Super–cool DJ Claire Anderson presents Jazz FM’s Late Lounge show and is a firm mydeco fan. She talks to us about her minimalist pad, bringing the outdoors in, and which of her celebrity guests has the best style.
I live…in Southampton in an early Eighties house that was individually designed by an architect–builder.
My favourite room is…my living room. It has four sets of floor to ceiling windows, so it’s a very light room and it overlooks the garden, which gives the feeling of the outdoors coming inside. I love nature so I’ve also got plenty of huge house plants around. The living room is definitely the ‘wow’ room of the house.
My style is…minimalist with touches of colour and comfort. I enjoy space and simplicity, but I think a minimalist room needs luscious curtains, comfy cushions and lovely rugs to pull everything together. I also love spiritually–influenced art and design and am very inspired by nature.
I love…my reclaimed walnut coffee table. I spent a year looking for one, then finally struck gold in Victoriana, an eclectic antique shop in Southsea. It’s solid and low and is prefect for candles, flowers and coffee table books, which are pieces of art in their own right. The fact that it’s reclaimed makes it an environmentally responsible choice, which is important to me.
My most treasured possession is…my replica Barcelona chair which I found in Italy. It’s handmade, totally beautiful, and you’d never know it wasn’t the real thing. It sits in pride of place on my landing with all of my books and is where I curl up and read.
What makes a home is…a peaceful atmosphere. A persons home should be their sanctuary, so it’s important to me that I get a feeling of calm and serenity when I walk into mine. It does mean that I’m a bit of a neat freak, though – I can’t feel calm amongst clutter!
If my house was burning down, I would grab… my enormous fairy light–covered ficus plant, a knee high, wooden lantern that lets off a gorgeous rich smell when you put candles in it, and an original canvas by local artist Stephen Paul Clarke. It’s a Jackson Pollock–style explosion of every shade of pink and red imaginable.
On my wish list is… some amazing garden furniture. I’d love a set of big wicker seats with fat, fluffy cushions – they make me feel like I’m on holiday. One day I’m also going to put in a huge water feature and a wildlife pond with a proper ecosystem.
I’m inspired by… amazing music. Hearing perfectly crafted pieces gives me an incomparable feeling. I’m also inspired by nature because it’s perfectly balanced, and by people who have never–ending drive, energy and focus to make a difference in the world.
When I started DJing… I took it all very seriously. I was 19 and had a 10–2 slot every weekday on Whiston hospital radio. Some of the other DJs saw it as an opportunity to have a laugh, but I considered it my training ground. I’m glad that I took that approach – it certainly helped me to get where I am today.
My love of music can be seen in my home… through the feeling of calm I’ve created. The music I play on The Late Lounge is an eclectic mixture of Ibizan sunset, jazz and urban, but it is always relaxed and tranquil. I create the same atmosphere in my own home with pieces of Buddha art and quiet spaces for meditation.
The most stylish musician I’ve met is…Tori Amos. She has a very individual look which works beautifully on her. I think it’s that gorgeous, flaming red hair that sets off all of her outfits.
I love mydeco because… it’s full of everything I love! It was very tricky to narrow down my top ten picks.
Check out Claire’s top ten favourite products, here.
Read more posts by mydeco.
1 comment
Pauline says:
Apr 6, 2012
As a fellow Southampton resident, Jazz FM fan and minimalist…it’s good to know that that there’s a kindred spirt in Claire Anderson! Enjoyed the blog. x