SPLASHES OF COLOUR, ELEGANT BRUSH-STROKE PRINTS – MEET SISSINGHURST, JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS’ NEW COLLECTION
John Lewis & Partners is giving the maximalist trend a softer feel for spring with its exclusive Sissinghurst collection – a beautiful selection of prints that turns the trend on its head.
‘The designs in our new Sissinghurst collection, with their expressive, painterly qualities, give maximalism a softer feel,’ says Sarah O’Sullivan, Partner & Designer, Home Design Studio. ‘There’s a certain drama to the Sissinghurst collection, but it’s accessible at the same time. The fact it’s all tonal-coloured means you can pair things quite happily together.’
The collection comprises seven designs and is the work of Naomi Barber, Partner & Designer, Home Textiles. ‘We saw a trend in the art and fashion world for bold, hand-painted watercolour patterns,’ she explains. ‘But to make a real statement, I wanted to really push scale and colour.’
Naomi painted the designs after visiting botanical gardens, where she took lots of photos and drew quick sketches of the leaf and floral shapes. ‘I then used these as my inspiration for the watercolour artwork,’ she explains. ‘We also included some more abstract designs, which sit as companions to the more botanical florals.’
“I drew on elements of art, nature and fashion to create a collection of bold florals”
‘The prints have an inky washed quality,’ says Sarah. ‘They feel modern, yet they work with heritage pieces of furniture as well as luxe materials like velvet. The key to using Sissinghurst is to get mixing.’
Sarah believes the collection will be a big hit with those who love the trend for dark walls. ‘We’re seeing people being more confident with colour and pattern in their homes,’ continues Sarah. ‘These designs will give a different twist to the maximalist look people are loving at the moment.’
“The prints work with heritage furniture and luxe fabrics like velvet – the key is to get mixing”
So Sarah, what’s your favourite piece?
The Livia quilt. It feels cosy and luxurious yet expressive all at once.
Where can Sissinghurst be used?
Throughout the home – from lounge to dining room to bedroom. It’s the way you bring in other materials – like velvet, metallics, different wood finishes – that gives it such scope.
Where will it head for autumn/winter?
Bolder colours. It’s quite tonal, but the next evolution will be brighter and stronger.
What are you most excited about?
There’s so much more to do. We want to reinvent what the contemporary floral looks like.
