Welcome to the second festive instalment of our You Are What You Give interview series, where we ask distinguished and discerning guests to share their gifting and decorating traditions, and five things they would like to give, and to receive, this Christmas…

Sophie Rowell is a creative force; after twenty two years as an art director and fashion stylist, she switched lanes and - entirely self taught - became one of the most singular and exciting interior designers working today. Named a Rising Star by House & Garden magazine in 2022, she creates homes that ring with her innate sense of colour, idiosyncratic eye for detail and brilliantly unexpected combinations. Always innovating, never imitating, she has garnered a suitably A-list clientele that includes Andrew Scott (who will forever be Fleabag’s hot priest!) and Jenna Coleman. 

As a child, what did the big day look like for you, what were your family's Christmas traditions?

Christmas is a really big deal in my family, we’ve always gone all-in on making it magical. My brother is 16 years older than me, so he moved out when I was still a baby and went on to do very well in his career. Every year he’d come home for Christmas and turn it into something spectacular. He didn’t just give presents; he created experiences. Gifts would be beautifully wrapped and floating from the ceiling on helium balloons, or he’d hide bigger surprises, like a bike behind the curtains and reveal them just when I thought all the presents were finished. Those traditions made Christmas feel incredibly special and taught me how meaningful it is and how its all about the children.

Have you continued these traditions in your own family, or created your own?

I’ve definitely carried some traditions forward. My mum always made Christmas a huge event. We didn’t get much throughout the year, but when it was your birthday or Christmas you were absolutely spoiled! I’ve kept that same spirit with my son. I go all out just like my family always did, not because of the gifts themselves, but because creating that sense of excitement and wonder is really important to me. It’s become something I love passing on to him.

What is your most prized Christmas decoration and why…?

We still have decorations from when my dad was a child, and my mum kept all our old handmade crafts too, there are even snowmen made out of toilet rolls that have somehow survived all these years, which is remarkable really.

Anything my son ever made went straight into the recycling! So that’s one tradition I definitely haven’t continued. My brother is now the official ‘custodian’ of all those priceless family decorations, but I’ve started my own little tradition, every year I buy a new decoration for myself and one for my son, Kyd, so our tree grows with us and tells its own story over time.

Do you have any unusual or signature decorating traditions? What can we borrow from the world of interior design when decking our halls?

One decorating trick that’s been a real hit is using proper ribbon from the haberdashery on the tree. Each year I choose a theme, one Christmas it was bold stripes, another year I kept it simple with all-white ribbon. Good-quality ribbon makes such a difference; it holds a beautiful, structured bow and instantly makes the tree feel more polished and thoughtfully styled. 

What is the best Christmas gift you have ever received?

‘Daphne de Maurier’ by Kate Boxer

And the best one you have given? 

A hand embroidered curtain for my partner's new business.

You can choose anything from the Scribble & Daub shop, what would it be and why?

Elsa Stripe Napkins - LOVE the colours and simplicity of them. 

Please share a wish list of 10 items that you would love to give and receive this Christmas...

To Give:

Cooks' Companion Box from Freight Store

Sailing Ship Pop Out Crown, The Shop Floor Project

The Seashell Oracle; 44 card deck and guide, Pentreath & Hall

Bobo Choses mittens from Triangle Store

'Stalk' Home Perfume, Cote de Folk at Harvest

To Receive:

Ceramic vessel by Claudia Rankin

Agnes pumps by Chloe

Powder blue duvet cover by Beata Heuman

Petite Peggy necklace by Sophie Bille Brahe

Chain hairband, Simone Rocha

To see more of Sophie's work visit Cote de Folk