Grace: The Story Behind the Design
Discover the inspiration, process, and care behind one of our most beloved designs.
At the studio, every design has a story. Each sketch, each trial, each choice of fabric is the result of thought, care, and creativity. Today, I want to share the story behind Grace — a design that quietly became the foundation for everything that followed in our collection.
Finding Inspiration in Nature
Grace was inspired, as many of my designs are, by nature. I am fortunate to live near a vast park, where centuries-old oak trees stand proudly. Walking among them is a daily pleasure — and after years, I never tire of watching them transform with the seasons.
For the longest time, I saw these trees as strong and masculine. Perhaps it was their stature or their deep roots. But one autumn morning, as I walked my dogs beneath their branches, everything changed.
The leaves were falling — softly, almost dancing as they drifted to the ground. Their colours were delicate, their shapes rounded, elegant, and gentle. There were no harsh lines, no bright clashes — just quiet grace. That moment shifted my perspective: these mighty oaks were not only strong, but also feminine. And Grace was born.
From Sketch to Tablecloth
The idea first took shape as a tablecloth. Finding the right linen was essential: soft to the touch, with a beautiful drape, yet strong enough to endure many gatherings around the table. There were multiple trials, adjustments, and refinements — the process was as much about patience as creativity.
Soon after, requests came for fabric by the metre. After a few subtle tweaks, Grace evolved into the versatile design we offer today. In many ways, this design grew organically, just as the inspiration had.
The Details That Make Grace Special
Grace is a design built on nuance and care:
- Colour: Nearly twenty shades of pink blend seamlessly with soft off-whites, capturing the delicacy of the original sketches.
- Texture: The background has a layered, almost antique feel, giving the design depth and character.
- Style: Without planning it, Grace became a harmonious mix of contemporary lines and classic elements — a reflection of the balance I always seek in my work.
These details are what make Grace more than just a fabric — they are a story woven into every fibre.
Why Grace Matters
Am I proud of Grace? Absolutely. She may not be perfect, and she may not suit everyone’s taste, but she was the design that gave me the courage to take the next step in my career. She is the stepping stone that led to all the designs that followed and the ones yet to come.
Every design at the studio starts with inspiration, but it’s honed through trial, care, and attention to detail. Grace embodies that philosophy — from idea to final product, she reflects the care and thought behind every creation.
See Grace for Yourself
If you would like to explore Grace — as a tablecloth or printed fabric by the metre — click here to discover her fully. Now that you know her story, I hope you will see her not just as a design, but as the culmination of inspiration, hard work, and love for what we do in the studio.
Oak tree photo by Simon Wilkes on Unsplash
