Say hello to Louise Roe, the founder of Sharland England, a collection of all things nostalgic — woven wicker, embroidered linens, hand painted dinnerware, with every item thoughtfully made. We felt so inspired by this collection that we're so excited to share our chat with Louise Roe, where we discussed everything from the favorite design advice she received to what she considers essential for a successful dinner party. Let's dive right into our conversation with Louise!
Three Words to Describe Sharland England.
Handmade, charming, nostalgic.
What is the story behind the name?
Sharland was my great-Grandmother's surname, and by all accounts she was the life and soul of the party. She lived in Buenos Aires and threw glamourous dinners for her guests, but my Mum says, was always relaxed and joyful about entertaining. I grew up surrounded by her antique furniture, much of which was rattan, and my image of her inspired the brand's identity.
You've certainly lived a couple lives, tell us about your start and what brought you to where you are now?
Certainly not a traditional route! I began as a magazine editor, covering fashion week for Vogue and In Style. Then I moved into TV (and to LA) where I hosted makeover shows for MTV and NBC - I was the red carpet correspondent for Access Hollywood for a while! Having a family and moving back to England just before the pandemic shifted my mindset. We renovated two houses in quick succession and I knew I wanted to focus on creating beautiful things for the home.
Who are your Design and Style Muses?
Diana Vreeland, 1980's Laura Ashley, Marella Agnelli.
What are you currently reading?
A Paris Apartment by Michelle Gable. It's light-hearted but historical: loosely based on the true story of a flat full of art and secrets being discovered untouched after 70 years. Can you imagine??
What is the best gift someone could give?
Their time! I love it when a friend says, 'I've booked tickets to this exhibition,' or 'I'm taking you out for lunch.'
When designing a room what is the most important for you?
The natural light - where it hits and at what part of the day. That affects the colours I'd use on the wall, where i'd place certain items of furniture, what kind of curtains should go in, where you might sit to read or work. I do love to see a room in broad daylight and again at dusk before touching it.
Best design advice you’ve received?
Gosh the generosity of spirit from the people in the interiors world has been incredible. Nathalie Farman-Farma, whose fabrics and aesthetic I absolutely adore, talked about interiors being slower moving than fashion, in the sense that your most popular item may take a while to become so, and then suddenly take off. Things can be a slow-burn. I like that there needs to be a long-term belief in what you're doing, a commitment.
Where do you find inspiration?
I have so many images on my phone from trips to galleries, or simply screenshot from instagram, but the process that gets me most inspired is sitting quietly with a cup of tea and an old decorating book (I find out-of-print ones on Etsy and Ebay) and marking the pages I love. It seems to kick-start a lot of design ideas. It doesn't happen often enough, but it's a real treat.
What do you consider essential for a successful dinner party?
Guests that love to tell funny stories, excellent cocktails, low lighting, a beautiful table. In all honesty, the food is lower down the list!
Louise's Picks
1. Scallop in Pacific by Lea Rutledge
"This scallop and colourway is heaven, it has me dreaming of sunny days outside to come!"
2. Cassis in Plaster by Serena Dugan
"I think blue and brown is my favourite colour combination ever. I'm also a huge admirer of Serena personally and what she has achieved in her career."
3. Cyprus in Gold by Josh Greene
"Josh Greene's Cyprus grasscloth in gold is so calming, and exquisite."
4. Crabby Claws in Dune by Erika Powell
"This would be stunning on a blind - I can see it now all ruffled and billowing at the top!"
5. Mid-Weight Linen in Henna by Rose Uniacke
"This rich rust is one of our key colours at Sharland England, I cannot get enough of it. When I first got back to England, I created a blind in Rose's Butter corduroy fabric and it's still one of my favourite window dressings in the house."