Dear Friends
I hope you have had a lovely summer. Last month I was lucky enough to interview interior designer Lisa Burdus for my new series, 'Decorating with vintage textiles.' This month I am thrilled to share the insights of Caroline Borgman. I am a huge fan of Caroline's work so I am delighted that she has agreed to answer some questions about vintage textiles. Caroline is an Oxfordshire based interior designer with a passion for creating beautiful country homes. She loves mixing colour, pattern and texture with old and new styles to create unique and practical living spaces.
Firstly, What attracts you to vintage textiles?
I’ve always been drawn to anything vintage and colourful due to it’s uniqueness. My grandmother used to drag us round antique shops when we were kids and I was always fascinated by colourful fabrics, textures and prints, which led to my love of vintage textiles.
How do you go about incorporating them into your work?
I try and add at least one colourful item into my schemes, whether it be a small printed silk lampshade or a colourful kantha throw.
How best to display them?
I love using kanthas to style and dress seating, but also love suzanis as they offer so much scope and can be used as wall hangings, or on the back of sofas or as bed throws to lift any space. So much so that you will see a few dotted around my own home!
Where to start when using vintage textiles? Can they inspire a whole scheme?
Yes they are often the starting point for my schemes and will lift any space. I love mixing old textiles together with new prints.
Inspire us.... with unique & creative ways of working with vintage textiles?
I’ve mentioned some examples above but I also use them to add interest on staircases by draping them over balustrades to add a pop of colour. Or mix a variety of printed cushions together on a bench. There are no hard or fast rules on using vintage textiles so be as creative as you want!
I’ve always been drawn to anything vintage and colourful due to it’s uniqueness. My grandmother used to drag us round antique shops when we were kids and I was always fascinated by colourful fabrics, textures and prints, which led to my love of vintage textiles.
How do you go about incorporating them into your work?
I try and add at least one colourful item into my schemes, whether it be a small printed silk lampshade or a colourful kantha throw.
How best to display them?
I love using kanthas to style and dress seating, but also love suzanis as they offer so much scope and can be used as wall hangings, or on the back of sofas or as bed throws to lift any space. So much so that you will see a few dotted around my own home!
Where to start when using vintage textiles? Can they inspire a whole scheme?
Yes they are often the starting point for my schemes and will lift any space. I love mixing old textiles together with new prints.
Inspire us.... with unique & creative ways of working with vintage textiles?
I’ve mentioned some examples above but I also use them to add interest on staircases by draping them over balustrades to add a pop of colour. Or mix a variety of printed cushions together on a bench. There are no hard or fast rules on using vintage textiles so be as creative as you want!
