From art college to fashion styling, Matilda Goad always had an eye for aesthetics. But it’s as a designer she found her true calling, whether making dinner sets for MatchesFashion or collaborating with Liberty on versions of her cult scallop-edged lampshade. Now heading up Matilda Goad & Co studio, she is helping craft everything from picture frames to planters. We popped round for a cuppa and some questions…
Quote to live by
Cecil Beaton: ‘Be daring, be different…’
Accent or language that turns you on
Italian.
Book that shaped you
Not so much shaped me, but I’ve re-read Tuesdays with Morrie many times. It’s a good reminder that life is short.
Favourite artist
Cy Twombly and Hilma af Klint.
Favourite museum/gallery
Charleston in East Sussex is a must for anyone who loves interiors.
Favourite bar
The Hemingway Bar at the Ritz in Paris.
Comfort food
A delicious bowl of pasta.
Favourite cocktail
On holiday, an Aperol spritz always.
Most memorable meal
My 30th birthday dinner celebrating with friends under the stars.
Worst holiday hangover
Arriving at the airport a day late.
Best vintage/antique find
A sheer yellow lace tiered dress from the Fifties I picked up for £5 and worn to some of the best parties.
Homewares you hunt while travelling
Everything and anything. Size doesn’t bother me – I’ve sat on many flights with a light in my lap!
Architecture that awes you
I visited Merida in Mexico for a few days while travelling around and was awestruck by the colours.
Design decade you feel at home in
Now. I like to pick and adapt the best from past decades in the modern day.
How do you unwind?
Chatting to a best friend on the phone till your ear gets hot.
Most stylish place
Trassiera.
Most regrettable holiday purchase
There were lots in my late teens travelling in Bali.
Your must-pack item
A straw basket.
City you’d move to
LA: the climate is too tempting.
Strangest hotel experience
Arriving to a small boutique hotel in the south of France to be led down the road and given a room to sleep in… at their friend’s house.
Best place you’ve ever swum
The cenotes in Mexico are very cool.
Best beach you’ve ever found
The secret beaches of Ibiza book has led me to many.
It’s not a holiday without…
A work drama!
Guilty pleasure
Peanut butter.
Pool or ocean
Ocean.
Define love in three words
Feeling at home.
Define sex in three words
Always good idea.
Matilda was photographed at her London home by Louis AW Sheridan. The debut Matilda Goad for Anthropologie collection is available now