Eleanor Cardwell is the marketing executive of Tektura Wallcoverings, an expert supplier of high quality colours, patterns and textures, based in London. The Tektura team take a hands-on approach to sourcing their products and have worked their way through the industry, with decades of experience. Eleanor and her team firmly believe that wallcoverings can transform a space by helping a customer to personalise their commercial interior. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Eleanor Cardwell.
- Transcript -
1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
I enjoy keeping up with the trends and changing seasons, but my style is eclectic and quirky, with an industrial edge. At home I tend to collect things that I love and throw them all together.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
When I put together a new blog post, or trend report it’s usually the culmination of a few weeks of visiting design events and doing research. I gather piles of photos, samples and notes and find that patterns appear – a particular wood grain, accent colour, texture, pattern, etc.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
I admire my boss, Angela (Marketing Director at Tektura), immensely. She has an amazing understanding of colour and texture and almost seems to know instinctively what is going to work. I try to learn as much from her as I possibly can. Working with Helen Strevens (one of Tektura’s digital designers) has also been really cool – her work is so unique and intricate.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
We have monthly trend meetings at Tektura so we’re constantly thinking about what’s current and what’s next. I go to design shows, art exhibitions, and music events. I love digging around at vintage markets and antique shops. I also keep my eye on Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest, Instagram & blogs and keep up with what other companies are doing.
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 have a masters and undergraduate degree in Fine Art. From university I went to work at Chelsea Harbour Design Centre with lighting design company Besselink & Jones, which sparked my love for interiors. I went on to design window displays which was a wonderful way of honing my visual skills. And then landed my dream job at Tektura! My advice would be to keep your finger on the pulse, meet lots of people and work really hard!
