If you spend time immersed in interiors on Instagram, you’ve likely already seen Patricia Rodi’s exquisite Victorian coastal home in Scotland. The interior designer and co-founder of Rodi & Cecile Studio is celebrated for her ability to craft soulful spaces, rich in character, layered with history, and imbued with an effortless elegance.
We joined Patricia for a conversation about her design philosophy, the inspirations behind her aesthetic, and her thoughtful advice for those embarking on their own renovation journeys.
Every home tells a story – can you share a little about yours and what makes it feel special to you?
Our home is an ongoing love letter to history and craftsmanship. It’s an 1800s house that we’re slowly restoring, room by room, peeling back layers of time to let its character breathe again. What makes it special to me is how it reflects both where we’ve come from, and where we’re heading – a mix of old-world charm, antique market finds, and personal memories woven into every corner.
When it comes to interiors, what inspires your style and influences your design choices?
I’m endlessly inspired by travel, heritage, and the imperfections of lived-in spaces. At my interior design studio, Rodi & Cecile Studio, we often talk about creating designs that feel storied rather than styled – spaces with layers, personality, and a sense of place. I grew up between different cultures, so I’m drawn to homes that blend influences – a Swedish sense of calm, a touch of French romance, British eccentrism, and the warmth of something handcrafted. My design choices usually start with an emotional response – a colour that feels nostalgic, a texture that feels grounding, or a piece that sparks curiosity.
What advice would you give to someone starting a home renovation – what key things should they consider first?
Start by understanding the soul of your home before changing anything. Notice how light moves through it, how it makes you feel at different times of day. Then prioritise function and flow – there’s no point designing something beautiful if it doesn’t work for how you live. And lastly, take your time. The best homes evolve slowly; they’re collected, not completed.
Where in your home do you feel most relaxed, and do you have any rituals or routines that help you unwind in that space?
The living room, especially in the late afternoon when the light softens. I’ll light the log burner, put on some jazz or a podcast, and just let the day unravel a little.
Describe your perfect sofa moment – is it curling up with a good film, reading a favourite book, or gathering friends for a cosy evening?
It’s probably a bit of all three, depending on the mood. I love a quiet evening with a glass of wine and a good design book, but equally, there’s nothing better than a sofa full of friends and the kind of laughter that goes on for hours.
You recently chose a chair and footstool upholstered in fabrics from our RHS Collection. What drew you to these designs, and how have you styled them within your home?
I was immediately drawn to the Gertrude Jekyll Ornamental fabric in Terracotta – it has such a beautiful warmth and depth to it. The pattern feels timeless but not overly traditional, with that slightly faded, painterly quality that I love. It brings a gentle sense of heritage into the space without feeling formal. I’ve styled the chair and footstool in our bedroom, where the terracotta tones add a soft contrast to the earth greens and pale buttery yellow. It’s become a lovely little corner for morning coffee or winding down in the evening – calm, comforting, and quietly elegant.
If this conversation has left you inspired, immerse yourself further in Patricia’s world on Instagram, where she shares glimpses of her ever-evolving aesthetic and beautifully curated interiors.
For a deeper look into her creative process, explore Patricia’s design inspiration for her bespoke armchair on Pinterest—an elegant invitation to begin your own journey of collecting, curating, and creating.