Shifts of the Season, Stripes & Stories from London

…That is what I am writing about in this month’s newsletter! 

As we turn the page into October, the air feels just a little crisper, the light a little softer, and the pace of our days a touch more intentional. It’s that in-between moment — where late summer warmth still lingers, yet autumn’s presence can’t be ignored. It’s my most favourite time of year. I love the need for layers both at home and in my wardrobe and feeling a little chill when I walk Reba in the morning.I like that dusk comes earlier, inviting us to turn in sooner. 

This month’s newsletter is a reflection of this time of year and the layers we see and wear: a mix of pattern and play as I share my enduring love of stripes, a touch of travel inspiration from a recent trip to London.

Thank you for reading along!! 

For The Love of Stripes

Stripes are one of those timeless patterns that never lose their charm — in fashion or in interiors. 

Most days you’ll find me in a striped shirt; it’s my quiet uniform, a pattern that feels both classic and fresh. I love weaving that same sensibility into our designs. A simple ticking stripe on a bed skirt, a pillow, or a window blind can add just the right balance of subtlety and structure. They ground a room without overwhelming it, as the stripe on the chair above shows us. 

Nothing beats a classic striped staircase runner – this is what I am currently seeking for my own home. I do love a good runner!!

Stripe on stripe paired with a delicious custard yellow trim in this kitchen would make me never want to leave home, who knows I might even take up cooking!

Recently, while meeting with a sales rep, we were both ooh-ing and aah-ing over a book of striped fabrics only to look up and discover that we were both wearing striped shirts. 

Proof, perhaps, that stripes have an enduring pull — quietly stylish, never out of place, and always ready to complement whatever they’re paired with. I adore the whole mix on show above – brought to you from the perfectly paired back French fashion house Sezane. 

A September Trip to London

Last month Cristina and I joined Christopher Farr Cloth on their design field trip to London, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. 

I went a few days to early to do some sourcing and spend a whole day immersed in beauty and texture at Chelsea Harbour Design Centre. In my humble opinion it is the most loveliest of design centers in the world. There are beautiful showrooms with lots of natural daylight and great places to dine and snack! They understand hospitality and service, and deliver both in spades. I did pick up a lot of new sampling which we are adding to our sample galleries in the studio. 

Over the course of six days with Christopher Farr Cloth, we were welcomed into spaces that few get to experience — from a private tour of the Wallace Collection and the Grayson Perry exhibition, to a private lunch with the team from Kit Kemp and Christopher Farr Cloth at Ham Yard (see above).

There were moments of pure inspiration everywhere: learning about the artistry of Ivo Prints (I now want to take up screen printing), my apron is shown above!! Being led through the grand rooms of Syon House by Lady Caroline Percy herself. Evenings brought their own magic, whether at the World of Interiors party at The Serpentine Gallery in Hyde Park or dining at 50 Cheyne Walk and Oswalds.

Tea and cake at Beata Heuman’s studio in Hammersmith followed by a bit of in studio shopping made for a lovely afternoon.

Travel always has a way of reminding me why design matters — it connects, uplifts, and sparks new ways of thinking. London was a perfect reminder of that, and I’ve returned with a notebook full of ideas and an even deeper appreciation for the creativity this industry inspires.

 This month brings starts to three new projects – two for repeat clients – we always love being asked back. I’m editing my closets at home and find I am doing the same at the studio. I love a good declutter!!

I look forward to connecting with you on our socials, in person or in the journal next month, thank you, as always, for reading.

Warmly,

Gillian (in her striped dress!)

Credits, images, musings and some more contents of my head.

Trio of header images from left to right 1. photo by Gillian of the staircase at Beata Heuman’s studio featuring a de Gournay wall panel, 2. A striped nook in our clients kitchen 3 a striped shirt and cord jacket by Smythe. Images 4 – 6 Striped staircase runner and upholstery found on Pinterest. Sources unknown.Images 7 Striped Shirt from Sezane 8. Striped wool jacket Loewe Remaining images by Gillian taken on her trip to London.