Designer insights with Sian Elin

Sian Elin is a Welsh internet retailer of homewares and gift items, selling to consumers and stockists all over the UK. She loves mixing eastern elements with western themes, combining Scandinavian style with Eastern flair to craft contemporary products. Her stock is produced and printed within the UK and sold within Heal’s and Oliver Bonas. Sian has been featured as one of the Sunday Times Top 30 Fabric & Wallpaper designers. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Sian Elin.

Designer Insights - Sian Elin

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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?

I create surface designs for interior products that are graphic and Scandinavian in their style, but influenced by Eastern patterns. I use bright pastel colours that are eye-catching but calm so they are liveable with.

2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?

I decide on the look and feel I am trying to achieve, i.e. fun, young, modern, sophisticated, and then look for inspiration that matches the aesthetics’ colour and style.

3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?

I’ve worked collaboratively on various interior styling projects, and respect most the photographer I work with on those. We are able to discuss our creative vision and work together to produce something we are really happy with. He has a fantastic eye for detail, an impressive understanding of light, and a dedicated and thoughtful creative approach.

4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?

I like to travel to a different country or go somewhere new I haven’t been before, be it a city, museum, nature walk – I think new stimulus helps you to come up with new ideas and open up your mind.

5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?

I started my career in children’s book publishing where colour, pattern, and clarity of design was very important – so I transferred those skills to interiors by designing products for my own brand Sian Elin. To run your own business you have to work very hard, stay positive and focussed, grab any opportunity, and network and attend as many events as you can.