What couldn’t you leave home without? We take a look inside the bold and beautiful handbag of interior designer Lanassir Lawes
Inspired by childhood weekends spent at DIY stores and building sites with her grandfather, Lanassir Lawes’ interest in transforming people’s homes began at a young age. Lanassir, who runs Swank Interiors at Bressingham, near Diss, says that after starting her career working in a fabric shop she began pursuing her career.
“A lot of my customers were interior designers and I spent a lot of time talking with them. So I did evening classes and gathered experience working in retail, learning about customers and managing a team. My grandfather was a builder so I spent a lot of time with him on various jobs and absolutely loved it. I still thrive on the creativity of my job today.”
She says her handbag is notorious for how much she crams inside:
“If I go shopping and hand someone my bag while I am trying something on, it is a standing joke how ridiculously heavy it is. I love brightly coloured and bold handbags. Where possible I choose British-made bags and particularly love Paul Smith and Vivienne Westwood. I must admit I have a whole shelf of handbags, some of which go back years.”
Swank Interiors, Three Gates Farm, Fen Street, Bressingham, IP22 2AQ; 01379 687542; www.swankinteriors.co.uk
Key ring, Anya Hindmarch, £100
I was always losing my keys in people’s houses so I bought this, a very long, white leather tassel which you can’t miss. It always causes amusement if I ask any male friends or colleagues to move my car as they are embarrassed carrying the “chandelier”.
Tom Ford Black Orchid, eau de parfum, 50ml, £75
It is quite an unusual and very distinct fragrance. I can’t wear make-up if I am hanging curtains or working closely with fabrics, but if I pop on a bit of perfume I feel a little bit more glamorous.
iPhone 6s+, rose gold, prices vary
I use it to take photographs, for the internet to show clients products or to check prices. I have a great app which allows me to take a photograph and draw measurements on it and I also use it to take notes which I can then email directly to the girls in the office.
Stanley FatMax tape measure, prices vary
This is a proper, sturdy, builders’ tape measure. Often I measure up on my own and need to it to stay straight, so cheap tape measures which fold up are no good.
Little Greene Paint company chart
I nearly always use these paints, as the colours are fantastic and it is a environmentally friendly company. The chart has about 182 colours on it, so it is a great starting point when I visit clients.
And a little something else . . . Curtain hooks and metal pins
If I am hanging curtains or doing a pelmet, I always have extra so I just tip them in my bag and it is full of them. In the summer I was at the airport and suddenly remembered them all so had to tip them out before going through security.
