EYE ON DESIGN
Rebecca Craig, head of design at Sanderson, discusses the enduring appeal of the brand’s floral designs as it launches its One Sixty collection
Tell us about the Sanderson One Sixty collection
It’s 160 years since Arthur Sanderson began selling a unique style of wallpaper from his showroom in London’s Soho Square. In the decades that followed, Sanderson rose to become one of the most influential names in interior design. Our latest collection, Sanderson One Sixty, is a celebration of iconic design; a compilation of favourite wallpapers and fabrics. Famous florals and countryside-inspired motifs have been reimagined into a distinctive colour palette that sees statement brights alongside a range of classic colourways. Premium surfaceprinted wallpapers, plush velvets, smart cottons and unbleached linens retain Sanderson’s craftsmanship, with many iconic designs, such as Rose & Peony, Hollyhocks and Amanpuri, translated into wallpaper for the first time.
What’s the enduring appeal of Sanderson florals? Florals are a signature look for Sanderson. Many of our designs have a nostalgic air, remembered from childhood days and family homes. Capturing the wonder of nature, they continue to bring beauty into people’s lives, with new versions of classic designs combining modern country living with a timeless and undeniably British feel. One of our most recognisable designs is Rose & Peony, which was launched as a wallpaper in 1914, before being released as a printed fabric in 1930. By the 1960s it had been produced in 28 colourways and it remains one of our most loved designs. Hollyhocks is another classic Sanderson design; taken from a 1937 archive document, it has been beautifully refreshed in an array of new wallpaper and fabric colourways.
What inspired the new colourways?
A number of things came together that led to the new colourations. Recently we’ve seen a real shift from greys and minimal uses of colour to the desire for dark grounds and multicoloured pattern – the perfect tonic for lifting the spirits and creating a more individual style. The One Sixty launch is all about celebrating our most-loved patterns and colourways, but we also wanted to appeal to a wider audience by showcasing how the designs could be transformed to work in contemporary settings. Sanderson designer Jessica Clayworth and I worked closely on the collection, with Jess’ free and brave approach to colouring helping to create incredible combinations.