Sania Pell has a degree in textiles from Edinburgh College of Art. After graduating, she worked for one of London’s top textile studios for seven years where her designs were bought by companies such as Armani, Laura Ashley, The Gap and Marks & Spencer. To expand her experience, Sania then joined Elle Decoration magazine where she trained as a stylist. She now works regularly for publications such as The Sunday Telegraph and The Mail on Sunday. She is also a visiting lecturer at Edinburgh College of Art. Married with two young children, Sania lives in London.
You went to college for textile design. When did you realize you wanted to be a designer?
I’ve always enjoyed creating. From a really young age I loved making little animals from objects found in the garden and on the beach on family days out. I can remember stitching needle books and felt comb-holders at the age of five and being really proud of them. That’s where it began, the sense of achievement and satisfaction gained through making. I realised I could have a career doing the things I love most; drawing, painting, stitching and making, when I was at school.
How did you get your start in the design world, and what experiences led you to become the accomplished designer and stylist you are today?
I worked hard throughout my four years at art college and then exhibited at the end of my degree course. I was discovered at a large show held in London each year called New Designers, where hundreds of UK art and design graduates exhibit. I was approached by a few design studios and ended up working for a London-based textile design studio. This gave me a real commercial design background, we designed all day, every day, and had really good feedback as to which designs had sold. I also went on sales trips to Paris, Como, Frankfurt and Tokyo. After working for them for several years full time I was ready for a change. I continued to design as a freelancer whilst starting to assist interiors stylists on photo shoots (for free at first). As I gained more experience I got the opportunity to do small shoots of my own that led to bigger ones that became full editorial stories and front covers for Elle Decoration.
The Homemade Home is your first book. How did it come about?
The Homemade Home is my first solo book. I had taken some time off after my second child was born, but was continually scribbling lots of ideas in a notebook that I carry about with me all the time. I realised that there were more than enough ideas to create a book, so started to outline it. I approached Cico with the ideas and some examples that I had made and by the end of that first meeting it was all systems go!
There are a myriad of beautiful projects in the book, using all kinds of craft techniques. What are some of your favorite projects or techniques?
Some of my favourite projects involve using small pieces of vintage fabric – turning something old from one use into something new and more substantial. I’m really happy with the throw that I created from flowers cut out from a piece of old fabric and heat-bonded them onto a dark fabric background to create a throw (page 49). The lovebird pillows is another favourite using the same technique (page 74).
What is the best homemade gift you have ever received?
My six year old son’s drawings are beautiful; he has an eye for detail and a quirky style that I love. I am always happy to be given a drawing by him. I used some of his drawings in the project on page 20.
Where do you find inspiration?
Everywhere – car boot sales, antique shops, the high street, art galleries, exhibitions, museums, magazines, nature. One little bit of inspiration can spark off a whole new idea. Living in London helps as there is so much creativity and there is always lots to see and do. I also find it inspiring to visit somewhere I’ve not been, whether it’s a new country or a new city, just to see new things and experience a different culture.
What's coming up next for Sania Pell?
My scribbly notebook has been filling up quickly with new ideas since I finished The Homemade Home; so who knows, another book may be on its way!
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Interview by Marny Smith, marny.smith@rylandpeters.com
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