Image credit: OKA

‘If I wasn’t a TV presenter, I would be an interior designer,’ Ben Fogle told me. Really? The same Fogle who rowed across the Atlantic and pounded on foot across the Antarctic? Apparently so. Fogle is a huge fan of mydeco.com describing it as ‘a wealth of ideas all in one place – it’s a huge collection of designs and great ideas. And you can create rooms virtually in 3D to avoid mistakes!’ Fogle is partnering with OKA to unveil their new Spring collection (including very ‘fresh’ gloss art deco voyage furniture) this week.

Image credit: OKA

Fogle has soft furnishings in his blood; His mother runs a Scandinavian antique business and his aunt runs Portobello Road’s The Cloth Shop selling super beautiful Swedish rag rugs and Navajo blankets.

His Notting Hill house is a shrine to his adventures to remote corners of the world; ‘I love design and eclectic styles from different eras and countries,’ says Fogle. ‘I don’t like conformity in design. I’m quite eclectic and OKA’s design range seems to work well with things you’ve inherited or found on wonderful holidays or travels. I usually pick up something either small or useful for my home that reflects my travels. My favourite place for shopping is Peru and Bolivia. I have a large collection of antique Ponchos which are incredible.’

Fogle often hosts parties in his kitchen; ‘My wife and I live in this light, spacious kitchen and we love sharing dinner with friends and family around the big table.’ What does he advise for hosting at home? ‘Be relaxed and fun with your décor. Prepare as much as possible in advance so that you can enjoy spending time with your guests when they arrive instead of setting the table or cooking.’

Fogle isn’t one for minimalism; ‘If my house was burning down, I would try to salvage my colourful Squint sofa and my elephant painting by Olly and Suzi.’

Fogle’s latest room design is the nursery for his baby son Ludo; ‘It is dominated by the most enormous felt map of the world with hundreds of Velcro animals and country names. Ludo will be able to track my adventures from his cot. I hope he likes maps.’

Check out Ben’s wish list from OKA:
1. Embroidered chicken napkins
2. Refectory Table & Benches
3. Isphahan Plates set of 4
4. Tripod lamp base
5. Pennant Cushion Cover
6. Large Wooden Trunk

Image credit: OKA