At Home with Interior Designer Nina Campbell - The San Francisco Fall Show

When Nina Campbell opened her eponymous firm in 1972, one of her first commissions was a castle in Scotland; she has not looked back since. Her unmistakably rich and elegant colour palette has made her one of the most influential designers in the world and her design firm is internationally known and respected.

A table setting, inspired by interior designer Nina Campbell, features blue and white plates, a white napkin with a blue monkey design, two blue-striped glasses, silverware with white dotted handles, all arranged on a blue patterned tray atop a white tablecloth—perfect for bringing refined style into your home.

Blue Arles Tray, Blue Monkey Napkin, Blue Gien Nets Plate from Nina Campbell shop

The business has grown to include a successful line of fabrics, wallpaper and trimmings distributed by Osborne and Little, as well as her retail shop, (a favorite of mine) for home accessories and gifts in London’s Knightsbridge neighbourhood and a showroom at the Design Center Chelsea Harbour. She has also authored several books on design.

A bright, modern shop displays elegant tableware, glassware, and home decor on shelves and tables—each arrangement reflecting the refined touch of an interior designer like Nina Campbell. Spotlights illuminate the neatly arranged items, while colorful vases, plates, and linens add vibrant accents to create a welcoming home atmosphere. A counter sits at the back under a circular ceiling light.

Interior of Nina Campbell shop at 9 Walton Street, London

Campbell most recently spoke in the Fall Show’s Lecture Series in 2018. The panel discussion, “Divas of Design” featured Nina Campbell and Charlotte Moss, moderated by Show Chair, Suzanne Tucker. The design divas spoke to a packed house (who knew those words would become so taboo!?) “The Fall Show is always so glamourous and beautiful” she muses “I have found wonderful things there. I think there is a comradship amongst all the dealers. It is lovely to just connect and meet and talk with them. You might change your view on a style, or a period that you start to understand better. It’s like going to a museum.”

Three women sit on stage in discussion at the San Francisco Fall Art & Antiques Show, including renowned interior designer Nina Campbell. Behind them is a large screen showing a colorful, ornately decorated home with bold blue and red walls, patterned flooring, and stylish furniture.

Nina Campbell speaking at the Divas of Design Panel at the 2018 Fall Show Lecture Series
Photography by Hernan Santander

I chatted with Campbell by phone from our respective London homes about design in the era of a pandemic. Luckily, isolation was not so isolating for Campbell, as she spent the beginning of the lockdown with her daughter and granddaughter on a farm in the country. “I did come back to my own home in London in June and promptly started cleaning out my cupboards.” She says being home has made her appreciate it more “everyone is always in a rush, coming in and out of the house, spending more time there, you can be amongst your possessions and appreciate them more. I think your possessions—the things you have bought on travels, that hold memories, that mean something to you, make a home.” She says. “I have lots of people in my home, and two pets. I also have my paintings, most of which are done by friends, and it’s all very cosy with people and memories.” When asked to name a favourite piece, she thought it over and replied “a Kate Malone ceramic pumpkin, inspired by the gardens at Waddeston (the 19th Century Waddeston Manor built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in Buckinghampshire).

A white metal table, evoking the refined style of celebrated interior designer Nina Campbell, holds a blue-and-white teapot, teacup, sugar bowl, toast rack with toast, a soft-boiled egg in an egg cup, a plate, and cutlery. A green plant and a chair draped with a blue blanket add inviting touches to this elegant home setting.

Blue Sprig China, Blue Arles Tray from Nina Campbell shop

With more time spent at home, I asked what her favourite room is, where she goes for a moment of quiet and calm. “I love my bedroom because it looks out on the gardens” she shared. “It is peaceful. If I’m home alone I have the whole house, but with others there it’s wonderful to retreat to my bedroom.” But work needs a table “I work on my dining room table which is practically half in the garden.”

A dining area curated with the flair of an interior designer, featuring a round table set for four and patterned chairs, sits at the heart of this inviting home. The space showcases teal walls, a red and white rug, and vibrant floral curtains reminiscent of Nina Campbell’s signature style. Two tall red candles adorn the table, while each place is thoughtfully arranged with dishes, glasses, and patterned napkins.

Tiffany Dining Table and Jennifer Chairs from Nina Campbell shop

She admits that the thing that has changed her perspective most is people’s attitudes. “Everything has become more casual” she says, “people coming by unannounced – the formality is gone.” But the isolation has not altered her design sense. “I haven’t really isolated as I was with family. Now I go into shops, talk with neighbours. It hasn’t really affected me. I talk endlessly to friends, especially in my neighbourhood. I have enjoyed the more casual social engagements. I haven’t been commuting. I am not travelling so my dogs are thrilled.”

A wooden desk holds boxes, magazine files, and trays covered in green-leaf-patterned paper inspired by renowned interior designer Nina Campbell. A small white lamp and a pencil cup with colored pencils sit atop the desk, bringing a touch of home comfort to the workspace. Some boxes are tied with gray ribbons and one box lid is open, revealing a crisp white interior.

A selection of Miami and Kendall desk accessories from Nina Campbell shop

Campbell says her clients attitudes have not changed much with one exception: “I think everyone has carried on, but in the shop I have seen people wanting new things. Tabletop has become much more in demand – people are growing tired of their place settings as they are now eating at home for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They want some variety, something new.”

A close-up of a table setting shows a white plate with a green edge, a white napkin with green trim held by a square green napkin ring, silverware with cream handles, clear drinking glasses, and a small bouquet of purple flowers in the background—capturing the elegant style often favored by interior designer Nina Campbell for a beautifully curated home.

Green Gallina Linen, Green Nets Gien Plate, detail, Nina Campbell shop

A table setting inspired by renowned interior designer Nina Campbell features blue and cream plates, a white napkin in a blue ring, a scalloped blue placemat, cream-handled cutlery, and a glass vase holding purple hydrangeas—bringing an elegant touch to your home on a wooden table.

Blue Gallina Matte Linen, Blue Gien Nets Plate, Bistrot Cutlery, Nina Campbell shop

These days, spontaneity is what Campbell misses most, and the theatre, the opera, the ballet, and travel. Everything is just so much more complicated- “It stops you from being spontaneous.” She shares. “But there are people suffering so much more so I just feel incredibly lucky actually. In a way there have been many silver linings, but I feel uncomfortable enjoying it. I am very aware of it all.”

By Ariane Maclean Trimuschat
Ariane served as Show Director for the San Francisco Fall Show for 7 years through 2019. She is now the show’s international liaison as Director at Large, living in London with her family. Follow Ariane on her blog, Sojournest, where she focuses on all things home and travel.