Kate Sumner photographed by Max Miechowski in Hampstead Heath.

Actress and director Kate Sumner discusses finding balance in small rituals and the joy of open spaces. Kate sat down to talk to us about being a new mother, shared her tips for daily grounding rituals, and reflected on the magic of Hampstead Heath.

What’s your favourite morning ritual?
Morning coffee! I drink decaf since having my son, but the ritual of making my coffee with coconut milk is something that anchors me.
How do you find your balance?
Finding balance as a mother of a young baby is challenging; obviously, my son is always at the top of the list in terms of daily priorities. There are a few simple things I do to recharge on busy days. While my husband cares for our son, having some time to myself to go for a walk is essential. I live right on Hampstead Heath and having it on my doorstep is the most incredible saviour.
SALONI

"The beauty of Hampstead Heath is that there aren't any signposts, there’s no fixed route as such, the Heath shows itself to you when you're ready. I find new paths all the time."- Kate Sumner

Tell us about your Hampstead gems…
I love to go to the Hollybush Pub, and my favourites include their Sunday roast or fish and chips!
Hampstead has a maze of little streets and alleys, I never get tired of walking and exploring them, each time making new discoveries. I love that it feels like a little village, even stepping outside my door, I always bump into someone, and it has that lovely feeling where you can stop and chat with your neighbours.

What are the most important things in your life?
 My family and my friendships are central; I try to nourish them as much as I possibly can. Culturally, the things that make me most happy are being in nature, live music and theatre. Then there is my work. When I’m working on something I really love I find that to be incredibly nourishing and important for my soul.

Kate Sumner photographed by Max Miechowski in Hampstead Heath.

"My family and my friendships are central; I try to nourish them as much as I possibly can. Culturally, the things that make me most happy are being in nature, live music and theatre. "

Tell us about becoming a mother..
I always knew I was going to be a mother. It feels very natural to be a Mom, it hasn't been a big shock to my system, I feel I have arrived in a place I always knew I would, and it's a content feeling. It’s also made me reset my priorities; I don’t worry about the small stuff any more.
Favourite thing you do with your son?
I love reading to my son and it’s also been very nostalgic to read him books like Each, Peach, Pear, Plum that I myself read as a child. One of his favourite books is about a little bear, and the front cover has a bear with a tactile fluffy tummy. No matter where we get to in the book, each time he insists on turning right back to the front page to rub the fluffy belly!
SALONI

"Finding balance as a Mother of a young baby is challenging; obviously, my son is always at the top of the list in terms of daily priorities. There are a few simple things I do to recharge on busy days."

Kate Sumner photographed at home by Max Miechowski in Lea Long Dress in Lantana Aquatic.

Saloni and you share a special friendship. How did you two meet?
I have known Saloni for 17 years, from the moment we met, we had an instant connection. She lived near my Mom in London, so over the years I would see her a lot. She also stayed with me when I lived in LA, and it was lovely to share my world there with her. One day, we went vintage shopping. Saloni is so creative and always designing in her head, and it was so fun to watch her in the middle of that creative process.
Any time with Saloni is a good time. There is always fun or a great conversation. I feel very inspired and energised whenever I spend time with her, and excited about life; her spirit is very infectious.

Congratulations! you just got married..

My husband Max and I have friends from all over the world, and different parts of our lives. It was surreal and quite wonderful to bring so many of them together for our wedding in Sicily, and very touching that they would take time out of busy lives and travel all that way to celebrate with us.

How do you like to dress?
Comfort is really important, as is practicality and feeling good in what I’m wearing. I tend to dress more femininely in the summer. It's quite playful, I live in a little mini skirt or a long skirt, I wear a lot of white in summer. I want to feel comfortable. If it's hot, I don’t want to feel restricted by my clothes. Feeling elegant and put together, no matter what, is key.
SALONI

Kate Sumner photographed by Max Miechowski in Hampstead Heath.

SALONI

Kate Sumner photographed by Max Miechowski in Hampstead Heath.