Inside your homes: Heather Milner

Running her own interior design and home styling service - Inside Her Home - Heather champions creating beautiful homes that truly represent the people who live inside them. We recently chatted to Heather about her Scandi inspired style, where she goes for inspiration and what’s on her Nest wishlist.

You haven’t always worked within interiors; could you tell our readers a little about your journey to retrain as an interior stylist?

I spent 10 years working in PR which is a great career for networking, managing clients and being creative. It also took me to lots of photo and film shoots which started my love of prop styling and sourcing – something which clients always wanted to overlook budget-wise so I would do it! It gave me a real taste for styling, and after buying my own renovation project, I decided to start forging a new path.

I studied interior styling, delved into the Instagram world of like-minded people and things have grown from strength to strength. I now help clients bring online inspiration to life in their own homes across the country via my online styling service, and in person in and around London.

Your home is a mix of classic designs and eclectic accessories, how would you describe your personal style and what are your influences?

My style is constantly evolving but I have always been inspired by craft and clean design which is why I am drawn to the Danish and Scandinavian designers like Fritz Hansen and Hans J Wegner. But in total contrast, I have a bohemian pull which loves the texture and imperfect nature of Moroccan textiles and ceramics, along with the colour palette of warm plaster-pinks, rich ochres, greens and blues.

What’s your go to place for inspiration? Is there a particular person, place or brand which always inspires you?

There are lots of brands out there which really excite me and provide so much inspiration – at the moment I love the colour palate and curvaceous shapes from AYTM and the quality of carpentry from Skagerak - also a favourite of mine right now.

What is an item that everybody should have in their home and why?

I think that will be different for everyone, but I think everyone should have something old – a vintage rug, a piece of furniture passed down from a family member, old postcards; these are the things which give a home soul.

What’s your favourite investment piece vs an everyday item that you couldn’t live without?

I love the art I have invested in – particularly a pastel I have by Hester Finch in my bedroom. Art is one of those things that will endure, despite trends in interiors and design coming and going, especially if it’s a piece which really speaks to you which this one does. I couldn’t live without my Gaggia coffee machine though!

Your home is influenced heavily by Scandinavian design, what draws you to the style?

I like the simplicity of it. Life is so complicated and stressful, and I like the focus on less, but better. Craft, natural materials and a connection to nature and light in design are really inspiring and a big part of what I think we are all looking for at the moment. I do have a slight resistance to the structure and formality of it – it can be restricting and a little dependent on designs from the past, but I think there is also comfort in that too.

What’s on your wishlist from Nest?

Oh, don’t get me started! SO much. The Flos Snoopy lamp has been on my list for such a long time, I love the new Ferm Living collection especially the new daybed and basically all of Eleanor Pritchard’s soft furnishings. Just heaven. It’s my birthday in March…?

What piece of advice would you give to people who are looking to change their interior style?

I would begin by thinking about what isn’t working for them and use that as a starting point. Sometimes a furniture rejig and a lick of paint can make a huge difference and it’s very low-cost but high-impact. I am trying to buy less but buy better so try to avoid trends - chucking out loads of cushions/accessories every couple of years is a waste of money and also terrible for the environment. Look for those key, quality items which make a room sing and which you will love forever.

You are based in London. Do you have any top tips for design lovers visiting the city?

If there is one thing I love as much as interiors, it’s food so anywhere that combines the two is basically the best thing ever.

Try Spring in Somerset house for exceptional lighting and pink bathroom heaven. Sketch is forever the Instagram favourite for bold design and David Shrigley overload (never a bad thing).

A trip down Columbia Road on Sunday morning is my favourite – pick up some fresh eucalyptus and head to Nom Living for wonderful hand-thrown ceramics. Then stop by The Marksman pub for a roast – the interior hasn’t changed since it was built, combing wood panelling, stained glass and deep velvet curtains making it a proper east-end boozer.

See more from Heather on her Instagram @insideherhome

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