R and R Black / 16 July 2013 / Categories: Product and Brands, Home Interiors

Anna French

Bold, original design and deep convictions about the strength of family have defined Anna French's life. From the vibrant geometric designs she began producing at art school in the 1960s to the big, brilliant wallpapers that make up her collection, "Glamour," Anna's style is always evolving. Her courageous use of colour and flair for the dramatic remain unchanged.

A strong desire to produce her own fabrics prompted Anna to start her own company. In 1976, she and husband John French moved from London to Scotland, where they formed the company on the top floor of a Victorian lace mill. Anna decided to produce Scottish lace, and to this day Anna French Lace sells worldwide. The business grew a little each year, but it wasn't until 1994 when Anna began to introduce high-end Children's Collections, including "Ready Teddy Go," that things really took off.

CLASSIC TIMELESS LUXURY INTERIORS

The wallpapers run from about £50-£120 per roll so like me it might be a downstairs toilet you are doing, don't even think about decorating with wall coverings of this quality until you are putting down roots.

Of all the couture interiors boutiques my favorite is Anna French. One of my friends from Uni did a textile degree and her first graduate job was with this firm so we were lucky enough to decorate our first London flat in a mis match off cuts. It looked amazing and I still have a few of the curtain pairs we made back then and still love them as much.

When it comes to home decorating for me there is no comparison to these exquisite textiles. Anna French, who made her name weaving/manufacturing lace in the traditional French Scottish mills always has a lace collection to romaticize her other upholstery fabric. Her story is fascinating and since she joined forces with Thibaut Design her reach has extended throughout North America without compromising her quality or small design house feel. The yardage is very expensive again from £40-£150 per metre but I recommend a little splurge and whipping up a cushion cover or two.

The look and feel is unsurpassable.

Addicted.