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'I like to experiment in my bedroom'
JACQUELINE GOLD, BOSS OF ANN SUMMERS, MADE HER FORTUNE SELLING SEX TOYS – BUT IN HER BEDROOM SHE'S MORE M&S THAN S&M
FOR a woman who has built a multimillion pound empire out of sex toys, flimsy nighties and fluffy handcuffs, Jacqueline Gold has a surprisingly conservative boudoir.
You might expect dashes of black leather, satin sheets, a mirrored ceiling even, but the atmosphere is far from kinky – in fact it oozes ultra feminine Laura Ashley elegance.
“I wanted my bedroom to be sensuous, which is why I’ve gone for dark purples and blues,” explains Jacqueline.
“I spent £3,000 on the velvet duvet and bedspread for my Gothic wrought iron bed. But it’s worth it if I feel good when I’m in it.”
Super-soft Chinese rugs cover the stripped wood floors to give warmth, while exposed beams, simple white furniture and a stylish armchair add a touch of class.
It’s a very individual mix but Jacqueline, 47, who’s just started dating after two years of being single, jokes: “I really like to be adventurous, and you should never be afraid to experiment, especially in the bedroom!”
It’s a design philosophy she sticks to at her converted barn in Westerham, Kent.
“I bought this place six years ago and I wanted every room to be different, so I’ve tried out a few different looks,” says Jacqueline.
“The dining room is all rich reds and golds while one of my other bedrooms is clover pink and pistachio.”
With her stylish dress sense, immaculate make-up and perfect nails, it’s no surprise that her home is as put together as she is.
“I hate clutter,” she says. “Everything has to be in its place before I can relax.”
Her calm surroundings proved the perfect antidote after filming a celebrity special of The Apprentice for Sport Relief.
“It was very stressful,” she admits. “I couldn’t wait to get home and curl up on the sofa in front of my log fire. It was bliss!”
You can donate to Sport Relief on 0845 791 0910* or by going to www.sportrelief.com. Jacqueline’s book, Please Let It Stop, is out now (Ebury, £6.99).
1. BED “I commissioned this wrought iron bed from a shop in London’s Camden Market. I asked for the fleur de lys to go on the bedpost to give it a more feminine touch. It cost £1,400.”
2. OTTOMAN “This is years old. I bought it from Marks & Spencer. It’s made of pine but when I ordered the other furniture, I painted it white to match.”
3. LAMP “I like the embellishment on this lamp and the tassles make it extra special.”
4. MIRROR “The leaf effect on this mirror is exquisite. It’s from Monsoon and it looks more expensive than it actually was.”
5. CHAIR “I love this French style chair from Laura Ashley. I chose the colour to match the rest of the room.”
6. RUG “I bought this expensive Chinese rug from Harrods. It creates a more homely feel on my wooden floors.”
JACQUELINE'S STYLE TIPS
* Don’t be afraid to be unusual! Try putting a chandelier and ornate mirror in the bathroom.
* Coordinate but don’t match every item of furniture, otherwise it will look too contrived.
* Start with the curtains when furnishing a room. Pick a fabric, then design and build from there.
* Pay attention to detail, that’s what people notice. For example add glass droplets to a lampshade..
Words: Olivia Buxton. Photography: Lancton. Stylist: Lorraine McCullouch. Hair and Make-Up: Gary Cockerill.
*calls to Sport Relief cost no more than 4p per min from BT landlines, 6p minimum charge, other operator and mobile rates may vary
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ANNA RYDER RICHARDSON (FEBRUARY 03)
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