Apart from being quite the style savvy gal (after all, it's not for nothing that she's Style at Home's Design Editor and a guest expert on Citytv's CityLine) Samantha Pynn is one of my closest friends. And I have to tell you, anyone that can survive a marathon New York shopping trip with me is a real keeper (as long as we managed to hit Jaques Torres Chocolate a couple of times she was happy). As you might know Sam has been snapped up by HGTV to host her own show - Pure Design - which debuts Tuesday night at 8pm. The concept for the show is 'pretty but with a twist of green', so it's definitely on-par with Sam's real life and her own personal design philosophy (yes, she really does wash her floors with hot water and lavender oil). I thought it might be fun to put Sam on the spot and ask her a couple of questions -

AW: What drives you nuts when you walk into a space?

SP: Floor plans that revolve around the television - let's get back to conversation!

AW: And what's your current favourite colour combo?

SP: These days it's all about lavender and pale grey, but I'll always love all manner of blues and pinks - they'll always work for me. And, recently, touches of orange have been creeping into my work too; it's energetic and full of life.

AW: What's the next thing that you'd love for your your place?

SP: I've had my mind on a custom made octagonal ottoman, upholstered in hemp with a bronze nailhead detail. Textured and polished!

AW: Vintage or new in a space?

SP: It's all about a mix. Vintage is the best way to add personality and to do something unpredictable. Like finding an old wingback chair and covering it in a modern fabric, then painting out the legs in a bold colour. Add that chair to a room and you'll get a beautiful kind of tension with your new pieces, things get layered and sophisticated.

AW: What's next?

SP: I'm on my way to my favourite yoga class - It's one step at a time!