Meet Sophie Conran, British Design Royalty

The daughter of Sir Terence Conran has British style in her DNA, yet makes it feel completely fresh with her collection of luxe, comfy furnishings, now available on Chairish. Warm and approachable, Sophie Conran invites us in to a joyful way of life that celebrates color, pattern, and personality.

SHOP SOPHIE CONRAN’S CHAIRISH FAVORITES >>>

How did growing up in such a creative family influence your aesthetic? How would you describe your personal approach to design?

When I was growing up, creativity wasn’t something we did—it was simply how we lived. Our home was a constantly evolving space, full of beautiful objects, art and truly incredible and inspiring people, many from the world of art and design, who would come to visit. My father, Terence, taught me that great design should be both beautiful and practical, while my mother, Caroline, showed me that creativity can come from anywhere—whether through cooking, gardening, or collecting treasures from a flea market.

My own approach to design is deeply intuitive. I love rooms that feel lived-in, layered, and full of character. I feel that the spaces we live in should always be welcoming, tactile, and perhaps a little unexpected too. Somewhere you want to spend time in, whether it’s a cozy kitchen filled with your favourite things or a light-filled sitting room with soft, inviting textures. If something makes you happy, it belongs in your home.

You’re known for joyful color and layered patterns, which feel very unique and personal. What’s the best way to create spaces that are a personal reflection of someone’s style?

The best interiors are the ones that tell a story, your story and bring you joy. Start with pieces that mean something to you, whether it’s a cherished antique, a beloved painting, or a rug that reminds you of your travels. Then, build around that with color, pattern, and texture. I love mixing different prints, softening bold patterns with natural elements like wood and linen, and adding in unexpected details that give a space soul.

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to have fun! Interiors should evolve with you. If you love something, find a way to make it work.

ON VINTAGE & SUSTAINABILITY

How do you like to incorporate vintage and antiques into your projects and why?

I love vintage pieces because they bring depth and history into a space. Whether it’s a timeworn wooden table, a delicate porcelain plate, or a beautifully aged armchair, antiques make a home feel layered and lived-in. They also mix brilliantly with contemporary pieces—I love the contrast of an old, patinated surface next to something sleek and modern.

To me, a house should feel like it has been put together over time, not just bought in one go. Vintage helps to create that richness and sense of belonging.

What do you find most compelling about Chairish?

Chairish is a treasure trove—beautifully curated and accessible from anywhere. I love the variety of pieces, from exquisite antiques to fun, quirky finds, and how easy it is to source something truly unique for a project. There’s nothing better than stumbling upon a piece that feels like it was meant for a particular space.

How does sustainability factor into your design choices and love of vintage?

Sustainability is incredibly important to me. I’ve always believed in designing and living in a way that respects craftsmanship, quality, and longevity. Choosing vintage is one of the simplest and most beautiful ways to be sustainable—it reduces waste, celebrates history, and brings a uniqueness to interiors that mass-produced furniture simply can’t replicate.

I also love working with artisans and craftspeople who create things with care. When we invest in well-made, timeless pieces, we move away from disposable culture and towards homes filled with things that truly last. That’s why my sofas are made by hand in the same way that sofas were made over a century ago. Most of our sofas are also made with natural materials too. If we buy things that we know will last a lifetime or more, we really are creating the vintage pieces of tomorrow and there’s something very lovely about that.

ON DESIGN AND INSPIRATION

What trends, styles, or products are currently inspiring you? I try not to follow trends too closely, but I’m always drawn to things that feel warm, inviting, and connected to nature. Right now, I love earthy tones, rich, textural fabrics, and hand-crafted pieces that feel deeply personal. I also love to use colour joyfully. There’s also something incredibly welcoming about rooms that embrace imperfection—a beautifully aged wooden surface, a slightly wonky hand-thrown bowl, or an old chair that tells a story, coupled with a brightly painted wall and some joyful pattern too.

Are you using that trend/style/product in your work? If so, how? If not, any tips for classics that you tend to use in your work? Absolutely! I’m always drawn to natural materials—linen, wool, wood, and ceramics—as they bring warmth and soul to a space. I also love layering color in unexpected ways. A classic I return to again and again is soft, tonal palettes with little bursts of unexpected color that feels like it’s been there forever.

Favorite way to create a statement-making moment in a room? Lighting, always! A beautiful antique chandelier, a sculptural lamp, or even just a cluster of candles can completely change the mood of a space. I also love creating a focal point with artwork or a bold patterned fabric—it immediately draws the eye and sets the tone for the rest of the room.

Favorite paint color? I love using color joyfully. Farrow & Ball’s Nancy’s Blushes  is a favorite of mine – I have it in my bathroom and it makes me smile every time I walk in.

Favorite piece of decor in your home? Honestly, it would be impossible to choose just one item and there are so many things that I truly love.  Amongst them are my collection of Mochaware ceramic jugs that I use for fresh flowers throughout the house. Each pattern is completely unique and I simply love them.

Favorite style icon? There are of course very many, but my Dad is still right at the top for me.

Design destination every creative should visit at least once? Venice. The layers of history, the incredible craftsmanship, the faded grandeur—there’s inspiration in absolutely every corner.

ON LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINING

Favorite historic place to visit? The Victoria & Albert Museum in London. It’s a feast for the senses—full of exquisite objects and craftsmanship from around the world.

Favorite host (or thank you) gift? Something small but thoughtful—homemade jam, a bunch of home grown flowers or a basket of vegetables from my garden.

Favorite vacation destination? I completely love Tangiers at the moment. My brother Jasper Conran has opened the most exquisite hotel there recently. It used to be the home of Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé.

Favorite flower? I totally love Peonies—big, blousy, and full of joy. They never fail to brighten a room.

Favorite entertaining essential? Big, generous serving platters and bowls.  I love meals that bring people together, and beautiful platters and bowls filled with delicious food always sets the tone for a relaxed, happy gathering.

Lead Image: Sophie Conran Coco Sofa in Ochre, Photo Courtesy of Sophie Conran.