Learning the Language of Fabric and Functionality

Today was spent entirely in the studio, offering a deeper look into the materials and resources that Hawthorn Interiors work with on a daily basis. My main focus was on understanding the brands the studio collaborates with, and how these materials are selected and presented to clients. I had the opportunity to shadow an alumni from my university Imogen, which gave the experience a more relatable and insightful dynamic.

The day began by exploring the extensive library of fabric and wallpaper books housed in the studio. These ranged from well-known luxury brands to more specialised collections, each offering a variety of textures, patterns, and finishes suited to different client needs.

Working alongside Imogen provided a helpful link between academic knowledge and industry practice; as she explained to me all the industry professions she currently does as she guided me through the sample books, she explained how selections are made based on both aesthetics and technical specifications.

One of the most valuable concepts I learned today was the Martindale scale, which measures the durability of fabrics. Understanding this allowed me to begin thinking about materials both physically and visually, but also in terms of their suitability for different properties whether residential, hospitality, or commercial.

We discussed how different fabrics are chosen depending on client lifestyle, usage, and functionality, highlighting the importance of balancing design with practical performance.

Seeing the range of materials available and understanding the thought process behind each selection gave me a clearer sense of how tailored interior design work is. The studio's ability to offer clients a curated experience from wallcoverings to upholstery welcomes the deep knowledge of both design and product capability.

This behind the scenes insight into brand partnerships also helped me appreciate how much time and research goes into building a trusted materials library, and how these relationships can shape the identity of a design practice.

Today gave me a strong foundation in the material side of interior design, something we've touched on previously in university.

- I learned how to evaluate materials both visually and functionally, but by performance, which I hadn’t fully considered before.

- Shadowing a graduate from my own university also gave me a glimpse into the possible career pathways post-graduation, and how skills we’re learning now directly translate into studio life.

I’m looking forward to continuing to build my confidence in selecting and discussing materials, and would like to challenge myself to take a more active role in concept development. It helped more time exploring how these materials are used in real client projects and how design decisions are presented and communicated professionally.