One Last Thing: Kelly Hoppen on her motorbike experience in Tulum, the weirdness of TikTok and more

The South Africa-born British interior designer and author answers The National's quick-fire questions

Kelly Hoppen is a South African-born British interior designer, author and former 'dragon' on the BBC's Dragons' Den. Photo: Venni

Many will be familiar with Kelly Hoppen’s impeccable “East meets West” taste in interiors. An early advocate of calm neutrals mixed with gold, Hoppen has helped style a generation of homes, including putting her mark on UAE interiors.

A former “dragon” on the BBC reality show Dragons’ Den, her entrepreneurial spirit has earned Hoppen an MBE and CBE in the United Kingdom. She took time out of her busy schedule on a recent trip to Dubai to answer our questions.

What’s your favourite time of day and why?

Before anyone else wakes up. Like 5.36am. I have my hot water and lemon, my coffee, think about the day and then I’m ready for the gym.

What’s your favourite restaurant in the world?

Oh God, there are too many to choose from. One of my favourites right now is Dorian in London. It’s small, it’s cute, the food is amazing and they play fantastic music. Love it.

When was the first time you realised your parents were human?

It was probably when I was about eight. I was being told off and then, when I was making up with them, it was a realisation.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Oh, good one. I actually don’t want to grow up.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I can sing, but don’t tell anyone.

What’s your favourite book?

It would probably be Deepak Chopra’s SynchroDestiny, which I read many years ago. It changed my life very much.

A genre of music you can’t stand?

I love all music but, don’t shoot me, I cannot bear Abba.

What puts you in a bad mood?

Abba puts me in a bad mood.

What’s something you can’t live without?

I cannot live without my family.

Who would be your dream dinner guests?

Oh, all my friends are dream dinner guests. I was just thinking today how I cannot wait for New Year’s Eve to have all my favourite people around.

Sitting on the sofa or out with friends?

That’s tricky because I do love to sit on the sofa, but I also love to go out with friends.

Which smell takes you straight back to childhood?

Oh, my grandmother’s perfume, which was Arpege.

What city do you love but would hate to live in?

I don’t think I would hate to live in any city, but I love London the best.

Have you ever been on a motorcycle?

Yes, it was in Tulum in Mexico. It was the most amazing but the most frightening experience of my life. I will not be doing it again.

Any words to live by?

Live life to the full.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

I’ve normally got a list of those. Overcrowded rooms with things that just make me feel suffocated.

Do you believe in aliens?

I believe there is definitely something out there. I don’t know if it’s aliens, but I do believe that there has gotta be something, yes.

Do you have a favourite Arabic word?

I don’t have a favourite Arabic word, but now that you’ve asked me, I’m going to find one today.

How do you take your tea?

I take my tea black.

Can you play a musical instrument?

I can play the piano badly, but I can play it.

What’s the most niche thing you watch on YouTube?

I don’t really watch YouTube. I’m more on TikTok and I sort of get slightly drawn into old comedy that makes me laugh because I like to be uplifted.

What makes you cry?

Actually, what makes me cry is laughter, so I can cry with laughter. Or if I’m watching a soppy film – that will make me cry.

What do social media algorithms think that you’re interested in?

Well, that’s a fascinating one, because if I talk about anything for enough time in a day, the algorithm will pick up on it. Mostly it’s about fitness, which I am into.

TikTok or Instagram?

I love Instagram and I have an amazing following there. Now, after all the years that I’ve been doing what I’m doing, I’m told I have to go on TikTok and do things. It just feels a bit weird.

What about you would surprise people?

I watched Love Island.

What was the last thing you did for the first time?

I started playing cards, which I’ve never done in my entire life. I love it. All my friends have started playing cards and so I’m playing rummy and things like that. Then I play other card games with my grandson. I’m obsessed now.