Introducing a new stockist
Introducing Welland & Wye’s new stockist in the Suffolk region, Natalie Canning
Welland & Wye is delighted to welcome Natalie Canning as a stockist for the Suffolk area. Here we take a bit of time to get to know Natalie, find out about her business and ask her for top tips for curtain making.
W&W: How did you start your career in the world of interior design?
Like most people in this industry I have always loved creating beautiful rooms and working with different textures and colour. I moved to Suffolk 17 years ago with my young family and wanted a career that would work around them.
I enrolled on an intensive course for creating bespoke soft furnishings, thinking at worst I would be able to make things for myself. I absolutely loved the training and discovered my eye for detail and pursuit for perfection was ideal for sewing bespoke products. Seventeen years later I have a bustling studio with a small team of specialists all working together to create beautiful products. We love exceeding our client’s expectations.
W&W: How would you describe your own style?
I love understated but elegant country style; natural colours mixed with soft blues and greens, uncluttered clean lines softened with gorgeous linens and different textures. Our home is a Grade II listed cottage and the beams and inherent character are the perfect back drop to use this type of styling.
W&W: When you’re not making curtains, or running your business, what do you do to relax?
I walk along the Suffolk coast in all weathers. We also love a tiny village in the mountains of Liguria, Italy called Apricale. I most like spending time with my family, reading a good book and eating delicious food!
W&W: Tell us about your business, Natalie Canning, The Soft Furnishings Experts
We are a small business with big ideas! We are the go-to business for luxury curtains, blinds, cushions and all soft furnishings. Our clients feel they have purchased something really special that will last for many years.
We have a small team of sewing ladies and upholstery chaps who all work to the highest standards and understand that what we do is more than just making something. We are all about the detail and everything created is unique to the client.
W&W: We are delighted you have chosen to become a Welland & Wye stockist. Tell us what you like about our fabrics. Which is your favourite from our collection?
Crewel has always been a fascination to me with the intricate detailing, skill and patience required to make something so beautiful. Many of our clients have country homes and the natural colours used in Welland & Wye’s fabrics tone perfectly with this type of interior. It is hard to choose a favourite but today I would say it is Rajouri. I love the colour palette and the animals create a fun element and an interesting talking point, perfect!
W&W: What is your process when you are working with a customer?
Everything normally begins with a telephone chat where we can establish if we are a good fit for each other.
Following that a consultation will be arranged, either in their home or at the studio (by appointment only). This time is used to discuss their requirements in more detail and look through our vast range of fabric collections. This is the best bit for me as I love working with people to find their perfect fabrics, trimmings, poles and paint colours. We also supply samples to the client so they can see the fabric in their own home and live with it for a little while.
The next stage is for us to measure everything accurately; no two windows are ever the same and we often have to resolve the challenge of wonky ceilings and unusual window shapes.
The fabrics and poles are ordered and the work begins! In the studio our clever sewing team hand stitch everything to exacting standards, making really beautiful items with perfection always in mind.
Finally, we either deliver and hang the soft furnishings or they can be carefully packaged and shipped with clear hanging instructions. Either way the end result is an exceptional window treatment, unique to our client, to be enjoyed for years to come.
W&W: How do you know which curtain heading to use?
We are often asked what is the best curtain heading so I have created a handy guide covering many of the factors you need to consider.
Take a look at
https://nataliecanning.co.uk/pages/curtain-headings-styles
W&W: What’s the most memorable project you have worked on?
The film set for “The Great” with Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult. A couple of years ago we had the privilege of making several of the supersize pelmets and curtains for this TV series it was the most exciting and crazy project we have done…so far! We had to work almost around the clock to meet the deadlines but I would do it all again as I love a challenge!
W&W: As a professional maker, what is your top tip for someone making curtains at home for the first time?
Make a plan of what you have to do and the order you are going to do it. Then check you have everything you need before you begin. There is nothing worse than laying everything out then realising you are missing something and have to stop!
We share many of our current projects, interiors and curtain tips on Instagram, so for some real-world inspiration you can follow us: @nataliecanning_luxury_curtains
W&W: In the world of interiors, who is your biggest inspiration (or favourite designer)?
It has to be Emma Sims-Hilditch of Sims Hilditch Interiors. I absolutely love her style and she is my go-to for inspiration and ideas. She specialises in English living interiors with a contemporary feel; very country without being too traditional.
W&W: Thank you for your time, Natalie, and for answering our questions about your bespoke curtain-making business. We are looking forward to working with you!
