5 MINUTES WITH… Villa Nova’s Hayley McAfee

Textile and wallpaper brand Villa Nova’s design director reveals the influences behind the company’s contemporary designs, and the top trends to look out for this year

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND HOW YOU BECAME DESIGN DIRECTOR AT VILLA NOVA…

I’ve worked at The Romo Group, a brilliant British, family-run company, for 25 years. I initially joined as a textile design graduate and after two years, moved to the Villa Nova studio, where I worked my way up to design manager and then director. I’ve always had a passion for design and textiles – even as a young child I’d memorise precisely how people’s houses were decorated. I’ve been lucky enough to play a key role in shaping the identity of the brand and will continue to be responsible for its creative vision, along with a talented team of designers, who have such a breadth of weaving and printing knowledge.

WHAT’S THE ETHOS BEHIND THE BRAND?

We create modern, versatile and affordable fabrics and wallcoverings that, crucially, are really easy to use in any home. Our studio produces forward-thinking designs with fashion-focused colour palettes that gently evolve with each new launch. You can choose from a range of distinctive and eclectic printed fabrics, embroideries, decorative weaves, sheers and wallcoverings, all complemented by a spectrum of plain and semi-plain weaves. Each new collection is carefully co-ordinated to allow new and existing designs to be used together to create a unique and flexible scheme.

WHERE DO THE DESIGNERS TAKE

THEIR INSPIRATION FROM?

There are so many sources to choose! It could be from nature, emerging fashion trends, travel and exhibitions, through to new techniques we’ve found in developing our fabrics and wallpapers. We gather ideas through sketches, photographs, collages and artwork and experiment with new ways of making them come to life. As textile designers, we’re always on the lookout for inspiration – it becomes second nature to us – and sometimes it derives from the most surprising of places, such as the distressed walls or beautiful doors of an Indian village.

HAVE YOU SEEN A CHANGE IN THE WAY WE DECORATE

OUR HOMES OVER THE PAST DECADE?

There have been so many evolutions in design over the previous 10 years, from innovation in materials, to a resurgence of pattern and colour, resulting in plains and neutral colours taking a surprising back seat. We’ve also seen a growth in the use of wallcoverings, from wallpapering all four walls, to a lot of experimenting with feature walls. In the past year or so, I’ve witnessed a growing trend for murals that bring an artistic statement to walls.

AND YOUR PREDICTION FOR THE MOST POPULAR

FABRIC AND WALLCOVERING TRENDS FOR 2020?

I’m expecting a growing love affair with nature-inspired fabrics and wallcoverings, and a movement towards natural scenes and interiors that inspire a tranquil and slower pace of living.

The simplicity and poise of the Japanese aesthetic will also have an important influence on design, especially with the Olympics in Tokyo casting a focus on the country and its culture. The growing concern over the environment is also having a big impact on design and ‘disposable’ trends. People now want to invest in key pieces that have longevity and a timeless, adaptable appeal.