BLAKE WOMAN - EMMA AINSCOUGH
Our next Blake Woman is London based Interior Designer, Emma Ainscough. You may have come across her on Instagram for her beautiful colour palettes, interesting patterns and letting her paint work take centre stage. Her London flat is an example of these three elements working in utter unison.
We met with her to talk about her career so far, what made her jump into launching her own studio and her plans for the future.
We hope you enjoy!
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Tell us a bit about yourself, and your life so far.
I grew up in the countryside and after a Design degree in Bristol, moved to London and 10 years later, I’m still here! I have since worked in the Interior Design industry for around 8 years, and set up my own business mid lockdown in 2020.
When did your interest for interior design start?
I have always loved Interiors and making any home a sanctuary, even since I was a kid, but it was my University degree in Design which taught me the most about colour, proportion & texture. Not knowing how best to make a living whilst being creative, a few internships before I trained at KLC confirmed to me that ID was a great balance of creativity & business for me.
Where did you go to University and study?
I did an Art Foundation course at Leeds, before going on to a degree in Interdisciplinary Design at UWE, Bristol. It was a hugely diverse course, touching on every aspect of design, from fashion to product and everything in between - it was a lot of fun but there was definitely an element of ‘jack of all trades, master of none’ when I came out the other side! So a couple of years later I did an intense course in Interior Design at KLC in Chelsea which honed my skills towards the ID industry.
You left acclaimed London Interior Designer Studio Ashby after 5 years - did you always know you wanted to build your own brand and studio?
It was always a dream but I really didn’t think I would ever have the courage to make it a reality! 2020’s lockdown life finally gave me the time to analyse what direction I wanted to go in, and I very naively took the leap in June 2020.
Describe your aesthetic
My passion & curiosity of colour plays a huge role in my work, and I try to strike a balance with pattern alongside colour. I tend to avoid trends, and like to create a balanced yet eclectic mix of the old and the new, creating long-lasting homes with personality.
Where do you go for inspiration
I find inspiration in the day-to-day - often finding unexpected colour combinations which I log for future designs. Also I tend to look back to historic properties where I often find design gems which have stood the test of time.
The best things about being your own boss and worst things?
The flexibility and sense of freedom that I get from being my own boss is so refreshing, particularly regarding the design process. On the other hand, juggling all aspects of managing your own business including the accountancy side of things, often leads to headaches!
What tip would you give to young women who are embarking on the same journey?
Always trust your gut, and find a good accountant who speaks your language..!
What is next up for you and the company?
I am currently working on a really exciting hospitality initiative project in Shropshire. Excited to share the end result, it's a really fun & colourful scheme.
Favourite style(s) from the Blake LDN collection
So hard to choose! I adore the ‘Let me Dream’ and 'La Vie En Rose’, probably for their gorgeous colours.
Quick fire:
• Favourite film - Notting Hill, you can’t beat it!
• Favourite restaurant - La Famiglia
• Favourite city - Cape Town
• Other go-to-brands you love - Maria De La Orden, Sigrid Maria, La Veste, Sezanne.
Emma was shot at home, wearing our latest collections of the Staithe and Mena styles.