Quirky ceramics, Carey Mulligan and Greece: Lucy Williams's consuming passions
The content creator, and brand ambassador and consultant reveals why she loves stories about 'normal' people and the podcast she listens to on repeat.


Your aesthetic hero
John's Patmos home is available to rent via Villa Collective.
John Stefanidis’ Greek homes have always massively inspired me — they’re so beautifully layered, classic and unexpected all at once. He himself is incredible dapper too.
A book you've found inspiring
I mostly read fiction and always finish anything by Anne Tyler, Elisabeth Strout or Jonathan Franzen thinking about life a little differently.
The Stranding by Kate Sawyer is a book I still think about. It’s a story about hope when all seems lost and really shines a light on what we prioritise in day-to-day life. I love books and stories about seemingly ‘normal’ people with ordinary lives rather than any huge momentous events or achievements. Even the most outwardly ordinary person has had extraordinary experiences and I love novels that try and reflect that.
An exhibition that has really impressed you
I love getting to the Decorative Fair in London as much as I can. It’s on four times a year and there’s always a brilliant selection of sellers and antiques dealers — if I’m feeling stuck in a rut, it never fails to give me a bit of a boost of inspiration.
Your favourite painting
If I could own any painting it would be a piece by Rose Wylie or The Survivors by Antonia Showering. I’m also a huge fan of Andrew Cranston’s work — his paintings always make me feel comforted and nostalgic somehow.
What music do you work to?
If I really need to concentrate, I listen to nondescript coffee shop jazz music or white noise — it really helps me focus! Otherwise, I’m listening to a lot of Lorde, Sam Fender (above) and Royel Otis right now.
What possession would you never sell?
My leather jackets. I have two special ones from Isabel Marant and YSL and they just get better the older they get.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
What would you take to a desert island?
A Kindle for an endless supply of beach reads, Hu cashew butter chocolate, my husband and our dog Finn, SPF 50 and a vat of Oribe hair conditioner.
The best present you've ever received
My husband gave me a piece by Alma Berrow a few years ago. It’s a ceramic shell ashtray complete with ceramic cigarette butts and gold teeth in it! It never fails to get comments and laughs and makes me smile every time I see it. I’ve had a lot of outraged people see it in photos [on Instagram] and presume it’s real and get cross about it which always makes me laugh.
A hotel you could go back and back to
A post shared by Lucy Williams (@lucywilliams02)
A photo posted by on
There are so many! We just got back from Da Licensa in the Altenjo in Portugal. A small, beautiful hotel in the countryside with beautifully curated rooms full of vintage furniture sourced by the French owners. The nature, the peace and quiet and delicious breakfasts… I’m already excited for a return visit. Guana Island and Jumby Bay in the Caribbean are two absolute favourites too. So different in every way, but both made us feel instantly relaxed and we left feeling entirely recharged and zen.
The last podcast you listened to
I listen to The Rest is Entertainment religiously so probably the latest episode of that. I’m a huge cinema and TV lover so I love the nerdy insights behind-the-scenes industry insights. They have brilliant patter too.
The last thing of note you bought yourself?
A big still life of delphiniums by the artist Haidee Becker. A very special piece that has transformed our kitchen.
Who would play you in a film about your life?
I’d like to think a blonde Carey Mulligan would be pretty great. An Education is an all-time favourite I’ve seen dozens of times.
What gets you up in the morning?
The cup of tea my husband brings me every day definitely helps! And my dog Finn.
Do you collect anything?
I have far too many clothes, but I’m not sure I can use collecting as an excuse. I definitely have a weakness for quirky ceramics, be it sculptures, ornaments or tableware. I can’t come back from a trip without a plate/bowl/jug wrapped up in my hand luggage.
I’m a sucker for anything roughly horse or dog shaped and have lots of ceramic fruit dotted around. We also always bring back fridge magnets from wherever we travel to which I have a real soft spot for.
Your most memorable meal
I always find the most memorable meals are probably the ones you might not expect. I went skidooing in Canada years ago on a press trip and managed to come off it round a corner which was thankfully funny more than anything else. By the time we got to the remote log cabin for breakfast we were all starving and freezing. Simple piles of fluffy pancakes, eggs, sausages and coffee in enamel mugs, but we were buzzing with adrenaline, it was dumping down with snow outside and felt like the best thing I’ve ever eaten in my life and I still remember it all perfectly!
Restaurant-wise, Cantina in Sifnos is definitely up for the seafood and sunsets, and I’ve never had a less than perfect mouthful at Osip in Bruton either. We went there the night before we got engaged and have the menu framed at home.
'Havens', a new rug collection designed by Lucy Williams in collaboration with Pelican House, is available to shop now. The range is inspired by three locations close to Lucy Williams’s heart: England, Wales, and Greece
Rosie is Country Life's Digital Content Director & Travel Editor. She joined the team in July 2014 — following a brief stint in the art world. In 2022, she edited the magazine's special Queen's Platinum Jubilee issue and coordinated Country Life's own 125 birthday celebrations. She has also been invited to judge a travel media award and chaired live discussions on the London property market, sustainability and luxury travel trends. Rosie studied Art History at university and, beyond Country Life, has written for Mr & Mrs Smith and The Gentleman's Journal, among others. The rest of the office likes to joke that she splits her time between Claridge’s, Devon and the Maldives.
-
The Talented Monsieur Mille: The haute horologist who stopped time is celebrated in a new book
A new coffee table book by Assouline celebrates one of today’s most daring and innovative watch brands.
-
Name that castle, and Robin Hood's day job: Country Life Quiz of the Day, June 18, 2025
From manatee flatulence to the first ATM, Wednesday's quiz asks the important questions.
-
The Talented Monsieur Mille: The haute horologist who stopped time is celebrated in a new book
A new coffee table book by Assouline celebrates one of today’s most daring and innovative watch brands.
-
How to stand out from the crowd in the most British of outfits — morning dress
Morning dress has remained largely unchanged since the 19th century, but breaking with convention can be chic.
-
'When it comes to dating, longer notes are allowed and potentially even encouraged': A modern-day guide to voice notes
Sophia Money-Coutts is the new Debrett's and she's here every Wednesday to set some modern etiquette wrongs, right.
-
Steve Backshall on sharks, quicksand, and getting his fingertips eaten by piranhas
The adventurer, broadcaster, scientist and writer Steve Backshall joins the Country Life podcast.
-
In pursuit of Nancy: Outrageous star Bessie Carter on bringing the Mitford family to life
The scion of acting royalty Imelda Staunton and Jim Carter reveals why she loved playing Nancy Mitford on screen and what it feels like to act opposite her mother on the stage.
-
David Beckham to guest edit Country Life
'I am looking forward to celebrating what the countryside means to me and my family,' says David Beckham as he gets ready to edit Country Life's issue of October 22, 2025.
-
Sophia Money-Coutts: How do you turn down another godchild without causing offence?
Sophia Money-Coutts is the new Debrett's and she's here every Wednesday to set some modern etiquette wrongs, right.
-
'I spent 84 years living in the countryside, and have just moved to a city. Here's what I've discovered.'
Charles Moseley has lived in a small village in Cambridgeshire for decades, but now he’s made the leap with his wife to the cathedral city of Ely, the subject of his latest book.