Ottoline de Vries is the founder and creative genius behind the London based Dutch design house Ottoline. She has a profound love for nature and art, not to mention an appreciation for fine product, which can be seen interweaved throughout her various colourful and playful designs.
The vast abundance of wallpaper samples and fabric swatches that fill her house will make you want to run home and immediately redecorate every room. From striped hallways, to patterned cushions and whimsical lampshades, you can safely call us her number one fan.
What do you love most about your job?
I love the positiveness that our patterns are spreading and the excitement of what is next. Of course we focus mainly on our wallpaper, fabric and customer service and we are pretty busy just doing that but still every day some unexpected opportunity can come up. Being a small and creative business allows us to jump into new things when it feels right.
Where's your favourite hangout?
Hampstead Heath for sure. I love running there, walking my dog, meeting up with friends and I used to enjoy an occasional dip in the ladies pond. Hopefully that can become a routine again when the pandemic is over. I definitely feel blessed living near Hampstead Heath and Highgate Woods during this time.
What's top of your playlist right now?
My kids totally dominate our music choice. It's usually upbeat, (old and new), Tik Tok songs that make everyone happy (and make my kids dance all day). This week's most played song must be "Where is the love" by Black Eyed Peas.
What's your most loved piece in your wardrobe?
It's a Marni top that I wore when I received my first award for my wallpaper back in 2015. I wore this floral top at a Homes and Gardens event in the Ham Yard Hotel. I was over the moon to receive recognition for my work and even more thrilled that everyone asked if the top was my own design.
How many shoes do you own?
Countless, I'm really bad at getting rid of things. I wouldn't be surprised if I still own shoes from when I was a child. Some shoes have come back in fashion, like tall boots. I should dig these out my wardrobe, or better, let my (12 year old) daughter do that. She is super creative and will likely up-cycle my shoes into something trendy which she can wear as she has the same shoe size as me at the moment.
What do your Rogues say about you?
I love them. They are elegant, feminine and comfortable. The first thing that came into my mind was feeling confident.