The designer on her favourite artists, giving gifts and her John Lewis collaboration

Danish artist Anine Cecilie Iversen worked as a graphic designer until she began to “long for the analogue”, and pivoted to life as a painter. Today, her romantic florals have attracted a world-wide audience, and are at the heart of a new collaboration with John Lewis. Look out for the Tulip Garden print, inspired by Iversen’s Scandi childhood. “It feels like all my summer memories boiled down to a pattern,” she says.

COPENHAGEN OR LONDON?

Copenhagen. It’s my hometown and I love that it’s small and easy to navigate.

LAKE OR BEACH?

I live on a small island, Zealand, surrounded by the sea, and I find it very calming whenever I visit the beach here. It’s beautiful in every season, from summer to cold, icy winter.

PEONIES OR POSIES?

Peonies are some of my favourite flowers because of their rich red and pinks, and almost sculptural shapes from bud to full bloom.

FRAMED OR UNFRAMED?

Framed. I think the right framing really can elevate almost any piece of art.

HENRI MATISSE OR PICASSO?

Matisse! Since I was young my family and I would visit museums in Europe, and I remember being fascinated with his vibrant colours. I still am.

CLASSIC GALLERY OR MODERN POP-UP?

Modern pop-up. I like it when art is allowed to be less pretentious and more playful.

MAXIMALISM OR MINIMALISM?

Neither one nor the other: I love a balance right in between.

NIGHT IN OR NIGHT OUT?

Night in, because there is nothing I cherish more than having the time to cook from scratch and inviting family and friends over.

PLAN IT OR WING IT?

I prefer having a plan, but always with room to be spontaneous and follow my intuition.

SUNSHINE OR RAIN?

Sunshine always brightens my mood.

TIDY HOME OR BEAUTIFUL MESS?

Beautiful mess: I love being surrounded by my favourite objects and art supplies, and creating an inspiring (slightly messy) environment at home.

DOGS OR CATS?

My dog, Fanny, is the best little brown furball I know.

BUY A GIFT OR GIVE A GIFT?

I love putting the thought into finding something special for the person receiving it.

GROUP CHAT OVERSHARER OR GROUP CHAT LURKER?

Group chat lurker mostly – unless it’s my closest friends and family!