A Q&A with Interior Designer Anouska Lancaster

Anouska Lancaster is an award-winning interior designer who runs interior design studio Noushka Design. Colour and pattern defines her style and she believes your home decor should bring joy and happiness, and be a reflection of your personal style and individuality. 

Currently undergoing a renovation project in Cornwall, Anouska will be documenting the journey on new TV show Renovation Nation, airing on Monday's at 4pm on Channel 4.

We love Anouska's ethos when it comes to design and were delighted to be given the opportunity to ask the bold and brilliant designer all about her projects, the new TV show and of course, her love for Woodchip & Magnolia...

Hi Anouska! How did you first discover Woodchip & Magnolia?
I am a bit of an Instagram addict and I first discovered Woodchip & Magnolia on the app. I was mundanely scrolling one day and was stopped dead in my tracks when I saw one of your posts. I was like Whoa! now here is a company on my wavelength and a company I need to work with!

What initially drew you to Woodchip & Magnolia?
I was initially blown away by the boldness of the Woodchip & Magnolia designs. I was also drawn in by your passion for colour and pattern, as this is something very close to my heart. Woodchip & Magnolia are brave and fearless with your approach to design and don’t follow any rules – this is my mantra when it comes to design too

I love the fact that you work with us to create a design that is bespoke for the space being designed; tweaking dimensions and scales to work perfectly in the scheme. The result is a bespoke piece of art. That sort of service and attention to detail is very rare. Woodchip & Magnolia really care about the finished result and you're perfectionists like me. 

Please could you tell us all about the Channel 4 TV show Renovation Nation?
I was approached in December 2021 about taking part in a brand-new TV show for Channel 4 called Renovation Nation. It follows 20 renovators as they restore and renovate their crumbling period properties across the UK and the first episode airs this afternoon at 4pm (see if you can spy Woodchip & Magnolia!).

What is Penally House and how is it involved with the show?
My husband and I decided to look for our forever home in Cornwall after spending lots of time at our cottage in Port Isaac. We bought Penally House in October 2021 and started work on the house in December 2021. Penally House is one of the featured period properties in the TV series and is a country house located by the sea in Boscastle. Built in 1836, it's steeped in history and rumour has it that there’s a secret smugglers tunnel that leads from he house to the sea – though we are yet to find it!

Could you describe the interior style at Penally House?
I wanted Penally House to have a heritage feel but with a modern twist. I feel I have successfully done this by using heritage patterns but incorporating colour, which brings life and a contemporary feel to the property. I wanted the house to be a celebration of its history, but also reflect the people living in it. We have mixed old and new art and have used a selection of antique and modern furniture to give the house an eclectic and interesting twist. 

How would you describe your own personal interiors style?
I would describe my personal interiors as a colourful, eclectic collection of everything I love. I believe your interior should tell your story and should make you feel ‘at home’ as if you ‘belong there’. That means surrounding yourself with things that you love and items that ‘set your heart on fire’. 

Do you have any more plans for Woodchip & Magnolia designs?
Absolutely - I am now addicted to Woodchip & Magnolia! I have just ordered a selection of samples for the Library Room which is located at the front of Penally House. I want the entire house to flow and my colour palette incorporates pinks, blues and greens, so watch this space!

What's next for you work wise?
I have lots of new projects on the horizon, including a beautiful historical apartment in Plymouth, which once belonged to Winston Churchill!

Photography by Darren Chung