My Edinburgh: Interior designer Joelle Reid

Interior designer Joelle Reid is responsible for the recent interior revamp of the assembly rooms, she tells us why Edinburgh feels like home to her.

How long have you lived in the city?

Edinburgh has always felt like home. I was born and raised in the Scottish Borders but I feel like I grew up here.

What’s your favourite shop or service, and why?

Anthropologie on George Street is a beautiful shop, with home, life and fashion all under one roof. Space NK is another of my favourites, I can’t go in without buying something I can’t live without.

What’s your favourite (and least favourite!) piece of Edinburgh architecture?

I can appreciate how technically challenging the Scottish Parliament was to create, but aesthetically I find it awkward. It saddens me that Donaldson’s, one of Edinburgh’s most beautifully designed buildings, remains empty.

What’s your favourite old-fashioned boozer?

The Canny Man’s in Morningside – it takes quirky to a whole new level.

Which area of the city is your least favourite?

It’s not my least favourite but I hope Princes Street regains some of its old charm once the trams are up and running. Tollcross and Lothian Road could also benefit from a bit of a revamp.

What’s your favourite art gallery, cinema or theatre?

Dean Gallery for culture and the Dominion cinema for comfort.

Who is your local hero – alive or dead?

Sir Walter Scott – I have been working on the redevelopment of Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott, in Melrose, for the last two years and my keen interest in his life and achievements continues to inspire me.

What’s your favourite green space in or around the city?

The Hermitage is lovely, being there feels like you are in the heart of the countryside.

What’s your fantasy weekend break destination?

I have never been to Rome and there are hundreds of reasons why it is top of my list – architecture, art, food, sunshine and romance. What more could a girl ask for?

Have you been away on holiday recently?

We have just returned from Monaco which was as fabulous as I was anticipating. We stayed with my best friend Fiona and hired a scooter to go to all the small beautiful bays around the Cote d’Azur. It was magical, and Paloma beach was particularly special.

Describe Edinburgh in one short, sharp sentence.

You’d struggle to find a more beautiful, interesting, cultured, historic city in the world. But then I haven’t been to Rome yet!