Do you live or work in west London?
Yes, my home and studio are based in Twickenham. I’ve lived in North, South and East of London too, but I absolutely love it here.
What’s your favourite thing about the area?
We’re very lucky to be so close to beautiful walks along the Thames into Richmond and Kew, as well as being very close to the River Crane. I love life by the river and find it so inspiring – whether it’s the swans and their cygnets, the prehistoric-looking herons, or simply watching the water change with the seasons. I never tire of it. There’s also a fantastic community here – I’m certainly never short of interesting things to do.
What sparked the idea for Natasha Wilson Studio, and how did your early experiences influence the vision behind it?
I originally trained in product design before spending the next twelve years working in FinTech. I later went on to study upholstery, and it was while I was designing bespoke furniture for a client that the idea first took shape. I found myself becoming just as interested in the fabrics as the furniture itself, and I realised I wanted to create my own wallpaper and textile designs that people could use to transform their homes.
Around the same time, I had become a new mother, and storytelling was a huge part of our everyday life. That naturally found its way into my work, inspiring designs filled with hidden details and little discoveries that invite people to look a little closer. From the very beginning, I wanted to create designs that looked beautiful but continued to reveal something new over time.
You’ve split your work into two distinct collections: Fable + Flair and the Studio Collection. What inspired that separation, and how do they each reflect different sides of your creative process?
I first launched my business as Fable + Flair, and my focus was on creating imaginative wallpapers and fabrics inspired by curiosity and nostalgia, often with families and children’s spaces in mind. Over time, my inspiration broadened, and I found myself wanting to create designs for a wider variety of interiors.
Rather than forcing everything under one identity, it made more sense to create two separate collections. The Fable + Flair Collection remains a home for designs that celebrate storytelling and imagination, while the Studio Collection gives me the freedom to explore a different side of my creativity inspired by nature, heritage and decorative arts.
I love how your designs often hide little details that reveal themselves the longer you look. How do you strike the balance between creating something deeply intricate and making sure it still feels practical for real homes?
I aim to balance intricate illustration with thoughtful spacing, scale and colour so that, from a distance, each pattern reads as a cohesive design. It’s only as you spend more time with it that the smaller details and narrative begin to reveal themselves.
All of my designs are available in a range of colourways, and I’ve also worked with colour specialists from leading paint brands so that I can recommend complementary paint pairings. I love helping people incorporate my designs into their homes so that they feel confident and excited about the finished result.
Was there a particular moment or project early on that really changed how you approach design or shaped who you are as a creator?
I remember being fascinated by the wallpaper in my childhood home, running my fingers over the illustrations and studying all the tiny details. It taught me that a pattern could be more than decoration – it could spark curiosity and encourage you to pause and look a little closer.
That feeling stays with me now when I design, as I love the idea of encouraging people to slow down, explore and connect with the spaces they live in.
If someone wants to bring more personality into their space, what’s your go-to advice for picking patterns and textures that add depth without feeling overwhelming?
Your home is a reflection of you and what you love, so if you genuinely love a pattern, don’t be afraid to embrace it!
If you’re new to decorating with pattern, you could start somewhere unexpected. Smaller spaces, such as cloakrooms or alcoves, are a great place to be a little bolder without overwhelming the whole home.
There are also plenty of ways to introduce pattern more subtly. A feature wall paired with complementary paint colours creates a beautiful focal point, while natural materials and textured furnishings help bring balance. If wallpaper feels like too big a commitment, patterned fabrics such as curtains, cushions or upholstery are a great way to add depth, warmth and interest while giving you the flexibility to evolve your space over time.
How do you decide when to lean into timeless design versus when to play with current trends? Is it a gut feeling, or is there a method to it?
I don’t consciously set out to create something that’s either timeless or trend-led. I always begin with the inspiration, whether that’s a plant, a place or a story, and then let that guide the design.
Serpent Vine is a good example. Inspired by the snake fritillary plant, it felt natural to incorporate subtle snakeskin textures into the vines, while the flowing movement of the plant echoed the rhythm and elegance of Art Nouveau. I always hope to create something that feels fresh and original without relying on short-lived trends.
What’s on the horizon for Natasha Wilson Studio? Any exciting projects you’re excited to share with our readers?
I’m introducing more fabrics and soft furnishings, such as cushions, over the coming months. It’s something customers have been asking for, and it feels like a natural next step for the studio, especially as we head towards the gift-giving season.
I’m also developing beautiful new neutral colourways for some of my existing collections, offering a softer take on some of my most-loved designs. Alongside that, I’m already working on new patterns inspired by nature and the stories that continue to inspire my work, so there’s plenty to look forward to.
