Who are you? I am Jenny Duff, a designer and maker of table mats and one half of knitting duo KnitterKnitKnitKnit.
Why Ramsgate? Ramsgate chose me, I was born in the old Ramsgate Hospital.
First Ramsgate memory? The arches under the road beside the harbour – my Dad used to visit The Bosuns Locker, the chandlers at 10 Military Row, for bits for his sailing boat. Since then I’ve discovered that chandlers carry all sorts of things that are great for homes and studios: pulleys, portholes, ropes and much, much more.
If you were an animal, what would you be? An owl for its wisdom and a kangaroo, as I’m very bad at sitting still and doing nothing.
If you could change one thing about the house what would it be? It would be great to have an open fireplace for a beautiful warm roaring log fire.
In 10 years time where do you see yourself? Sitting on my balcony looking out over the sea on a beautiful evening.
Object of desire? A bespoke and handmade set of floor to head-height wooden drawers with dovetail corners.
Do you have a bucket list? If so, whats at the top? I don’t have a bucket list, but I would love to stay in luxury on the Amalfi Coast.
What building would you like to be locked in overnight? Tate Britain, I have paid many visits to the gallery and have a very early memory of seeing my first David Hockney there – ‘Mr & Mrs Clark and Percy’, Mr & Mrs Clark are Ozzie Clark and Celia Birtwell and Percy is their cat and they are either side of a beautiful Georgian window – I find it an inspiring picture in many wayshttp://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/hockney-mr-and-mrs-clark-and-percy-t01269
Where do you go for a nightcap? The Royal Harbour Brasserie at the mouth of Ramsgate Harbour – I consider it to have the best view in Thanet and am really looking forward to spending some sunny evenings there as the days get longer.
What do you collect? I have an eclectic collection of retro china, which I don’t often use, but love to look at.
What couldn’t you live without? My family.
Best and worst thing about your move to Ramsgate? Best: sea, space, architecture. Worst: the cold wind, which luckily doesn’t blow too often.
What would you buy if you won the lottery? A house completely refitted to my specification before moving in.
Biggest extravagance in your home? The Matthew Hilton velvet couch.
Best advice you’ve been given? Don’t put off to tomorrow what could be done today – when I’m very bust this can be difficult advice to follow, but is a great motivator.
Favourite space in your house? The lounge, especially when the sun is streaming in and the French windows are wide open.
How do you define style? Honed individuality.
Describe your perfect day A lie in, brunch at Pavs at St Mildred’s Bay in Westgate, a walk on a sunny beach, rounded off by roast dinner with my family – my perfect Sunday and often achieved.
What are your goals for 2013? To be the #queenoftablemats
ROUND-UP: This is a beautiful family home in ramsgate which spans 4 floors and gives Jenny the space to live and work. Pristine white walls are brought to life with bold bursts of colour. An array of clean classic retro designs, ercol in abundance with some modern classics mixed in – Tom Dixons Jack light for example. Jennys keen eye for colour & design has created a light, bright colourful home.
WHERE TO BUY: The Bosuns Locker, 10 Military Rd, Royal Harbour, Ramsgate, CT11 9LG
WHERE TO EAT: Pavs Tea Garden, st Mildreds Gardens, Westgate-on-Sea, CT8 8TP.
Royal Harbour Brasserie East Pier, Royal Harbour, Ramsgate, Kent, CT11 8LS. www.royalharbourbrasserie.co.uk
To take part in the Curio contact: thecurioinmargate@gmail.com
All images ©Jo Willis