Behind the Scenes: The Sketchbook Edit

Everyone thinks through things in a different way. My process is to sketch and I like to sketch with pen but also with watercolor. It’s quick and loose so I can capture my thoughts or something that inspires me.

Stay Wild wallpaper and sketch of Bird of Paradise from New Zealand 2019

I got into the habit of watercolor sketching in design school. Then while I was traveling a lot (pre-iphones!) it was a quick and mobile way to capture the essence of a place. I still try to stay in practice by sketching every morning, even if it’s just putting marks on paper without trying to create a finished piece.

Those sketchbooks are my go-to when starting a new design. I’ll sit and flip through years of memories and, notes and details of places travelled and things observed .It’s amazing that revisiting sometimes forgotten things can spark an inspiration or even an entire design.

Westerly wallpaper and concept sketch from Hollywood Farm 2021

This loose, watercolor style has become my signature. I love that the little imperfections of the medium translate so well onto wallpaper. It’s those details and little surprises that give a design so much interest and depth. There’s no question that my designs are painted with care by hand .The result is a dreamy, soft backdrop. It’s less of a statement and more of a suggestion, letting the designer layer it to tell the home owner’s story.

Travel sketchbooks from Porto Cervo, Sardinia and Palma de Mallorca