This month London House sit with long time local Tiffany Duggan (of TROVE and Studio Duggan) who shares her local guide to Notting Hill, one of London's most vibrant neighbourhoods.
Let’s start from the very beginning, tell us a little bit about your design studio and how you entered the world of interior design?
I started my career working as a Scenic Artist – painting sets and backcloths for theatre. Wanting more permanence in my work, I thought Interior Design would be an excellent side step. Following an internship at Elle Decoration, a short stint as an Interior Stylist and after working on a handful of small interiors projects for friends; I took the plunge and set up my own Interior Design Studio in 2012.
What is your design philosophy?
Our design philosophy is to create liveable yet dramatic spaces which fearlessly unite different eras and styles in pursuit of today’s perfection. I don’t like a room to feel as it’s a slave to any one era but prefer to choose the best bits from various periods in a considered and balanced way. I adore colour, contrast and a little drama. It’s about the edit.
What would be your top interior design tip for someone starting the process?
Get as much ‘hands on’ experience as you can – there is just no substitute for this. It is a surprisingly complex and multi-faceted profession and there are a myriad of skills required! You have to be a good listener, be diplomatic, have technical drawing abilities, be able to work to a budget, be meticulous with documentation, be highly organised and an excellent project and team manager. And an innate sense of style is obviously pretty key too. Work with the best and act like a sponge.
What has been a career highlight so far?
There have been so many wonderful projects over the years, but opening the shop and launching TROVE was a huge milestone for the Studio. It was so special to see an age-old dream come to fruition and it really diversified the business.
You get to both live and work in Notting Hill, so we thought we would get a sense of ‘Your London’ so we have some quick-fire questions for you...
Notting Hill in a word...
Vibrant
Your connection to the area…
I went to college in Notting Hill, and the business has been based in the area since we launched in 2012. I has always dreamed of opening a shop on Golborne Road so opening Trove here in 2019 was a dream come true - and it’s starting to become something of an interiors destination.
Your favourite thing about the neighbourhood…
It is such a melting pot of people, cultures and style. Whilst some areas are now more gentrified, it has still managed to retain a heart and soul. It is full of life and the essence of multicultural London life.
Your favourite area…
Portobello Rd / Golborne Road
Where to eat breakfast…
Farm Girl or Granger & Co
For a quick bite try…
Falafel King
And a languorous lunch?
In the Summer grab a table outside Golborne Deli – the people watching is second to none
For dinner with friend’s head to…
Gold
For a great night out…
Laylow
For great shopping, scope out…
Portobello Road and Golborne Road markets – there is plenty of tat but you always find a jewel or two!
Favourite art gallery…
J/M Gallery is small but always has a great revolving door of exhibitions. Flow Gallery for beautiful ceramics.
And finally, what’s your Notting Hill best kept secret…
The Cow, for the best ‘locals pub’
Anything else you would want to let people know about the area?
Don’t forget to go to Holland Park – it’s such an oasis right next to Notting Hill. And there are a few peacocks who still roam the grounds!
