My Interior World: Pearl Lowe

The second in my series of questionnaires and I’m thrilled to welcome the designer Pearl Lowe into The Mad House. Read on to find out her favourite room in her house, her worst decorating mistake, and her advice to all those doing up houses.

Who are you?

I’m a fashion designer and wallpaper designer and a former singer for the band Powder. A huge fan of vintage, romantic and rock and roll.

Which is your favourite room in your house? 

Our Kitchen. In the past we have always built kitchens ourselves & added vintage cupboards etc, but because the space was so large, we decided to go with a kitchen company. I found Devol online and approached them to see if they would help design a kitchen for us. I sent through drawings & pictures of what I wanted & I loved what they came up with. It’s our best ever investment.

What is your worst interior mistake?

I have had so many! Thankfully only in my houses, not my clients. The worst ever was when My daughter Betty, who was only 7 years old at the time, asked if she could have a yellow, pink & red room. So I asked my decorator to come over and paint it all. By the end of the evening, i walked into the room & nearly cried, It was absolutely revolting. Betty hated it too! The next day he painted it all white with gold skirting, which looked lovely.

Have you ever lied about liking someone’s interior design choice/new purchase?  

Someone once showed me their new painting and it was an absolute fortune, but really vulgar! I had to pretend I loved it, as they were ever so proud of it.

       I wish I’d known …

How to apply wallpaper, I would saved myself a lot of money.

       What piece of furniture are you currently coveting for your home?

I’ve got my eye on an orange fringed armchair by soho home. It’s so beautiful and would look amazing in our new William Morris room. 

       What would you tell your younger self about your future home?

Live in it for a while before decorating. 

       Who would you like to have coffee and cake with?

Cecil Beaton, [the English fashion, portrait and war photographer who was also a diarist, interior design and Oscar-winning costumier]. 

       What’s your favourite book/film/tv show?

Perfume, the story of a murderer, by Patrick Suskind

Pandora’s Box, the 1929 film starring Louise Brooks

Feud, a series on famous feuds, including Bette Davis and Joan Crawford.

       What’s your signature style?

 

The interior photographer Simon Brown describes my style as Rock-n-roll Romantic, which I think pretty much sums it up.

      What’s your trade secret? 

Brussels.

Brussels Design Market is the largest vintage design market in Europe. It was founded 15 years ago. Initially it was simply a flea market exclusively devoted to productions from the 50s to the early 80s. Today, it is considered to be one of the best events in Europe dedicated to vintage design of the 20th century. Twice a year, in March and in September, the event welcomes 100 exhibitors and over 7.000 visitors.

 

Thank you for stopping by to share your Interior World with us Pearl. Pearl’s wallpaper and velvet collection is available from Woodchip & Magnolia.