Mixed metals, zebras and a color called Cornforth White — we go behind the scenes with the interior designer.

I got into interior design because…
It was more about creating environments — not necessarily interior design. When my parents had people over for dinner, it was so exciting; I loved entertaining. Later, it was traveling and staying in hotels — they’ve always been my number one inspiration.

My favorite hotel…
The Four Seasons in Florence is spectacular. I also love The Carlyle in New York. I like the concept of a hotel. Instead of saying, “We only have 200 square feet,” they think, “How can we use this space to give the best experience we can?”

My design mantra…
Three words: sex, romance and fantasy. I always try to get all three into a space.

The person whose style I most admire…
Style, for me, is about how you carry yourself. I thought Princess Diana and Amy Winehouse both had amazing style, even though they’re so different.

My favorite place to shop for home…
Flair and Area ID. In general, my favorite place to furniture shop is London. It’s not necessarily as striking as Parisian shopping, but the detail and work is really amazing.

Favorite project I’ve done…
Edon Manor, a store that I co-own. I love that I get to go back to it every day, freshen it up and help it evolve. That’s such a key part of design.

Now I’m working on…
A home fragrance with Kilian, something exotic and sexy, and a book.

Favorite thing in my apartment…
My [six-foot taxidermy] zebra, Zachary.

I love mixing…
Metals. Nickel, brass, chrome and bronze.

The quickest, easiest way to update a room…
Most people say paint color and I agree with that, but even quicker is candles and flowers. If you have a stack of books with flowers on it and the right scent, any space can feel chic.

Paint color of the moment…
Cornforth White by Farrow & Ball. I’ve painted nine apartments that color and people love it.

Favorite room to work with…
The unconventional room, the room that people don’t normally think about — a powder room, entryway, closet or showroom. Showrooms are interesting and my favorite because they blur the line between commercial and residential.

If I could live in any room in history, it would be…
Kensington Palace when Princess Diana was living there. She collected a lot of furniture. I also love Faye Dunaway’s apartment in The Eyes of Laura Mars.