Known for her playful yet sophisticated style, Pandora Taylor set up her interior design studio in 2018. The studio designs all aspects of a project, from interior architecture to furniture and final dressing, and Pandora works closely with clients to ensure each project is highly personalised, a reflection of their character, interests and experiences.
Included in lists such as Country & Townhouse 50 Finest Interior Designers, and House & Garden’s 30 Interiors Designers to Know About, the studio has a growing reputation in private residential design.
As part of our #DesignItForwood series, Pandora chose to style Forwood’s malachite Sophie box and photo frame in her own home.
Pandora says, ‘Styling is such an important part of interior design and each space requires something different to make it come alive. Starting with the right pieces always helps and I’m in love with this malachite box and frame from Forwood.
We caught up with Pandora to find out more about her personal style and her career to date:
You set up your studio in 2018. Can you tell us a bit about your career path to that moment?
I originally wanted to work in auction houses but after a few weeks’ work experience I realised I wanted a more hands-on design role. I joined a course at KLC School of Design and I knew Interior Design was for me – it is a fantastic mix of right brain and left brain, incredible attention to detail and practical skills, along with, of course, creativity. After KLC I joined Kitesgrove, which was then a very young company. I loved seeing it grow and being a part of that. I always knew I would one day set up on my own.
What inspired you/drew you to pursue the career you have?
I was always interested in property – I used to pore over the Homes section of the Sunday Times, but in truth I was more interested in the architecture. It was only much later when a friend was working as an interior designer that I thought of that as a career.
You’ve had an amazingly successful career so far. What has been a career highlight for you?
Being included in Country & Townhouse Finest 50 Interior Designers last year was a real high. Usually the only validation we get is from our clients which always feels amazing, but there is something different about getting it from your industry peers.
If you weren’t an interior designer, what do you think you would be doing?
I like to think I would be making things, maybe I would have discovered pottery or something!
Who within the creative industry do you admire?
I greatly admire the team at Cox London. I think their work is incredible, how they have seamlessly mixed functionality and art to create furniture that is in itself sculpture.
Your work is incredibly creative. How do you stay inspired?
The busier I am, the more immersed in my projects, the more inspired I get. For me it’s about constantly looking at new materials and furniture designs and seeing the endless possibilities.
What has been your favourite project to date?
I would have to say my Bermondsey Penthouse project. I had incredible architecture to work with and a client willing to trust in my creativity and go with bold choices.
Your Home
In three words, how would you describe your interior style at home?
Rich, inviting and eclectic.
What’s your favourite room in your home and why?
It changes all the time but at the moment it’s my living room. It is a dark room anyway, and I painted it in an old dusty blue with niches wallpapered to look like old tapestries. It is filled with random nick-nacks and a mix of new and antique furniture. It feels like it has been around for centuries and that’s what I love.
What colours are you loving right now? This could be inside your home, within fashion or anywhere else.
I am slightly obsessed with vibrant grass green. If I wanted to, I could dress in a full grass green outfit down to the bag and coat, and I see this seeping into my interiors as well.
What is your favourite piece of furniture in your home?
It’s a Tole tray table with faux bamboo legs. I tried to have a new one made but finding someone who makes Toleware anymore was hard.
Any current projects you’re working on in your home?
The current project is actually the garden. It was so overgrown when we bought the house it has been a very slow process of de-weeding and removing brambles etc. But this year will be our first planting year – I’m very excited!
Quick-fire Round
- What’s your favourite way to spend a Sunday? In the pub or in front of the fire with my dog
- Favourite season? Spring! There’s nothing like the English countryside on a sunny Spring day
- One thing on your wishlist? Ingo Maurer One for The Recession wall lamp
- What is your current favourite song? The Business by Tiesto.
- Are you an early bird or a night owl? Neither, I like to get 10 hours sleep.
- Instagram or Pinterest? Pinterest.
