THE JOURNAL
POLLY ASHMAN DESIGN
Polly Ashman went from working on interiors and project management for a construction company (“I can stand on a building site and understand what everyone is talking about”) to setting up her own business three years ago. She now works on residential projects in both rural and urban settings.
What inspires you? I grew up in London and in the countryside, and I think that nature always gets it right, so I find that I’m very impacted by what season it is. Nature is definitely a big inspiration for me.
Is there any business advice you wish you’d known when you started out? Stick to what you love, and what your vision is, because as soon as you start to compromise on your look and your aesthetics, then you dilute your brand power.
What are the details that matter the most to you in your work? I am a huge fan of storage. But I am also big on those extra details that can really make things “wow”, like trimmings and piping on curtains or upholstery.
Describe your style in three words Atmospheric, soft and liveable.
What’s your latest discovery at the Design Centre? I love Porta Romana: you can’t just look at their pieces online, you have to see then in person to appreciate the craftsmanship. And those really big brands are amazing too, like GP & J Baker and Sanderson. They're always so helpful.
DALRYMPLE STUDIO
Fulham-based Amy Dalrymple founded Dalrymple Studio with her husband Hewie, having seen a gap in the market for a more approachable, independent and personable interior design firm. Focusing on residential projects, the studio offers interior architecture and design services, bespoke product design and project management.
What’s the thread that runs through every scheme, regardless of the aesthetic? Our designs are always hung together with charm, fun elements and personal touches. There’s always a pinch of quirk, and we try to push the boundaries with colour and pattern.
Do you have a specific starting point for a project? Normally we start with fabric boards at our design studio. Clients come in and we lay out all the fabrics and discuss the initial design concepts.
Is there any business advice you wish you’d known when you were starting out? Go with your gut: if you get a bad feeling about someone or something, it’s probably right. Work with creative and fun people – the relationship between interior designer and supplier is so important and trust is paramount.
What are the details that matter the most to you in your work? Everything that you touch, such as taps and handles. I always check for quality and longevity.
What’s your latest discovery at the Design Centre? I love the Samuel & Sons showroom. It’s beautifully presented, and for me it’s like a sweetie shop: I could spend all day in there.
- 63 -
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76
