Carina Harford, founder of Harford House, is known for creating warm, characterful interiors with sustainability at their core. We asked her a series of quick-fire questions to get an insight into her design philosophy, favourite pieces and the golden rules she follows when crafting beautiful spaces. Get inspired and enjoy the interview.
1. Describe your design philosophy in three words.
Individual, sustainable, irreverent.
2. Which designer or brand consistently aligns with your vision of sustainable interiors?
My plan is to eventually run a studio like Maria Speake at Retrouvius. She has a shop where she stocks all sorts of reclaimed items from Iroko wood science lab bench tops to antique church pews. You can either buy directly from her or she has this extensive stock on hand to use in her full interior design projects. The dream!
3. What's one piece in your home you could never part with?
My beautiful little red chair - I found her in a junk shop in rural Massachusetts, carried her on the train with me and then eventually tore her to pieces with kitchen utensils to bring her back to London in my suitcase. (image attached)
4. How do you blend vintage and new pieces in your interior projects?
There's not really a specific way to do this. I'd refer to my phrase 'it's a vibes-based sport' - you just do what feels right and collect what you love. If you really love each piece they will work together!
5. If you could redesign any space with another designer for a week, who would it be?
Great question. I'd work with Noz Nozawa (the coolest designer!) and I'd want to design Julia Fox's apartment.
6. The perfect interior space always needs... (finish the sentence)
At least one item that doesn't quite make sense.
7. What's your favourite sustainable material to work with?
Hard to choose and also hard to define. One of my new favourites is Yarn Collective who do a lot of 100% recycled cotton, linen and some really wonderful sustainable wool options too.
8. Which fashion trend do you believe should influence interior design?
Oh I have no idea. I'm so deeply unplugged from what's trending in fashion. If thrifting/second hand shopping is still trendy then that should be it! Extend 'vintage' enthusiasm to interiors as well.
9. What's the best piece of design advice you've ever received?
I don't know if I can think of a specific piece of advice... I've entered the industry through a side door so haven't had too many mentors or advice-givers! I'd say my best advice is to relax and let the space speak to you - in the same way you likely dress 'for your body' you should decorate 'for the room'
10. What's your golden rule for designing spaces with confidence?
Pick one thing. Pick one thing and then make all your other decisions from there. It doesn't matter what it is, but pick a rug, a painting, one fabric, a cushion - whatever - and then let that inform the space. As soon as you've chosen one thing with confidence the rest of the design can flow.
