At Home with Charlotte Coote

AT HOME WITH CHARLOTTE COOTE

Interior designer and hostess of the celebrated Art of Living Well Masterclass, Charlotte Coote, reveals her design inspirations, summer must-haves, and the essential elements for hosting the perfect dinner party. She opens up about her design philosophy, creative process, and the personal insights that define her distinctive approach to interiors and entertaining.

Charlotte, you have successfully hosted The Art of Living Well Masterclass for several years now. Can you tell us what originally inspired you to create this event?

A big part of my childhood was growing up in Ireland and Europe. I was lucky to be surrounded by diverse, interesting and creative people, which I found fascinating. Australia is the best country on earth to live in, but we really are a long way from everywhere. I was interested to bring successful creative international guests, to an event at my home, with the idea to inspire guests with a different perspective, design story, and way of thinking. I liked the idea that international guests could speak alongside some of our own incredible Australian creatives. This year we have Sophie Conran and Annie Smithers, alongside Paul Bangay and myself.

What advice would you offer for creating a captivating but functional tablescape for any occasion?

Invest in great tableware items that bring you joy. Beautiful dinnerware, flatware, napkins and servery items. Authentic handmade pieces always make for a beautiful tablescape, or antiques that have a story and patina. Once you have a collection on hand it’s easy. It’s just curate and style depending on how you feel or what flowers are in season. Different vases, candles and glassware can change up the look of your table every time. Don’t over think it either - it should be fun. Finally, I don’t keep anything for the good occasion, everything should be used no matter how precious.

MARGOT PLACEMAT, SET OF 4

$190.00

Carlos White Glass Tumbler, Set of 2

$220.00

BAMBOO AZUR DINNER PLATE, set of 2

$280.00

Panda 8 -Piece Cutlery Set

$260.00

Pearl Fruit Bowl

$270.00

Iznik Dinner Plate, Set of 4

$760.00

$49.99

Franci Glass Pitcher

$295.00

We have seen The Art of Living Well grow into such a highly anticipated event. What is one behind-the-scenes detail that people may not know about the preparation process?

That so much of the styling and flowers we use in the house and glasshouse, is what we pick from the garden and what we have in season.

Congratulations on the launch of your new book, The Flower Room! You demonstrate how floral textiles and natural textures enhance a space. How does nature inspire your designs, and how can readers use these ideas to elevate their own entertaining spaces?

Thank you. I think to be constantly reminded of nature and its cycles, gifts, patterns, shapes or colours is a really strong foundation from which to build any interior. Nature offers harmony and happiness. When creating for my clients it’s often something I consider when setting out to design strong, timeless interiors for them. For example, it might be fully understanding how and where sunlight hits a space, and at what times of the day. Understanding how light impacts when a client will spend time in that room, will inform what purpose it should serve, and what materials and colours you should use to design it. This is just one of the ways that the natural world influences my designs.

What is one thing people might be surprised to learn about you or your journey as a designer?

That I never studied interior design. I did a double degree in business and marketing, then worked for my father’s interior business in Europe. He wouldn’t let me study interior design as he said he could teach me everything I needed to know. To be fair, he was a creative genius, but I do think he (and his ego) knew it.

As a host, what elements do you believe are essential for creating an unforgettable dinner party?

A relaxed host or hostess! If they are going to be a boring stress head, no one will have fun. Relax, be committed in a good way and remember, with joy, why you are actually doing this.

Do you have a specific ritual when preparing for a dinner party, such as creating a themed playlist, setting the table with unique pieces, or adding personalised details like handwritten menus?

Billie Holliday radio on Spotify is the ultimate collection of music - you won’t notice it, but it makes you and your guests subconsciously relaxed and happy. Also, a good tip is to set everything as early as you can, the day before if possible. And have an outfit ready, get dressed well before you think you need to. A dishevelled and stressed-out host is not fun for anyone to encounter.

What’s the one homeware item you believe everyone should invest in?

19th century sets of white monogrammed French linen napkins.

Handpainted Persian Flower No. 1 Pitcher

$730.00

Punk Green Dinner Plate, Set of 4

$820.00

Julia Green Marble 4-Piece Cutlery Set

$760.00

Escamas Verde Cocktail Napkins, Set of 4

$130.00

Eclaire Tray

$1,020.00

Persian Flowers no. 1 Tumbler, Set of 2

$730.00

RAFFIA SCALLOPED NESTING BASKETS, SET OF 3

$229.00

Pearl Oval Platter, Verde

$270.00

What’s one thing you think everyone should have on their table when hosting a dinner party?

Pieces they love and have collected over time.

Do you have a signature dish or aperitif when hosting guests?

I do like to serve a classic; tiny little blini with smoked salmon, crème fresh, dill, capers, a squeeze of lemon, and black pepper. With a very cold glass of my favourite Pommery champagne, you can’t go wrong.

"The future of interiors, in my mind, is through artisans, and bespoke interiors and creations."

Charlotte Coote

Charlotte, you’ve emphasised storytelling in your designs, a principle we also value at Hopewood Interiors. How do you think artisan pieces enhance this narrative, and how can they transform a space with their unique stories?

Any piece which is handmade has a story. It immediately sets an interior apart from one filled with machine made pieces. It offers authenticity and interest, something that can’t be copied. The future of interiors, in my mind, is through artisans, and bespoke interiors and creations. Artificial Intelligence will change the world, but not our interiors.

Light Blue Wicker Placemat, Set of 4

$420.00

Balloton Green Wine Glass, Set of 4

$820.00

Lily of the Valley Napkin, Set of 4

$365.00

Nymphea Dinner Plate, Set of 2

$420.00

You have collaborated with so many industry leaders over the years. What is one of your most memorable partnerships?

All of them are inspiring. But I did love working with India Hicks, at our 2022 Masterclass. Our fathers were great friends, and since our Masterclass she has become a friend of mine. I think she is not just the impressive charismatic glamour we see on Instagram, rather also an impressive mother, and brave philanthropist who goes into deep war torn Ukraine with the Global Empowerment Mission to offer aid. She’s very impressive and she is also very amusing. She is almost like a comedian - I think you have to be incredibly intelligent to be that funny, which I really rate. But she also has depth and strength of character.

Can you give us a sneek peak as to what guests can expect in this years Art of Living Well Masterclass?

A happy collision of British and Australian interior design, food and garden inspiration through Sophie Conran and Annie Smithers. Lots of tangible demonstrations, an exciting new agenda, 3 new books to launch from Paul, Annie and myself. Plus, a newly built garden rotunda to celebrate, in memory of Kevin O’Neill, at the top of the garden at Marnanie.

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