Singer-songwriter Paloma Faith on the beauty of maximalism on The Modern House Podcast
The new series of The Modern House Podcast is in full swing. Our first two episodes saw co-founder Matt Gibberd spend some time with the renowned architect John Pawson, finding out his top three living spaces in the world and taking a tour of his countryside house, Home Farm. The design sensibility of our next guest, however, is worlds apart from that of the aforementioned master of minimalism: it’s the ever-eccentric, self-confessed fan of maximalism, singer-songwriter Paloma Faith. Listen to the episode here.
Paloma was born and raised in Hackney, east London. She is perhaps best known for her soulful music and flamboyant retro style – bold colours, 1950s silhouettes and statement headwear are all Paloma signatures. Her CV is as eclectic as her style: before the launch of her debut album in 2009, she worked as a hip-hop dancer, a sales assistant at Agent Provocateur, a singer in a burlesque cabaret and as a magician’s assistant.
Her latest venture, which makes her a fitting guest for our podcast, is a foray into the world of interiors. This year, she launches Paloma Home, a homeware collection that includes wallpapers and textiles in an assortment of colours and prints that, as she says, looks like they shouldn’t go together but do. The inspiration behind Paloma Home? Her own home, of course, and the compliments she receives from guests intrigued by her irreverent space and the bohemian objects within it – the latter of which she’s forever sourcing during her travels while on tour.
Unsurprisingly, her top three living spaces in the world are equally eclectic, from a seaside cottage like no other to the whimsical space of an interior designer and even a London nightclub – a first for The Modern House Podcast. She shares stories of growing up at her family home and explains why, for her, more is always more. Tune in and listen to the episode here. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so that you never miss an episode and if you could rate and review us, we’d be more than grateful. As always, happy listening.
RELATED ON THE MODERN HOUSE
The curiosities of fashion designer Christopher Kane, from spiritual cults to Australian soap operas
On site with architect Kevin Carmody, co-founder of Carmody Groarke, at his project in East Sussex
Penny Martin, editor in chief of The Gentlewoman, describes life in her three favourite buildings
Why fashion designer Eudon Choi loves Mexican modernism, bargain furniture and bright colours
Architect Sarah Featherstone on the remarkable ways buildings are shaped by the people who inhabit them
Laura Jackson, broadcaster and founder of Glassette, on creating a home wherever in the world she may be
Designer Margaret Howell discusses her love of the countryside and the joy of making things on The Modern House Podcast
Writer and director Reggie Yates on his love of community and the ever-changing landscape of London on The Modern House Podcast
Our co-founder Albert Hill on the homes that shaped him on The Modern House Podcast
Architect Clare Wright on her love of the natural world on The Modern House Podcast