In Conversation with Catherine Wilman from Catherine Wilman Interiors
Catherine Wilman's team of interior designers have been creating luxury, contemporary homes for property developers and private residential clients in London and across the UK since 2000. We specialise in interior design, architectural drawings and project management including a full turn-key service. (Catherine is the blonde on the right of the team picture).
What inspired you to be an interior designer?
I learnt about great design from an early age. My father John Wilman was one of the leading wallpaper designers in the UK and inspired me to get involved in design.
Dad would often talk to me about his work as he laid out his latest ideas on the floor of their Cheshire home. I was also inspired by my mother's ideas during a six-year renovation of the family's old farmhouse. Observing the builders, stonemasons and other craftsmen working on the project showed me how a neglected space can be transformed into a beautiful country home.
I would often accompany my father to work at Coloroll. He had a large design team and it was exciting for me to see how the designs went from an idea to a manufactured product selling around the world.
When I gained a BA (Hons) Degree in Interior Design in London, it was a natural progression for me to join Dad at the family business, as a junior designer. I worked my way up to be in charge of organising the company’s exhibitions in the UK and Europe.
During my six years at the company in Lancashire, I worked alongside many of the top interior stylists in London photographing home interiors for UK magazines, including Homes and Gardens, Living Etc, and Elle Decoration.
In the year 2000 I decided to set up my own company in Kensington, West London, and have gradually grown it since then. I think the secret to my success is having a down-to-earth approach, which enables clients to feel comfortable about expressing their views.
If they were to make a toy action figure of you, what would your accessory be?
A Jack Russell figure. My dog Max has been with me for 14 years and never leaves my side, even at work. He wears a different colourful bespoke knitted jumper every day.
To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life within the design world has taken?
I have always loved design since I was a child. I never wanted to do anything else, so it was the natural path for me. You can't really control your life with design - it requires talent and a bit of luck. You have to be passionate about it.
What would be your dream interior project?
I would love to design Ski Chalet. Skiing is a passion for me and I love going into a warm cosy chalet when it's so cold outside - with big open fires and the smell of logs, plus family and friends to share a glass of wine with!
What’s something you know you do differently than most people?
I hate eating fruit apart from Bananas and Grapes. ;-)
If you could go back in time and speak to your adolescent self, what advice would you give them about the design world?
Find a really good interior photographer to take photos of all your projects, even if you can't afford it, find a way! I regret leaving it late. I worked on many great projects that I have no decent photography of. Now I make sure all my projects are photographed. Also, get savvy with the world of social media.
Catherine Wilman Interiors
Website: https://www.catherinewilman.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherinewilman.interiors/
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Photo Courtesy of Catherine Wilman Interiors