Rita Konig is second generation design royalty. She mentions getting a sofa from her Mum, as any of us might get a hand-me-down from a parent; her Mum just happens to be design icon Nina Campbell. That said, she has a talent for breaking things down for we commoners into simple elements. Comfort and function first. You won’t see anything showy or ostentatious here, but you will want to plop down with a book and maybe have a little lie down…

EVER so frustrated by the ridiculous shortage in interesting viewing material on my television, (I need 10 times more, please, producers) I gave “Selling London” a try the other night. It’s a real estate show similar to Million Dollar Mansions. You should see these places. 37.5 million pounds (about 58 million dollars) and they look like hotel lobby meets prepper bunker. I wouldn’t give you a dollar for them. Who ARE these people?! And of course, this isn’t going to be a main residence – it’s a layover apartment among many they own world-wide. Lucky for me I don’t like them.

Meanwhile, back in the countryside where the real people live, don’t be fooled by the easy, relaxed atmosphere. That hand-me-down sofa cost more than your dream car. Do you like the fabric on the bedroom walls? Yeah, you’re gonna need a second mortgage for that. As it happens, I know this because of years working in the design industry. However I have the utmost respect for those who could afford the George Jetson bunker but instead choose mis-matched fabrics and heavy cotton curtains that feel like warm blankets. People who know how to act like humans and have other priorities for their wealth. I don’t have any statistics, but designers are certainly some of the most philanthropic people in the world. They’re artists, after all. It’s a business full of empaths. If they are to be successful they are good listeners.

So, okay, I love Rita Konig. First of all, she has her priorities straight: where do you put your drink and how do you see to read? I’ve long said, if anyone is going to sit there, you need a bright lamp – at a height where it shines down over your shoulder. And somewhere to set your coffee mug. That includes sitting up in bed. As an asthmatic cat owner (don’t judge) I also move through daily life with an inhaler, a pet brush, above mentioned book, reading glasses, and a box of tissues – minimally. I am not comfortable sitting anywhere that I haven’t got at least a square foot of clear table surface immediately available to plop down said accoutrements. Call me high maintenance if you must. I’m good with that.

Rita designs homes that are easy to live in, unassuming, warm and comfortable. Above all else, personal. Her taste is exquisite. And there isn’t a single thing here that you and I couldn’t reproduce on a tight budget in our own home. THAT is good design. It’s for everyone.

Susan’s Reading Requirements: Book Light for reading in bed: https://amzn.to/3Vzh6be, peel n’ stick wallpaper William Morris: https://amzn.to/3VaT2K5, Women’s Too Cozy Meow Slippers: https://amzn.to/3wVBuK9, Soft Fuzzy Throw Blanket: https://amzn.to/4ebUJj1, British Designers At Home: https://amzn.to/3KwkWez