The Travelling Tales : VOL 1 with Sean Symington
Welcome to the first edition of ‘The travelling Tales’. A series created to spotlight our love for local creatives that share our mutual obsession for colour and interiors. In each edition, Emma visits an industry friend and asks them to pick a piece from the Westridge Collection to style in their home, whilst chatting about their own work, their journey, and what inspires them creatively…
For this edition, Emma sat down with interior designer Sean Symington in his Bath home studio. Below he tells us more about his personal journey into design and his own unique style, growing a business, and how he chooses to style Westridge in his own home…
How did your journey into interior design begin?
From my earliest memories, I've harboured a passion for interior design. As a child, I delighted in rearranging the furniture within my family's home, spending countless hours perfecting the layout. Beyond mere play, I was constantly sketching designs for both real and imagined rooms, endlessly envisioning new possibilities. This innate inclination followed me through secondary school, where I actively sought opportunities to immerse myself in the field. This drive led me to secure an unpaid internship at a design office, where I gained invaluable experience. With an unwavering conviction in my career path, I pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design at Toronto Metropolitan University, solidifying my commitment to realising my lifelong dream.
How did you find moving from a larger interior design firm to setting up your own business and employing other creatives into your team?
Setting up my design firm was always a goal of mine. People often say running your own business can get pretty lonely, but honestly, I hit the ground running and found success pretty quickly, bringing in a variety of projects. That meant I could hire someone almost straight away. Right now, there's five of us, plus me, working away in our little studio, and I couldn't be happier. My plan is to keep the firm small and cozy so I can stay hands-on with every project we tackle. I never want it to get so big that I lose touch with what I love most: design. And you know what? I absolutely adore working closely with my clients. Building those lasting relationships is what it's all about, especially when you're diving into the personal space of someone's home.
Do you have any current favourite colour pairings?
I am really feeling chocolate brown and ochres at the moment! I want to do caramel walls and a mohair chocolate brown sofa… delicious!
We love your use of colour and style. Can you describe your design aesthetic and philosophy?
I have a fondness for tradition, yet I always strive to inject a sense of fun into every interior we design. Fabrics and colours are my passion, and I believe each room should mirror the personalities of its occupants. I'd describe my style as traditional, but with a playful twist. Nevertheless, we're adaptable to any brief, and I relish the challenge of collaborating with clients who have diverse tastes and styles. It adds an intriguing dimension to our work when each property has its own unique identity.
What is the most important thing you consider when working on the colour palette of a a scheme?
I always adhere closely to a specific brief and typically accompany the client on sourcing trips early in the design process. This allows me to grasp their preferred aesthetic. The choice of colour palette is heavily influenced by the individual tastes of our clients. While I have my own natural inclinations towards certain colours, I'm fortunate that most of our clients seek us out precisely because they value my preferences. This certainly streamlines the process!
Where does your main source of inspiration come from?
I am inspired by so many things in my life. Travelling is a source of inspiration always. I absolutely love old European cities and I am constantly photographing obscure details of rooms or architectural features that I stumble upon.
What makes the Westridge side table so appealing to you?
I like that it is a useful piece of furniture and sits so nicely in any interior. It works in more classic and contemporary schemes. The combination of rustic wood with the smooth painted finish makes it truly unique.
Although you have projects spanning various countries, can you tell us more about why you have settled in Bath, does it inspire you creatively in any way?
Moving to Bath was such a spontaneous decision for us! My partner and I had visited once for a charming weekend getaway. Having lived in London for several years, we adored our time in Bath. Years later, when a job opportunity arose in the South West, my partner suggested moving to the Bristol area. Immediately, I knew Bath was where I wanted to be. Its beauty and the captivating architecture that surrounds us truly inspire my creativity. Moreover, Bath's convenient location provides easy access to London and the surrounding areas. It serves as an excellent hub, especially with my job that often takes me in and out of London and the Home Counties.
What colour(s) do you think we’ll be seeing the most within the interior world this year?
I have just gotten back from Maison Objet in Paris and I was definitely seeing a lot of yellows. It is such a joyful colour, so why not!
Tell us why our Jonquil and dark oak colour combination appeals to you
First of all, I love the colour Jonquil. It is the perfect dirty pale pink. It looks neutral in some lights and more pink others. I love it combined with the jewel tones in my sitting room, but I also love the casual feel it provides in my kitchen.
How will you look to use Westridge in future projects?
We are currently doing a project in France and I would love to use the bench in a dining room design. We have already purchased an old French farmhouse table. I think it would pair beautifully with this.
What is your favourite thing about the Westridge Collection ?
The Westridge Collection holds great appeal for clients due to its UK manufacturing and traditional, sustainable design process. This aspect is highly valued by all our clients and serves as a significant selling point. Additionally, the ability to customise each piece in various colours and sizes is a fantastic feature. The bespoke nature of this collection greatly facilitates its integration into our design schemes.
