THE EDIT Barneby Gates, Thibaut and The Footstool Workshop catch our eye

THE EDIT

Ways to add colour to interiors is on the agenda as fabrics, wallpapers and footstools catch Editor-at-Large Kate Freud’s eye this month

BARNEBY GATES

When childhood friends Vanessa Barneby (who had studied decorative painting and trompe l’oeil) and Alice Gates (a figurative painter) joined forces to create Barneby Gates wallpapers and fabrics, we knew we were in for something special. Founded in 2009, the company is now based in Wiltshire’s beautiful Vale of Pewsey, where the pair design and print their range of idiosyncratically English designs by hand.

The majority of their styles give classical ideas a contemporary edge with metallic finishes and often a wry touch of humour. Inspiration typically comes from the natural world with popular prints including the scallop shell, pheasants and pineapples.

This spring sees the launch of their wallpaper collaboration with floral stylist Willow Crossley. The two designs, Botanica and Maharani Block Print (left), perfectly reflect Barnaby Gates’ use of colour and texture and Crossley’s love of the natural world. barnebygates.com

THE FOOTSTOOL WORKSHOP

Following the success of their sister company The Headboard Workshop, The Footstool Workshop was founded in 2009 with the same passion for making beautiful things. Based in South Wales, the skilled craftsmen, designers and upholsterers working behind the scenes have many years of experience between them, but their enthusiasm never faulters.

Whether seeking a small footrest, a footstool or an ottoman, the brand’s easy-to-use website makes designing a personalised footstool straightforward, from start to finish. Choices include everything from the size, the type of top, the legs, trims, the option of clever additional storage and, of course, the fabric. Not only are there 150 different fabrics to choose from in its range, but customers can supply a fabric of their own. With an extensive gallery of images of the craftsmanship on offer on the website, too, there is plenty to inspire. thefootstoolworkshop.co.uk

THIBAUT

In the world of wallpaper and fabric, there are few brands with a history as rich as Thibaut’s, which, as it was established in 1886, is the UK’s oldest continuously operating wallpaper firm.

Today, alongside an extensive archive of wallpapers, the brand offers an impressive variety of wallcoverings, co-ordinating print fabrics, embroideries and woven upholstery textiles. The addition of upholstered furniture to its collection has made it a firm favourite with interior designers and high-end customers alike.

What sets Thibaut apart is its signature bold colour palette that works equally well with both traditional and more contemporary designs. Its offering includes everything from historic reproductions to tropical and novelty prints, so there really is something for everybody.

New for 2021 is the brand’s Heritage Collection of co-ordinating wallpapers and fabrics which is something to behold, and the look is perfected with the addition of Thibaut’s new Tapes & Trims range. thibautdesign.com n