DESIGNER OF THE MONTH
Creating her own collection of wallpaper and fabrics has been a life-long ambition for this talented interior designer
Beginning her career as an intern at the home of design brands, Chelsea Harbour, Cinny then trained at an architectural interiors practice, before launching her own interior design business. Busy family life quickly took over, and she decided to pursue a new creative outlet, fulfilling her dream to create her own handprinted wallpaper and fabric designs. And, in 2022, she was back at Chelsea Harbour to launch her first collection.
Have you always been creative?
I always loved Art and Textiles at school. I found drawing peaceful, a way to escape – Ilost many hours!
How did the collection come about?
I was running my own interior design business, but the demands of a young family meant I had to re-evaluate. I studied wallpaper and pattern design before setting myself a challenge of designing something that I was happy with and could be produced in the UK. It took me five years, but here I am.
What inspires you?
For my most recent collection, I found inspiration in the V&A archives in the British Library. In my day-to-day life, I’m inspired by art and nature, as well as the interiors of Dorothy Draper and David Hicks. Their combination of colours, textures and patterns was way ahead of their time.
Talk us through the design process.
I tried many printing techniques, but screenprinting captured all my senses. The prints come to life and achieve a depthofcolourlikenoother.Producing in the UK has always been important to me. I found a team of really trusted suppliers – all UK based – and they’vebeen integralinsupportingthelaunchofmycollection.
What makes your designs stand out?
I love 18th-century Indian chintz (my mother was born in India). Stylised florals and pretty prints are offset by bold stripes and geometric patterns. These ground my designs, giving them a strong, contemporary feel.
What do you love about what you do?
I love print and textures to touch; I need to feel design. It gives me a sense of self and a much-needed creative hub. I feel like the journey has only just begun and there is never-ending scope to expand and create.
Sum up your creative style in three words…
Timeless, classic and contemporary. cinny.co.uk
Scandi style
Love Scandi interiors? Then take a trip to Ælfred, London’s biggest showroom of vintage Scandinavian furniture and accessories. Owner Nina Hertig (co-founder of interior design practice and gallery, Sigmar) wants to make good-quality secondhand pieces available to everyone, with prices from around £15 and furniture costing no more than £2,500. ‘Rather than having everything online, we want to celebrate discoverin
