TV PRESENTER NATALIE PINKHAM SAYS HER FLAT WOULD BE A TOTAL TIP – IF SHE WAS EVER HOME

She spends most of the year jetting across the Atlantic and living out of a suitcase, so it’s no surprise that when TV and radio presenter Natalie Pinkham gets back to London, she likes to unwind in her two-bed luxury flat.

“I adore New York, especially as my boyfriend lives there, but London is my home,” says Natalie.

“There’s nothing better than sitting on my balcony with my flatmate, LBC radio presenter Jim Davis, enjoying a glass of wine and watching the starlings flying round.”

Natalie, 29, was one of the first people to move into the Wandsworth block when it was built two years ago.

“It was a bit scary – I was the only person in the building for ages.

"It was very quiet and I could hear every creak.

"Some days it felt like something out of The Shining!” she laughs.

It’s easy to see how Natalie, who’s good friends with Princes William and Harry, has been influenced by her visits to New York, where her boyfriend Trent Fraser, a wine estate manager, lives.

Her Manhattan styling is most evident in her sitting room, which has neutral tones, wooden floorboards and floor-to-ceiling windows.

“I love the Big Apple loft apartment look,” she says.

“I like minimalist décor because it is really stylish and practical too, given that I’m hardly ever here.”

Natalie, who starred in this year’s Dancing On Ice, admits it’s Jim who’s there full-time and keeps the place looking tidy.

“He’s the neat one,” she laughs.

“Jim’s so domesticated while I’m so messy, which makes me look good when we’re entertaining.”

So have either of the princes been to the apartment for a Pinkham house party?

“I’m not telling you that!” Natalie giggles.

Natalie and her mum Joy have launched the charity KidsAid, to help bereaved and abused children through play therapy. For information visit Kidsaid.org.uk or call 0845 280 2146.

1. FAN “The flat has a glass front so it’s always warm. I use the fan in summer because it can be like a greenhouse in here. It was £20 from B&Q (0845 609 6688).”

2. CANDLESTICKS “These are from an antiques shop in Northamptonshire near where my parents live. I love candles and like to take a bath surrounded by tealights.”

3. MIRROR “I was about to dump my ex when he bought me this from a north London antique market. I had to stay with him a bit longer!”

4. SOFA “I bought this sofa bed from Ikea (0845 358 3364). It’s great when I have guests staying over.”

5. SHELF UNIT “I’m a bookworm – I enjoy political titles. This bookcase from Habitat (0844 499 1111) keeps them neat.”

 

NATALIE'S STYLE TIPS

* Brighten up a neutral room with coloured cushions and curtains.
* Don’t keep all your photos hidden in an album – frame them and hang on your walls.
* If you can, spend a bit extra on bespoke furnishings. My £1,500 curtains were well worth the money.

 

Words: Claie Wilson. Photography: Lancton. Hair and make-up: Caroline Piasecki at Time. Compiled by Sally Gillam

 

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