Handmade or hand-selected, we're proud to support exquisite craftsmanship and specialist skills. Join us as we sit down with artisans, curators and designers in our Meet The Designer series.
Lindsey Lang is an American-born interior designer and product designer specialising in custom tiles, homeware, textiles and kitchenware. Here she tells us about her London studio, her design process and the materials that she uses in her product lines.
What is your background and when did you first become interested in design?
I studied Textile Design with an emphasis on print and weave at the University of Kansas USA before finishing my degree here in London at Central Saint Martins. After graduating, I landed a job in Graphic Design where I worked my way up and later decided to leave and get back to my roots with textiles in 2012.
You established your London-based studio in 2012. Can you tell us about it?
At first it was a difficult two years to get things going. I hadn’t left my day job in Graphic Design and was working both jobs. Finally the business took off and I was able to commit myself fully to the brand. I had to learn the hard way with many things but I am forever grateful for the experience I gained in the workforce prior to starting my own company. It is just as important to learn in life the things you DON’T want to do…it helps to figure out the things that you actually do want to do.
What do you specialise in?
I have a lot of hobbies and interests, but for the brand I would say that my specialty is pattern and colour.
Can you tell us more about your collections and the design process?
I can just sit for ages trying to work out the next pattern design. I suppose it is a pretty geeky thing to do but I enjoy it. The process is the same no matter the project. I begin with research in a particular area that has sparked my interest, then I move on towards developing multiple options. Throughout the development process there is usually a moment where I can see strength in a particular route. As I edit down the options I hone the pattern and test it across different platforms to make sure it is versatile enough to withstand the test of time.
“I had to learn the hard way with many things but I am forever grateful for the experience I gained in the workforce prior to starting my own company. It is just as important to learn in life the things you DON’T want to do…it helps to figure out the things that you actually do want to do.”
Can you tell us a little more about the materials used in your collections?
Currently, we focus on rugs and wall and flooring tiles. We used to offer loads of ranges but we have worked hard to narrow the options to a solid cohesive selection. We also focus mainly on bespoke requests for clients. This minimises wastage in the industry and keeps our stock requirements low too. Our tiles are made from natural stone aggregates and our rugs are typically made in 100% wool. However, we could make our rugs in loads of different materials if the client desires something outside of the collection. We also offer different tile materials upon request.
Which are some of your most popular designs?
Leaf and scallop tiles are my best sellers.
Can you tell us about some of the projects your design studio has worked on in the past?
I have been lucky to work with some lovely big brands and organisations. I worked with John Lewis for 7 seasons, and I was privileged to work with The Barbican, and Transport for London just to name a few.
You've just launched a tile range in collaboration with Domus. Can you tell us more about this?
This was the first time I have done a collaboration for tiles. I had been hesitant in the past to do it but I was grateful when Domus agreed as I felt that they are such a well-respected name in the UK tile industry. They are such lovely people as well. We put together a capsule collection called ‘Bermondsey’ (after the area I live in) which includes an exciting exclusive colourway in the Scallop pattern using pink and cream terrazzo with grey cement.
Is there anything you’ve not worked on yet but that you’d really like to design?
I am just enjoying where the company is for the moment as I've been spending the last year running after my young toddler. But, I’m looking forward to the next collaboration. I hope to do it with a charity if possible. I have a few things in the mix.
What exciting developments can we expect to see from you in the next year?
I’ve been working on some hardwares to add to the collection…but my lips are sealed for now. Perhaps some new tile designs as well.
We would like to thank Lindsey for taking the time to talk to Warehouse Home. For more information, visit her website.
Cushions from the SIGNATURE collection complete a contemporary living room, adding a rustic industrial touch to the scheme.
