A shared love for craftmanship and creativity bridges the gap between Brora and the talented interior designer, presenter, business founder, and mother, Francesca Rowan-Plowden. In this Brora Portrait, we’ve combined the timeless style of Francesca’s beautiful East Sussex home with the delights of Brora’s autumn collection for a creative fusion of heritage and storytelling.

Can you tell us about your love for Brora?

Brora really resonates as a brand, as to me it embodies heritage, quality, attention to detail and comfort - all the aspects that I too endeavour to weave into my work and designs. I remember my mother getting a Brora jumper when the brand first started and thinking it was the softest thing ever. I think that was my first introduction to cashmere. Years later a friend gave me a Brora blanket when my first son was born, a much-cherished piece.

Can you tell us about the early days of your interior design career?

My interior design career sort of happened by serendipity, as often is the way in life. I was the custodian of Lamb House in Rye, a National Trust property, and was producing small Shakespeare plays in the garden. One day a journalist turned up on the doorstep saying that he had heard about this young actress running this house and could he do an article. I agreed, only if he mentioned my play! The piece came out and more magazines started approaching. One journalist wrote "she should be an interior designer”, but I didn't think much of it. But then a couple of local property developers approached me to do up some flats and houses they had. I didn't really think about it as a career until Goodnestone Park (a stately home) asked me to pitch for their full renovation. I suppose that was when the penny dropped that maybe this is what I should focus on.

How do you balance your career and family life?

Having children is extremely grounding and they don't care about one's work really - they just want me to be Mum. So when I feel that from them, I know it's time to focus on family time. The boys and I are real unit, and although it's hard work raising four boys, it is also really fun and being their mother is most rewarding thing in my life. They are really decent young men.

How would you describe your interior taste and your fashion taste?

My interior taste and fashion taste are very similar I think. Slightly eclectic, lots of layering and textures, with appreciation for quality and good design/cut! There are so many parallels between my fashion and interiors. I'll often look a pair of curtains I've had made and think, gosh I wish I could wear that too as a dress! I'm always drawn to velvets, tweeds, pretty prints and cords both in interiors and fashion. I've also been known to make denim curtains!

How has your approach to fashion evolved throughout your career?

I've always love to dress up and I suppose as my career has evolved, I have had more chances to do so. I guess the actress in me also likes to dress for the occasion. Whether it's a country walk, an interior design presentation or a red carpet event, I love to find the perfect outfit!

Where do you find inspiration when it’s lacking?

When I'm lacking in inspiration I look to art. I love going to galleries and looking at paintings, in particular the impressionists. I also love old movies, the clothes, the sets, the glamour. Fundamentally I look to the past.

How does sustainability show up in your work?

I don't ever throw anything away and buy a lot of preloved and vintage - I am a true hoarder! I've always been a huge advocate for sustainability, and as I've got older I actively seek out sustainable brands.

What’s been your highlight of 2025 so far?

My highlight of 2025 so far has to be the Traitors. I was so relieved when it came out and that I no longer had to lie about having filmed it, and that my boys were proud, and that it was so well received by the public was just lovely. I feel very privileged to have been involved in the show.

What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?

The piece of advice I would give my younger self, would be to be kinder to myself, to have faith in the belief that when things don't work out, often happier and nicer things come along. And to trust in timing- slow down, it's ok to be the tortoise rather than the hare.