Inside the home of Dr Ranj, Furniture Village Sleep and Wellness Ambassador

Describe your interiors style in three words.

Clean, cosy, chic.

Your property ladder journey: how did you go from renting to buying?

I rented in the area for several years before deciding to settle in South West London. I’d had my eye on the development I live in for quite some time, but it was always tricky as I live by myself so getting onto the property ladder wasn’t easy. One day I decided just to check out the new building and found out they offered a shared ownership scheme. So I jumped on it and it all just fell into place really. It’s honestly been one of the best moves I’ve ever made. Buying has been cheaper than renting, and means that I can really put my stamp on the place!

What’s your favourite Furniture Village piece?

It’s got to be my Chennai dining table. I’ve always dreamed of having enough space to put a large table in and having people over for dinner. Now I finally can! Plus, I really like the fact that it’s made from salvaged Indian railway wood. That makes every table unique, and is a little nod to my heritage too.

When restrictions lift and you host your first dinner party at this table, what food will you serve?

I love tapas-style food… so lots of little dishes. Indian food lends itself really well to this. But what I’m really looking forward to is hosting Christmas dinner for my family. I have three little nephews now, so I’m hoping that next Christmas we’ll all be able to spend a bit of time together.

Sleep’s really important to you (and us!) Why did you choose this particular bed?

Sleep is hugely important - and I love my sleep! I chose a Sleepeezee Gel Touch 5000 mattress because I wanted the combination of support (I prefer firmer mattresses) with comfortability, and the layer of gel on the top does that perfectly.

Mattresses and beds are a bit of an investment, but I think this one is all-round really good value for money. I went for an ottoman base for a bit of extra storage, and had a bespoke wall-mounted headboard made from my friend and Interior Designer Derek Taylor. My friend recently described my room as a bridal suite for boys.

Which Instagram accounts do you love for interiors inspo?

There are some really fantastic Instagram accounts that I use for inspiration, such as @hesellicdesign, @rowenhomes and @misterjameslondon. My friend Fameed Khalique has a business which sources amazing interiors and materials (@khaliquelondon) and supplied some awesome wall coverings for my new place. His stuff is just incredible and he’s furnished some of the best hotels in the world.

On a scale of 1-10, how excited are you for your stage show Scrubs to Sparkles?

Can I say 11? It was a fantastic night and a dream-come-true opportunity for me. We had some incredible people involved such as Judge Rinder, Janette Manrara, Faye Tozer, Jenny Ryan, Hayley Tamaddon and Gethin Jones who were all spectacular. But for me, the most important thing was that we were doing it for charity and to give back to the theatre community that has been hit so hard by the pandemic.

You’re a very busy man. What does relaxation look like to you?

Snuggling on the sofa in my onesie with a cuppa! Pop on a good movie or a box set and that’s perfect down time for me! Other than that, I’m usually running round like a headless chicken.

Best thing to happen to you this year?

Probably the birth of my newest nephew Veer. It’s been tough not being able to see him properly, but I’m hoping that will change very soon!

Follow Dr Ranj on Instagram and read his excellent Sleep Well Live Well advice for everything you need to know about a great night’s kip.