited budget to spend on your home what improvements would you make?
My house was built in 1832 and the windows are a bit meanly proportioned. I'd build a huge glass extension to let the light in. I鈥檓 not sure the planners would be too happy though! I do love the mix of uber modern and tradition.
3. Would you have the room you created in your own home?
Yes absolutely. I am thinking of using the wonderful wallpaper at home.
4. What did you learn from taking part in 鈥榊our Home In Their Hands鈥�?
So much. More than anything it was a challenge to myself to go on the show and see if I could do this for a living. Since the show I've been asked to work on two friend's houses, which is fantastic.
5. What is your golden rule when it comes to interior design?
The only rule is that there are no rules. Be prepared to take risks. Interior design should be fun. That is why I hate shabby chic so much. It's a total lack of imagination.
6. What is your DIY tool that you just can鈥檛 live without?
My imagination and a paintbrush. A lick of paint can transform just about anything.
7. What is your biggest DIY achievement?
My house. It was a total wreck when we bought it and our friends all thought we'd gone mad. They all absolutely love it now though.
8. What is your biggest DIY disaster?
I once painted my kitchen cupboards silver and the dining table gold. It was my first flat and I got a tad carried away. It looked hideous.
9. If you could design a room in any building in the world, what room would you design and why?
I鈥檇 design a drawing room at Buckingham Palace. I'd love to jazz up the Queen's chintz and throw in some really wild patterns and modern art. Possibly also a stuffed corgi wearing a tiara in the corner!
