Interview with Caitlin Wilson
Designer and blogger Caitlin Wilson favors tradition with a twist. This year, she launched Caitlin Wilson Textiles, a textile line that interprets classic patterns through a fresh, young perspective.
Tell us about your early design influences and where you look for design inspiration now.
I’m originally from the San Francisco Bay Area where my parents raised me in tasteful but very traditional homes. However, they always involved me in design decisions and my grandmother taught me to be creative and think outside the box. You’ll see those early influences in the refined furniture, sophisticated silhouettes, bold patterns and touches of gold sparkle in my designs. Today I look for inspiration everywhere--design centers, magazines, blogs, art, fashion and my travels.
How have your travels informed your design work? How can designers add a well-traveled sensibility to their designs?
I feel so blessed to have been able to travel with my husband and daughter for the last two years. My husband's job took us to London, Dubai, and Hong Kong where I learned about cultures and picked up some fabulous pieces along the way. With all the great products available these days, everyone can add global accents to a design with the click of a mouse. It's amazing what culture and depth the touch of a Chinese porcelain vase, a foo dog or a beautiful kilim rug can add to a room. Williams-Sonoma Home and west elm offer great pieces with an international vibe.
You’ve just launched your own line of textiles. Was there a void you were trying to fill?
The fabrics were inspired by Middle Eastern and Asian designs. This eclectic collection pairs timeless chinoiserie with bold geometric prints. The most difficult part of creating the textiles was the amount of time it took to perfect the color and scale of the patterns. But I think designers and clients alike will appreciate the fresh colorful patterns that can be combined to achieve a unique, designer look at an affordable price point.
You also write a popular design blog. Why did you decide to start a blog?
After a couple of busy years running and growing my own business with projects from San Francisco to the Cayman Islands, we moved to Dubai. My daughter was just three weeks old and, at first, I welcomed the new, slower pace of life. But after a few months, I realized that I missed my busy design career. In order to stay connected to the design world and still share my passion for design, I started my blog Style Files. I share design projects, trade secrets, and tidbits from my own life and home. I also introduced E-design, where I consult with clients via email to improve their living spaces. The exposure allowed me to grow my business within the US and also in Dubai.
Do you have any advice for other designers who might be thinking about starting a blog?
It’s important to be realistic about your goals. If you want to continue to spend most of your time designing rather than blogging--then you can only spend so much time on the blog. I blog four days a week and I try to have a routine as to what kind of post I do each day of the week. Don't overdo it--if you can only do it a few times a week that's okay!
What if a designer feels like they have nothing new to share in the blogosphere?
Don't be overwhelmed by the number of design blogs that are out there. Someone, somewhere will love your blog and be inspired by your aesthetic. Blog about what you love and what you're best at. Chances are, it's new to someone out there reading it!
