As the Style Director of the Telegraph, Sophie Warburton's fashion knowledge and sartorial advice is undisputed. But since founding HOST in 2018, she's also become an aficionado for homeware. "I started HOST after renovating my house with my husband," she explains. "We had spent most of our budget on the fittings and finishes of the property, but still wanted to decorate it well. Interiors on the high street are brilliant but felt a bit too trend led and at times 'mass market', but we couldn't afford the luxury department stores." This sparked the idea of a direct-to-customer homeware shop, where unique pieces are sold at a more accessible price because there's no overheads put on by retailers. 

Whilst pivoting from fashion to interiors may seem like a leap for some, Sophie believes that the two industries are more closely connected than one would think. "I find the worlds of fashion and interiors are increasingly blurred. People's homes are becoming an expression of their taste and personality, much in the same way their outfit used to be. I think this has only been accelerated during lockdown, when people have been spending so much time at home." In other words, our desire to dress up has hastened our want of beautiful homeware. And her advice on how to know you're not buying a trend-led piece you'll dislike in a year? "I love that our parents' generation still use pieces they were given as wedding presents thirty years on, or items that have been passed from generation to generation, as they are ingrained with memories," she says. "If you truly love an item, you will keep using it, regardless of if it's on trend or not."

To find out more about this dressing up (homes and clothes) expert, read the answers to our 8Qs below.

What is a book that you always come back to and why? 
I very rarely read the same book twice, but How to Win Friends and Influence People is a good reminder on how to be a nice person. I go back to it every now and again to check I'm doing OK.

What is your morning ritual like? 
First and foremost, a large cup of tea – the day doesn't start 'til then – and the Today Programme on Radio 4. I go for a run most mornings and then I'm at my desk by 9am at the latest. 

What is the best piece of advice you've received?
It wasn't given directly to me, but I have this Roald Dahl quote stuck on most pinboards and notebooks: “I began to realise how important it was to be an enthusiast in life. He taught me that if you are interested in something, no matter what it is, go at it at full speed ahead. Embrace it with both arms, hug it, love it and above all become passionate about it. Lukewarm is no good.”



What is an ongoing goal of yours? 
To make today better than yesterday.

What's your party trick? 
Leaving at the peak of the party; you never want to stick around after.

If you could travel anywhere right now, where would it be? 
The Greek Islands. I'm not picky about which one...



Name something that you're grateful for. 
Good health.

Name three things that you can't live without.
PG Tips, family and enthusiasm

Shop homeware pieces from Host here.


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