Meet the seriously stylish London decorator Katharine Paravicini…
Katharine Paravicini is a well-established interior decorator based in London. She has a seriously impressive portfolio of beautiful rooms behind her, and we just love the way she mixes patterns, fabrics and colours (and a few Pooky lights too). So we thought we’d better find out a bit more about how she works. Here's our Q&A...
Photo: Angus Pigott Photography
How did you get started as an interior decorator?
I’ve always been interested in beautiful surroundings and lovely things. I began my career at House & Garden magazine where I really developed my interest in interiors. I then moved to Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler where I learnt so much over four years working as a design assistant on high end interior design projects. I then set up my own interior design business in 2014.
Photo: Angus Pigott Photography
How would you describe your interior design style?
I like using colour and pattern. I also love ‘mixing it up’ - my idea of heaven is the juxtaposition of very contemporary items with antiques, of quirky and unusual elements with the more classical. I believe that the right mix of these creates really welcoming and interesting spaces. I am also passionate about textiles and using wonderful fabrics on my projects.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
My travels play a large part in this, from my visits to more far-flung places such as India, but also closer to home - houses open to the public are a huge source of inspiration and I try to visit new ones as often as I can. Social media is a great resource - Pinterest and Instagram provide so many ideas and inspiration. Other interior designers who I admire also inspire me - from the past such as John Fowler and David Hicks, to the contemporary - Kit Kemp, Steven Gambrel and Miles Redd are among a few who I think are amazing.
Photo: Angus Pigott Photography
How does lighting play a part in your interiors?
Lighting is one of the most important elements of my interiors. Deciding on the lighting is always one of the starting points when planning a room, and it is vital in creating the right ambience and mood. I also use lighting as a way of bringing colour, pattern and interest to a room. An interesting lamp base with a colourful patterned shade can really transform a space.
Pook's Paradiso styled as a bedside lamp. Photo: Angus Pigott Photography
Lighting is also an essential element for setting the mood of a room. In areas such as bedrooms and sitting rooms I prefer using table lamps to ceiling lights to make the space cosy and welcoming. I believe that a room is made cosy and comfortable by building up layers of lighting, colours and textures together with items of furniture and artwork that all work together in harmony but don't necessarily all ‘match’.
Photo: Angus Pigott Photography
Which recent project are you particularly proud of?
I recently helped a couple with the complete renovation of their country house. Working with their vision for how they wanted the house to look, we used lots of interesting fabrics, fun lighting and furniture to create unique and timeless interior which was ultimately a space for them to enjoy and feel at home in.
Finally we’ve got to ask you, what is your Pooky light?
The Paradisio lamp in Ebony. And I would choose a great patterned shade to go with it, such as the 40cm cream Tipu Tiger. I’ve used this lamp on previous projects and I love its height and elegance, and it is classical but with lots of character! 
Paradiso table lamp in ebony matched with a cream Tipu Tiger shade
See more of Katharine's marvellous work on her website, and follow her on Instagram here. And you can read more interviews with top UK interior designers on our blog.
