We are thrilled to have Elizabeth Hay in the spotlight seat this time - I am a huge admirer of her work and love the way she incorporates vintage textiles into her designs. Elizabeth grew up in the South West of England, the U.S.A and Kenya. Following university she lived in London for 8 years working in interior design for Sibyl Colefax first and then for Veere Grenney, before relocating to Singapore in 2013 where she lived for 11 years. Elizabeth’s international upbringing, in addition to living in South East Asia for over a decade, has hugely influenced her work which has a well travelled, global feel. Through her work and travels over the past 20 years, Elizabeth has carefully built up a network of trusted suppliers and craftsmen across the world to help her to create the high quality interiors that both she and her clients expect.
How do you go about incorporating vintage textiles into your work?
There are so many ways we use them in our projects, on ottomans, headboards, framed as art, made into cushions, or just draped over the back of the sofa.
How best to display them?
It depends upon how delicate the fabrics are. Light fastness should also be considered if they’re being used in an area which receives a lot of sunlight. Recently, we used transparent, UV filtering, perspex box frames to display a large collection. If light isn’t an issue and they are a robust weave you can stretch them and frame them like a picture or make them into cushions or use on the top of an ottoman.
Where to start when using vintage textiles? Can they inspire a whole scheme?
I usually work on a scheme first and then consider what vintage textiles I could include to add that extra layer. But they can absolutely be the starting point and focal piece that inspires a room’s entire design if it is a special piece.
Unique creative ways of working with vintage textiles?
Recently, I worked with a client who had a magnificent collection of vintage textiles, which she sold in Liberty for many years. We incorporated these into our design and much of her collection is now displayed on the staircase's double height wall. Another lovely way to use them is on upholstered curtain pelmets. I have a really special Indian piece I am using as a little curtain pelmet in my daughter’s room in our new UK house. It has such a fun shape and immediately I knew I wanted to use it as a fun shaped pelmet.
Why do you love working with vintage textiles?
All the vintage textiles in our collection I have sourced personally on my travels to countries such as Bhutan, Japan, Sumba and India. I have visited the villages where textiles like these are and were handwoven, and for me that connection is so important because I know the story and history behind the pieces. I feel passionate about using them in our projects. I also love working with vintage textiles because they add one-of-a-kind layers of beauty and character wherever they’re used. They are great in adding that extra layer to a room and help to achieve an eclectic/lived in feel that I love to create in our interiors.
Why would you recommend others to work with vintage textiles?
I’d recommend working with vintage textiles because there is such joy to be found in sourcing and giving fresh life to antique pieces. Each piece is unique and special and tells a story.
What would your top 3 tips be for anyone looking to start using vintage textiles?
1. Research where the pieces are from and have an understanding of who weaved them and their history. You will enjoy them so much more if you do this.
2. Make sure to check the quality carefully, there is a risk that antique or vintage textiles can be damaged and worn. A reputable seller should list this when selling the item.
3. Don’t be afraid to actually use the pieces rather than squirreling them away in a cupboard!! They are better displayed on a cushion or an ottoman for everyone to enjoy rather than hidden away!
