Relaxing with Chiara Tomasoni

First of all, congratulations on the new addition to your family! How has motherhood been treating you so far?

Thank you! This first month of motherhood has been magical, from the stress-free home birth, to adjusting to a slower pace of life, I've enjoyed it all and am treasuring every tiny moment and every tiny little change I notice.

Observe nature. Nothing flowers 365 days a year, everything needs time to rest, hibernate, to take a break - and so should we.

What’s a typical morning like for you now, living in rural Devon with a newborn?

We're yet to settle into an established routine but we know nothing will be the same again now there's three of us - we have to adjust to Elouise ‘s timings. So our mornings start early and feel both slow and incredibly fast at the same time! No matter how chaotic the morning is, we get up, make the bed, feed the cats, feed the chickens, make coffee, have breakfast… and then the day can properly start.

What drew you to life in the countryside - and what do you love most about it?

I grew up in a city but with a deep love for the sea and for greenery - so when the opportunity arose to move to beautiful Devon, it was an absolute no brainer and I haven't looked back since! The nature here is so varied and wild, very untouched in some places, which is my favourite thing about it. And the people are kind, friendly, it seems like everyone’s got time for you - it's great.

You’ve mentioned a love for foraging - what are your favourite things to forage for and how do you like to use them?

We are big mushroom lovers and nothing quite tops spotting a cluster of chanterelles, but we also love marsh samphire in the summer, which we pick by the estuary where sea beet and sea purslane also grow. Oh and can't forget about all the wild fruit - blackberries, slows, cherry plums, Samson's, crab apples … they make the best spirits and preserves!

How has your cooking evolved since being on MasterChef?

I've been inspired by so many of my fellow competitors. My cooking is still very much radicated in great local ingredients, bold flavour and lots of fermentation and preservation, but the TV show definitely introduced me to lots of fine dining techniques that I've incorporated in my repertoire - although I haven't quite picked up a pair of chefs tweezers yet!

You’ve recently tried our linen bedding - how have you found it, and what do you enjoy most about sleeping in natural fibres?

The natural feel and look of it is my favourite thing. I'm Italian and I absolutely adore linen for all things clothes, kitchen towels but also bedding. And this set is wonderful as it feels both luxurious and simple whilst looking effortlessly elegant at the same time.

How does your bedding or sleep environment support the sense of calm and comfort you’ve created at home, especially during this new chapter of motherhood?

I wasn't quite ready for how much time you spend in your bed when you've got a month-old baby! So the environment we sleep in is certainly hugely important. It influences our state of mind, so we try and keep it clean, tidy, aesthetically pleasing and comfortable.

Do you have a daily or weekly rhythm that helps you stay grounded?

I'm readjusting my rhythm every day at the moment. But my non-negotiables are certainly movement, time spent outside, cooking healthy & nourishing food and spending quality family time.

What does sustainability mean to you on a personal level?

To me, it's having as little negative impact as possible. Producing less rubbish, reusing materials, buying second hand, buying more consciously, supporting small local businesses that do good things, growing and rearing our own food, teaching others about eating, cooking and living sustainably - and learning every day!

Could you share a few simple, sustainable swaps that have made a difference in your home?

We really embrace hand-me-downs, secondhand and charity shopping and it means we can give items a second life - and the treasures we find are both affordable and one-of-a-kind! We also grow most of the veg we eat. We're lucky to have a kitchen garden and a couple chickens but it's amazing how much you can produce even just on a balcony or in small pots!

What does comfort at home look like for you?

I love clean, open, airy spaces that feel free from clutter yet homely and full of life and memories.

How do you unwind at the end of the day?

I am a huge fan of yoga and extra hot baths, but I also enjoy a little sit-down with Connor in the garden, perhaps over a glass of something and with a side of crisps!

What do you love most about growing your own vegetables?

They are infinitely more delicious than anything you'll ever buy and the reward you get when you pull out a home-grown fennel bulb (my absolute favorite!) or tart juicy gooseberries, or even a humble little potato, is simply unbeatable! Watching it go from seed, to a rooted down seedling, to plant, then to flower and finally to food, it's an incredible process.

What role does sleep play in your overall wellbeing - especially now as a mum?

I'm a woman who needs her sleep and being a new mum has certainly taught me that our bodies are much more resilient and stronger than we think - but sleep is crucial to how I function so I need to make sure that those few hours I get every night, however interrupted are quality sleep, that's restorative and restful.

Are there any seasonal rituals or routines you particularly look forward to?

This year we're going to have an Italian style tomato harvest day, where we'll process our tomatoes into passata, puree and preserves. And I absolutely can't wait!!! Tomatoes are definitely up there with the most rewarding vegetables (or fruit even) you can grow.

What’s something you’ve learned from the land you live on?

That rain is necessary and we should embrace the dreary and wet days as much as the sunny ones!

How do you balance creativity, work, and family life?

I'm lucky enough that my work is inherently creative so I weave those two worlds together daily. I can't wait for Connor and I to be able to involve little Elouise in our cooking and growing so her creative juices can start flowing from really young!!

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone wanting to live more slowly and intentionally?

Observe nature. Nothing flowers 365 days a year, everything needs time to rest, hibernate, to take a break - and so should we, and we should embrace these pauses and see them as productive rather than feeling stagnant.

Is there a scent, sound, or object in your home that instantly soothes you?

The smell of mint and lemon verbena. Making tea with these herbs and a little honey is a simple ritual we have every evening before bed. the simple smell of their fragrance makes me relax and unwind.

Lastly, what’s your idea of a perfect slow Sunday?

Definitely cuddles in bed, swiftly followed by making coffee, putting music on, having a big breakfast sat in the sunshine. A long nature walk involving some foraging is a firm Sunday favourite too, and a hearty family dinner to follow, made with our garden produce.

Follow Chiara @chiara__tomasoni