Table Top: Kirsty Patrick

Up and coming British lighting and homeware designer Kirsty Patrick, founder of Home by Kirsty talks to us about her creative inspiration, special memorabilia and all important milky chai tea. You can catch Kirsty showcasing her latest creations at Etsy’s pop-up Tent during London Design Festival.

A nice cup of milky chai tea always keeps me company when I put my feet up, this is usually coincided with getting on with emails or updating the website for my shop, so my iPad is never far way. You have to be good at multi-tasking running two businesses!

I am really bad at sitting in silence, so the radio is always on and tuned into 6Music, Lauren Lavern and Huey Morgan are faves’. I love the mix of chat and good alternative music.

Inspiration, ideas and memories are found all around us, I keep an eclectic mixture on my coffee table. I think it may be wishful thinking but my sunnies and palm tree tray are keeping my hopes up for a late Indian Summer! (I think I might need to put them away!) On my tray sits a giant red key that my father found.... I always wonder what door it unlocks. The little K was found on a trip to Corsica four years ago with my boyfriend. It was my 30th birthday and we went in a cool little independent home store and on the side were K and 30 ornaments. I HAD to have them!

Getting real post has to be the nicest thing (as long as it’s not a bill!) so I am always sending cards to friends and family.

One of my design/ art inspirations is Rachel Whiteread, when I was studying for my degree I visited her sculptural installation at the Tate's Turbine Hall, her book Embankment never leaves my coffee table!