Time to chuck in the chintz: how Theresa May should go about her Downing Street makeover

HIGHLIGHT

The west London interior designer Simone Suss also advocates using her clients’ existing furnishings as part of a design scheme, adding interest with new statement pieces and art from young British creative such as Charlie Billingham and Prem Sahib.

“Each room should feel like it’s been put together over time, but still sing.” Says Suss who recently installed a coral button-backed sofa in shoe designer Sophia Webster’s Mayfair store. “There’s a delicate balance to making things work together”.

For those who are less colour confident, Suss recommends adding a bit of colour and pattern to a room through window treatments, with pelmets added for good measure. “Traditional drapery is just so atmospheric and amazing. Plus when it’s a grey, rainy day or you’re riding out a political storm, you can draw the curtains and make it all disappear.”