I recently heard from the inspiring Sophie Rowell of 'Cote de Folk' who creates the most incredible interiors. Read some of our chat below, I hope you enjoy it!
Sophie Rowell designs environments that enhance our lives and day-to-day experience. She believes that our environment has the power to encourage our well-being and sense of self in the world. Sophie works with you to hone your vision into a home that is a true expression of you and your family. Clients often say that she has given them the home they have always wanted.
Sophie was an Art Director and Fashion Stylist for 22 years working with leading brands across the world. After transforming a Georgian-listed property into a beautiful home for her family, her raw passion for interiors was ignited!
Sophie has been acknowledged as a ‘rising star’ in interior design. Her work has been featured in Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Elle Decoration, House & Garden, Elle Decoration, Living etc, Grazia, Stylist, The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Times.
Sophie Rowell (pictured above)
Firstly, what attracts you to vintage textiles?
I think the uniqueness of them, knowing you’ll never see them again anywhere else.
How do you go about incorporating them into your work?
In all manner of ways - from throw cushions to whole sofas and antique chairs to bespoke headboards.
How best to display them?
For longevity I would take them to a good framer, hanging them openly attracts a lot of dust and they can fade over time.
Where to start when using vintage textiles? Can they inspire a whole scheme?
They can indeed, in a recent project, my own kitchen, I knew I wanted some purple fabric but was struggling to find any. I then happened upon some amazing chintz with purples and greens and yellows at an antique fair it has set the scheme for my new seating area.
Unique creative ways of working with vintage textiles Suzanis & Kanthas? What inspired that famous sofa?!
I love working with Kanthas especially. Each one is so unique and each side different, offering such versatility. I used to sell them in my shop and have an amazing contact in Kerala, India, which holds a special place in my heart - I love it there. I used 3 different Kanthas in blue tones to create the base and back of 'that' bespoke sofa, then a 1960’s stripe for the cushions.