On the Sofa with... Coco Cuscino

This month, we're On the Sofa with Leila Hackett, founder of Coco Cuscino. Leila has built a reputation for creating beautifully layered interiors that balance timeless elegance with a deeply personal approach. From bespoke soft furnishings to thoughtfully restored country homes, her work is rooted in craftsmanship, comfort and an eye for the details that make a house feel truly lived in.

​Q. Many of your projects feel nostalgic yet contemporary. How do you balance old-world character with modern living?

A. I live in a 16th-century Grade II listed hall house and grew up in old homes, so this is very much my world. Historic features speak for themselves, whether it's an inglenook fireplace, mullioned windows or original beams. Pair those with a beautiful contemporary piece and you have the perfect balance of heritage and modern living. I love mixing the very old with the very new to create spaces that feel elegant, unique and lived in.

Q. How do you want someone to feel when they walk into a room you've designed?

A. "Warm, calm and relaxed. I want every space to feel serene, beautiful and comfortable, where every detail has been considered but nothing feels forced."

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Q. When building a scheme, do you begin with a hero fabric, a palette or a mood?

A. "Always a mood, which then leads to a palette. I usually start with a feature in the room, such as a fireplace or window, and build the scheme from there."

Q. What draws you to Andrew Martin when designing a scheme?

A. "I've worked with Andrew Martin for many years and still love discovering each new collection. The fabrics strike a wonderful balance between timeless luxury, versatility and practicality."

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Q. Is there an Andrew Martin products you find yourself returning to?

A. "Canale String is a favourite, recently used for soft furnishings and blinds in one of our latest projects. I also love combining Monte Almond, Burlington, Wildcat and Huntsman Ivory, finished with Alezio Gold trim for an extra touch of luxury."

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Q. How do you stop a room from feeling overly designed?

A. "I choose pieces that blend effortlessly into a space. The Truman sofa is a perfect example. It's comfortable, relaxed and inviting. Combined with a few carefully chosen accessories, the result feels chic, effortless and easy to live with."

Q: Is there a hotel or house that completely changed the way you think about interiors?

A: I love the vibe in many of the carefully curated villas that we have stayed in at the Peligoni Club in Zakynthos, Greece. The relaxed vibe and beautiful blue and fresh white interiors just work perfectly as you overlook the Ionian Sea. There are so many other places I could mention that inspire me!

Q: What do you tend to collect when travelling - textiles, objects, books, antiques?

A: Whatever I can fit in my suitcase but I always bring some sort of treasure back. After many trips to Mauritius, I always brought back a small amount of sand from the Indian Ocean and a small jar of Ylang-Ylang oil to add to diffusers at home. The scent pours through the house and takes me right back to the beach in seconds.

Q: Which destination best reflects the Coco Cuscino world?

A: It has to be Italy - hence the name Cuscino (Italian for cushion). I love the whole vibe in Italy - the way people dress, eat and live.

Q: Where are you most inspired creatively: city, coast, countryside or somewhere in between?

A: I am most inspired creatively when I am outside in the countryside. It is here in nature that I belong! I feel at peace and love nothing more than walking for miles with my dog without seeing anyone and my creative head is on overdrive.

Q: Are there any particular places or cultures that continually inspire your work?

A: I do love the mountains, being outdoors and skiing. I feel inspired when I am visiting the beautiful interior design shops in The Alps and have loved furnishing ski chalets with our cushion collection, hides and accessories over the years.

Antique market or design fair? Both but if I had to choose, antique market!

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Fringe or piping? Fringe

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Italian villa or English country house? English country home

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Stripe or floral? Stripe

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Mood lighting or natural light? Natural light

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Maximalism or restraint? Restraint

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Velvet or linen? Linen