Nicola Harding
Known for her comfortable, colour-rich interiors, this designer has recently added her own range of homeware to her oeuvre
Despite studying garden design at Edinburgh University, Nicola found herself in demand as an interior designer, with friends inspired by her beautiful home. In 2007, she set up her design studio, Nicola Harding & Co, in London and has been stamping her playfully elegant aesthetic onto homes ever since, commuting from her home in rural Oxfordshire. This spring saw Nicola launch her homeware collection, NiX. She describes each piece as ‘beautifully useful, designed to be well-used and well-loved for years to come’.
What do you love most about being a designer? I’m addicted to creating a sense of home for people. Growing up I moved house constantly, and I craved a sense of belonging. I became fascinated by the alchemy of ‘home’; what were the magic ingredients that could unlock a place so that one felt held by it? I want to help others figure out how their home can best serve them, and help them create a space they feel deeply nurtured by and wholeheartedly proud of.
How did NiX come about? For a long time now, I have been designing and making my own pieces because I can’t find certain things that meet my demands for quality, price and provenance. It brings together the passions of my husband, Andy, and I – mine being homemaking, and his being e-commerce. Having spent years running in separate directions trying to juggle family life with careers, it’s been a blessed relief to find ourselves running in the same direction and spending time together.
What’s your inspiration? Most of my designs are inspired by antiques I’ve admired over the years. It could be a find that has stuck in my memory because of the way it worked, or a particular design detail.
Do you have a favourite piece? I love our Stitch in Time wall light. At once simple and timeless, it sits comfortably in any setting, traditional or contemporary. It has beautiful hand stitching and gives off a warm glow. It’s the perfect example of a piece that’s ‘beautifully useful’.
What’s next for NiX? Dining furniture is up next, with wallpaper due to drop later this year. We’re also expanding our lighting range, including some new ceramic designs which I’m particularly excited about.
Discover the collection at nicolaharding.com
History in the making
Heritage carpet manufacturer Brintons has rolled out an exclusive new rug collection in collaboration with the V&A. There are 17 wool-rich designs to choose from, inspired by historical wallpapers and textiles found in the museum’s extensive archive, from Fijian Tapa cloths to Art Deco prints. With traditional craft to the fore, including the cut-and-loop weaving technique, the Design Discoveries collection celebrates art and manufacturing while creating products perfect for today. From £425, brintons.co.uk
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