Coffee With... The Design Archives's Sharon Crowson

Launched in 2016, The Design Archives produces stunning fabrics and wallpapers that mix classic patterns with contemporary colours. Made in the UK, these luxurious, show-stopping designs are lovingly created by Sharon Crowson, creative director of The Design Archives, inspired by her father's carefully curated Crowson Fabrics Archive.

You must be incredibly proud to make use of the archive your father built up during the 35 years his company was one of the world’s leading producers, designers and suppliers of home furnishings. We’d love to hear more about it. 

The archive is a wonderfully inspiring treasure trove that has been the foundation of
design research for all The Design Archives collections. There are designs from all over the globe, from Europe to Asia. The oldest drawings would be from the 19th century,  mainly from French ateliers. There are also 17th-century woven fabric samples, mostly from Europe, and some beautiful Asian historic woven silks.

The physical archive is carefully stored in architects' plan chests in Sussex, preserving the integrity of each piece. There are thousands of original designs from historic brands – including Crowson, The Design Archives, Monkwell and Dovedale – many of them never put into production.

Can you talk us through how the process works from selecting a design from the archive to the finished product?

The creative and development process is what I enjoy most. I have to narrow it down to a genre, designer or theme, which is difficult as I am inspired by so many designs in the archive.

I begin by experimenting with colouring the design, which has been made so much easier and quicker with digital technology. I usually know exactly how to achieve what I envisage as far as colouring is concerned. On rare occasions, translating a design from paper to fabric just doesn’t work for me. Choosing the base cloths for a design is also important; different designs suit different cloths. It is certainly a subjective process, and a collection can take months to finalise.

Do you have a favourite design and why?

I love all the designs I bring to life as they have been carefully selected from thousands of potentials in the archives. If I had to choose just one, I am drawn to Tiffany. Although a 1970s design, it is versatile and has the feel of different genres from Arts and Crafts to Art Deco.

What inspired you to create your second, newly released Spring Garden Wallpaper Collection?

The positive reception and success of my first wallpaper line, the Birchgrove Collection, gave me the confidence to invest in this new release. The Spring Garden Fabric Collection was crying out for coordinating wallpaper. The designs are so beautiful and versatile, with timeless, elegant florals and a classic stripe. 

How do you characterise your own home's interior style?

It's an eclectic mix, which I have added to over the years, full of rich, warm colours, such as reds, golds and rich creams, as well as lots of texture, which is important. 

What is the favourite room in your home and why?

My bedroom is my cosy retreat. It's where I unwind, recharge and find a sense of
calm at the end of each day. The soft textures, layered fabrics and peaceful
atmosphere make it my favourite place to relax and feel completely at home.

What item in your home could you not live without?

This is a difficult question. I do love my creature comforts. Probably my bed, as I have a busy life and love snuggling up in my bed with a good movie.

What is the secret to The Design Archives’ success?

I stay true to what I know and love, guided by my instincts rather than trends. Each
collection has its distinct style, yet they are designed to be mixed and matched,
thanks to a cohesive colour palette. I use only high-quality base fabrics to ensure every
piece feels as good as it looks.

How has the industry changed since you started?

The industry has become increasingly competitive, especially with the rise of digital
printing. My approach has been to stay true to my distinctive house style: classic,
archival-inspired designs with timeless appeal. 

England has become a popular choice of holiday destination since the pandemic. Where would your go-to UK holiday destination be?

I do love the slower pace of life and the beauty of the West Country. However, my father grew up in Southwold, Suffolk, so it is a place I hold dear. I love the wild, unspoilt coastline in all weathers.

What is your favourite thing about F&P Interiors?

I like the creative and strong online content showcasing a diverse product range.