Raised around restored homes and textiles, Francesca’s path to interior design was shaped early, and today she’s best known for designing interiors for historic houses.
Interior designer Francesca, known for her work with historic homes and her appearance as the first Seer on BBC’s The Traitors, shares her journey from theatre to interiors, her instinct-led approach to design, and why craftsmanship, character and buying well are more relevant than ever.
1. Hi Francesca, can you take us back to the very beginning of your interior design journey, what first drew you to it, and how did your early experiences shape the way you design today?
My Interior Design journey probably started as a child, we moved a lot and my parents would do up properties and then move onto the next. They brought the practical and the aesthetic to the projects, while as an only child I would watch the process and absorb like a sponge. Despite this it wasn’t my initial career choice , and I went and trained as an actor at Lamda before heading into the world of theatre.It wasn’t until I became the custodian of the National Trust property Lamb House, that I started to transition careers with my interiors at Lamb House being recognised and working in theatre not being conducive to having two small boys on my own. Before long I had started my own design practice.
2. You are best known for working with historic and character-filled buildings. What was it about those spaces that captured your imagination?
To me it’s all about story telling, much like theatre. I love the stories of the houses, their past inhabitants. The tales behind the bricks and mortar, their idiosyncrasies, and having the opportunity to create their next chapter.
3. George Smith is known for traditional upholstery and craftsmanship, what details do you always look for in a beautifully made sofa or chair?
I absolutely love traditional upholstery and craftsmanship, and wherever I’m buying an old piece or commissioning a new piece, I’m always drawn to studding, buttoning, faultless details and beautiful fabrics.
4. Being the first Seer on The Traitors was all about reading people, do you use the same instincts when understanding a client or a space?
Ha, yes it’s funny I went from being ”irrelevant ” to tapping into my skill set in the eleventh hour on the Traitor’s as the Seer. Interiors I believe are all about reading people far more than imposing one’s taste. In residential projects you have to understand the client and what they need from that space and home, and in commercial, understand why the paying guests are going there, and what they want to experience from the interiors. For the first part of the traitors I just listened and observed (and made everyone tea), but it gained a level of trust, which is also important in interior design, and then when the time came I could tell when people weren’t being themselves…
5. If you could choose one George Smith piece for your own home, what would it be?
I dream of having a George Smith bespoke banquette in my kitchen and the George Smith Kilim chairs are always a favourite.
6. Sustainability and longevity are key at George Smith, how important is “buying once, buying well” in your approach to design?
Much like fashion as well, buying once and buying well will last for generations, styles are cyclical so they will always come round again but quality will always out last the test of time.
7. Are you a curl-up, sprawl-out or perch-on-the-edge sofa sitter?
Definitely a curl up preferably with a child and a dog as well!
8. You have been featured everywhere from House & Garden to Tatler, do you think there is a renewed appreciation for craftsmanship and longevity in interior design?
Yes I do, and I think it’s important to empathise craftsmanship more in this day and age. Everything can be in such a fast mode , that actually when people see true skill and craftsmanship it can really stand out more. There is a great sense of nostalgia sometimes when it comes to interiors and it brings comfort to people, and that I think also adds to appreciation of longevity and craftsmanship.
9. What advice would you give to aspiring interior designers who are just starting out and want to make a mark on the field?
Don’t be afraid to find your own style, trends come and go, and there’s a lot out there that all can look quite similar, make your own imprint, be inspired by the unusual and then make it yours.
10. Finally, can you share any upcoming projects – and will we be seeing any George Smith pieces in them?
I’m working on a lovely old house in Kent, and a few London projects, along with chatting about interiors on Television. And yes George Smith will be featuring, how could it not when we share such an ethos.
