We use a lot of green around Thyme – the predominant colour of nature, it is a remarkably versatile and fluid colour. We use green as our neutral foundation upon which we layer colour and pattern. Green is a very peaceful colour; it nurtures happiness and tranquillity and is a key colour in many of the Bertioli wallpapers and fabrics, which are based on my hand-painted, watercolour drawings inspired by the different habitats on the Thyme Estate, such as the cutting garden, water meadows, woodland and kitchen gardens.

It is always important to ensure that the design is focused on cherishing the integrity of the building and that the stories of the past continue to shine, while also allowing the building to look to the future. For example, the Ox Barn restaurant and the Tithe barn at Thyme are historic spaces, huge and impressive but, at the same time, symbolic of their farming heritage, honest and humble. At Thyme, we have made sympathetic architectural decisions that preserve the history of the spaces and design choices that blend with the natural materials of the buildings; the warm pale honey of the Cotswold stone, the grey slate roofs, magnificent Douglas fir beams, imported from Canada over 200 years ago, to create the soaring Ox Barn roof. It’s a juxtaposition of grand original features with modern, clean lines.

I think modern decorating is about that juxtaposition of old and new. I am unapologetic about pattern and colour, and I have no era in mind when sourcing furniture. It’s all just things I like. I think mixing it up makes rooms really work.

Incorporating ‘inside/outside space’, whether that’s an open plan kitchen with sliding doors or big bay windows, or opening rooms up to natural light and gardens. I also love to use seasonal, British-grown flowers, vegetables and herbs. In summer, I dot floriferous bouquets throughout the buildings and in winter, arrangements of simple twigs; architectural and austere, they are nevertheless beautiful in their simplicity and reflect the season and state of nature that surrounds us. In winter and spring, we also use bulbs that grow and bloom over the months before being transferred to the beds outside.

We use a lot of potted plants; ferns can last years when looked after properly and give wonderful life to rooms. They are incredibly durable and cleanse the atmosphere of a house. According to NASA studies, they are particularly effective in removing toxins and pollutants from the air; I particularly love Apslenium Paravati.

Narcissus Polar Hunter, which is the first to flower in our cutting gardens and is deliciously fragrant; its very pale creamy-white colour makes it easy to add to any floral arrangement. I also love a bright yellow daffodil! My flock of black Welsh mountain sheep are also a constant source of entertainment and pleasure. They have a very real presence in the shop, reimagined into bespoke sculptural sheep seats which I designed myself. The heads and legs are cast in resin and each sheep is upholstered in a choice of fleece. Each piece is unique and handmade by local craftsmen.

We also have a spring exhibition in our Tithe barn named Hen Party, featuring paintings by Arthur Parkinson, the celebrated writer and gardener. I really admire how Arthur is shining a light on hen welfare and bringing all his creativity to this mission. I love his drawings.

Our sense of smell is inextricably linked to our sense of wellbeing and, for me, is an absolute priority when decorating a space. No room is complete until it not only looks beautiful, but it smells beautiful too. Without the need for conscious thought, scent reduces stress and elevates our mood. Our scents are inspired by wild spaces; they provide a golden thread immersing you in nature and, being rich in botanical essential oils, encourage you to breathe deeply, immersing you in nature.

Spaces not only need to look lovely; they also need to work. Start by thinking very carefully about how you will use a space and make sure it’s practical; how you walk in, what you will be carrying, where you will put things. A room that flows practically and effortlessly will be beautiful.

When living according to the seasons, the interiors never feel static, but are constantly changing with different floral displays, tabletops or even just a new scented candle, which can immediately transform the feel of space from a midsummer idyll to a cosy winter retreat. I also love to add layers of interest to an interior scheme using cushions and lampshades.

Good design is timeless so don’t worry about fashion. Start with a mood board and pictures of rooms you would want to live in. Always have the confidence to do what you like. Don’t listen to too many opinions; have faith in your vision.

Being true to the architecture of the building and letting that sing. Use interior architecture and symmetry as a framework to ground your design and give it stature. A few mismatching things from different eras and different colour palettes can really help make a room feel welcoming. Nothing needs to be perfect, that’s too boring.