ECLECTIC AND BOLD INTERIOR DESIGNER: NINA LITCHFIELD INVITES US INTO THE DREAM FAMILY HOME SHE CREATED IN LONDON

Born in Brazil and brought up in Germany, interior designer Nina Litchfield is now very much at home in Britain, where she welcomes us to her family's colourful Victorian townhouse in London's Notting Hill.

- ESTEFANIA ASENJO

"I love to walk into a house and get a sense of the people who live in it," she tells us, cheerfully admitting that her own is a monochrome- and minimalism-free zone. Rather, it is decorated in her signature eclectic, fresh and fun style, which makes it the perfect setting, she says, for life with her husband, businessman Vasco, and their children Konstantin, 14, Victoria, 11, and Benedict, six.

Nina, how did you get started in the design world?

"At the time, I was working in the photography department at Sotheby's. I loved that, but I had always wanted to do interiors, so I began studying. Eventually, I was able to launch my own business. That was ten years ago. How time flies…

“That said, I’ve never lost touch with the art world. Art is a crucial part of any decor, helping to pull everything together. If you have beautiful rooms but the art doesn’t fit, it can spoil the whole effect. That’s why, when my clients are choosing what to buy, I advise them where to look, who to talk to and which direction to take.”

Where do you think your passion for design comes from?

“I’ve always loved architecture, and my mother taught me the importance of taking pride in your surroundings, of creating beautiful spaces with or without professional help.

“I love to walk into a house and get a sense of the people who live in it. Spaces can develop their own atmosphere, bring out emotions in us. That’s something I’ve always found fascinating.”

How long have you been living in this house, and what changes have you made?