I am thrilled to have Georgie Wykeham, GW Designs in the Spotlight, as I have been a huge fan for years. I love the way she tailors each project to the client, layering colour, texture and pattern alongside old and new furniture and textiles, to create contemporary interiors that look as if they have been there forever. She takes inspiration from traditional English country style and favours reusing, restoring and recovering existing pieces and buying second-hand wherever possible. This ethos helps to create harmonious, timeless and sustainable interiors, that reflect the character and passions of each client, rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all approach.
How do you go about incorporating vintage textiles into your work?
I try to include some vintage textiles in each project; either on a cushion, a suzani or a throw placed over the back of a sofa, or even hung as artwork or used for a lampshade. I also love bringing an old pair of curtains back to life.
Where to start when using vintage textiles? Can they inspire a whole scheme?
Absolutely, they can be the starting point or the item that pulls a finished scheme together and makes it unique. I always have a stash of vintage textiles in the office that I have purchased over time. With each project I see if they can be incorporated into our designs, or if the client has something which we can build upon. Vintage textiles always create a uniqueness and timeless quality to an interior.
Unique creative ways of working with vintage textiles?
There are many wonderful ways to work with vintage textiles including using them as wall hangings, cushions, ottomans, lampshades, window dressings - it really depends on what the textile is and how big it is!
Why do you love working with vintage textiles?
I love how they can throw a scheme off slightly, plus how totally unique they are and the magic they can bring to a room. I love the story behind them, the character, a nod to the past and often a personal story or memory for my clients to remember.
Why would you recommend others to work with vintage textiles?
Try to incorporate them to begin with in an easy simple way - on a cushion for example, or draped over the back of the sofa.
How do you select eco-friendly materials and products for your designs?
It is exciting to see a real shift in eco-friendly materials but in truth it is still often hard to be completely eco-friendly when selecting products for design jobs…. but wherever possible we try! We love working with companies who have UK mills or UK production to reduce the carbon footprint of products.
What steps do you take to minimize waste during the design and renovation process?
I am a BIG fan of reusing wherever we can on a project - so we will re-use sanitary ware, kitchens, sinks, taps, window dressings etc. If this is not possible we will try to re-sell or give a new lease of life to things. Likewise, we don’t always look to buy new for projects but try to source antiques and reclaimed pieces for projects.
How do you balance sustainability with aesthetic and functional requirements in your projects?
This varies from project to project but I think all clients now have a greater understanding of the importance of sustainability. I have just finished a fantastic Coach House renovation, where the clients were passionate about re-using as many of the original features as possible; re-purposing, re-upholstering existing furniture and buying very little new for the project. It was a fascinating and exciting project to work - on bringing pieces back to life and it did not impact the aesthetic of the design.
What advice would you give to homeowners who want to make their interiors more sustainable?
Don’t buy fast interiors, buy pieces that will last and stand the test of time and be timeless. Don’t be afraid to bring old pieces back to life and use antiques to create something personal and unique to you.
