10 Questions for Sommer Payne

10 Questions for Sommer Payne

We would love to hear about your career so far!

My background is in advertising and marketing, but I always had a passion for design and interiors. A little over 6 years ago I moved into property developing and built up a small portfolio. As much as I loved it I knew this was just a stepping stone before I worked out what would really set my heart on fire.


How did you get the idea for House Curious?

I have a passion for cooking, interiors, design and socialising and I wanted to create a business that would allow me to indulge in all of these. As I was exploring business ideas and renovating my forever home I kept talking about how I wanted to share it with our friends and then the idea just came to me. Why not open our house up to people and invite them to come and participate in a creative workshop and share a meal? I really loved the idea of bringing people together through shared passions with the hope that people would connect and make new friendships. People seemed to love this idea and as the word spread people started to notice my interior style. It wasn’t long before Living etc featured my house in their magazine and it just felt like the natural step to extend House Curious to an online interior and lifestyle shop.

house curiousSource: House Curious

What inspires you?

So many things inspire me. I get inspiration from the usual places like Pinterest, Instagram and design/fashion magazines. Travel and nature also play a big part. My latest buying trip was inspired by the Australian rugged landscape with shades of eucalypt and gum, intense red dirt and dark rich greens for contrast. To give it a modern twist I stripped it back to reveal a muted colour pallet. Inspiration is everywhere, you just need to be open to it. I created this amazing flower arrangement for my birthday using Australian botanicals and I loved it so much that I’m now using that colour pallet for a project I’m working on.


What does your typical day look like?

It really varies. I often start the day posting on social media and responding to messages. As I get ready I listen to an inspirational podcast. Then it’s a team meeting to discuss and plan for the day. I’m often shooting new products, writing content for my blog or shooting content for Instagram. Buying and sourcing is also a big part of my day. I’m always on the lookout for new talent to collaborate with for my workshops and events side of the business.

house curiousSource: House Curious

Name 3 of your favourite London hang outs?


- Pop Brixton
- Roka restaurant
- White City or Shoreditch House

pop-brixtonSource: Tagvenue

How would you describe your personal style?

Laidback with a little rock n’ roll edge. Depending on my mood I’ll dress more feminine and flirty or more casual with black tight jeans and a simple T.

emilyandfin-ellendressSommer wears the Ellen Long Sleeve Blue Flocked Spot Dress

You look amazing in the new Emily and Fin collection, why did you choose these particular pieces?

The Ellen Long Sleeve Blue Flocked Spot Dress is simple and elegant and has a timeless feel to it. Works great with heels to dress it up or with sneakers for a more casual look. I chose the navy blue cord culottes because corduroy is big this season and I wanted to try something different from my usual skinny jeans. The star jumper is a bit of fun and great for the Christmas season.

emilyandfin-separatesSommer wears the Cece Cream Long Sleeve Star Jumper and Lori Navy Cord Culotte

What’s your number one style tip?

Don’t follow trends just dress to make yourself feel happy and sexy.


What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Ignore that voice that says you can’t do it and just go for it.


Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I hope that I’m designing my own pieces and having more freedom to travel and explore the world. I have a vision to take House curious offline and have a space where people can come and create, shop and eat.

house curiousSource: House Curious