Polkra People: Harriet Stewart

Tell us about the edit you selected from Polkra, why you chose each product?

I’m obsessed with the stripe velvet cushions. We have a teal velvet sofa so I thought these jewel tones would work particularly well on that. With the rug I felt the black and white would be a lovely contrast to all the colour I have in our living room, and hopefully the pattern will help disguise the inevitable juice spillages from Huck! I was so indecisive with the candles – all the prints are so beautiful. But in the end, I thought the yellow would pop really nicely on our lacquered blue bedside tables.

We're seeing so many interior trends crossing into fashion / fashion into interiors (florals, minimalist, animal prints) - what is your favourite? 

 I love a print clash, both in what I wear and across the home – for example florals and check, stripes and gingham. I’m also wearing a lot of animal print at the moment but haven’t quite transitioned that into our flat yet. I feel like that would involve changing a lot – so maybe when we move house I’ll go full leopard!  

You recently had a baby - what are your tips for new mothers in juggling work and life?

I’m still trying to figure it out! But keeping a tidy house it the one thing that keeps me sane. Don’t get me wrong, there are days where it looks like a tornado has ripped through it, but on the whole I try to keep some sort of order to balance out the chaos of our busy lives. That and planning all my outfits on a Sunday night for the week ahead; that way I know when I get up in the morning I can focus on Huck and getting us all out the door in time without having to worry about what I’m going to wear that day. 

 Your wardrobe staple is…

Denim.

Whats the perfect time at home?

Walking through the door and 6.30 and seeing Huck’s happy little face. Closely followed by the moment he’s in bed and my husband and I can catch up on the day over a glass of wine while I cook supper. I find cooking so relaxing so it’s one of my favourite things to do while we chat away in the kitchen. 

 Whats the last book you read?

How to murder your life by Cat Marnell. 

Sunday ritual?

We either go out for brunch with friends locally or cook something at home late morning (usually Shashuka, which works for all the family). Then we’ll usually put something in the slow cooker (chilli con carne or a beef ragu) to come home to later that evening, before heading out for the day, always via a park for Huck who is currently obsessed with the slide. I love a bath and a good tidy on a Sunday evening too! 

Most treasured purchase for the home?

It wasn’t a purchase, but my uncle recently gave us a taxidermy parrot called Sylvia for our wedding present. He’s the most amazing collector of all sorts of quirky objects and he has had it for years. I’ve always been pestering him for it so it was a lovely personal touch for him to pass it onto us for our wedding. 

What does your dinner consist of on a typical Wednesday night?

We tend to eat veggie during the week, and my fall back is often some sort of curry. I’ve recently being doing a cauliflower one that consists of roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, sultanas and almonds all with a yoghurt based sauce, which is a much healthier take on a classic curry. 

 If someone were to describe your home, what adjectives would you hope they'd use?  

Eclectic, colourful and cosy. I hope!

 What scents are reminiscent of you, and your home?

I always wear a rose perfume, and flit between something more peppery like Le Labo Rose 31 to a more floral rose like Diptique L’Ombre Dans L’Eau. I also burn the Diptique Baies candle a lot as it reminds me of my mum.

Are there any colour combinations you love at the moment?

Green and pink is always a good option. Or for something a bit more offbeat I like turquoise and camel, or lime green and brown – of which there was lots of on the recent catwalks. 

 If you could pick a superpower, which would you pick?

To be able to fly. Without a doubt!