London Craft Week With Molly Mahon

The sun is shining for London Craft Week in Pimlico, and we couldn’t be happier to have Molly Mahon with us for the week showcasing her new ‘Woodlands’ collection. A full week including talks, colour clinics and drop in sessions at our showroom on Ebury Street.

We’re celebrating a vibrant collaboration that brings together nature, creativity, and craftsmanship in a truly inspiring way. Join us for a week dedicated to the rich beauty of  our plant-based paints and the launch of Molly Mahon’s enchanting new Woodlands Collection. Discover how natural pigments from earth and minerals can transform a space this week for London Craft Week.

We were thrilled to sit down with Molly over a cool drink one spring evening and chat about her inspiration, her day to day and why she loves to use our plant based paint.

Working in interiors, how important is colour in your day to day life?

Colour is absolutely at the heart of everything I do, it’s how I see and feel the world. It can uplift a room, calm a mood, or energise a space. To me, colour is joy made visible. I see it everywhere; in a petal, in the pinks of Jaipur, or in a perfectly ripe peach on my kitchen counter.

How does nature influence your design process?

Nature is my constant muse. The gentle curl of a fern, the layers of a woodland walk, the imperfect beauty of falling leaves, all of it feeds into my shapes, my palettes, my rhythms. Nature reminds me to design with simplicity, balance and surprise

Favourite EBNP colour?

Oh goodness, that’s hard! But if I had to choose, I do have a soft spot for Turquoise.  I have just painted my kitchen with it. It’s warm, hopeful and so uplifting — like a beautiful sunny day on a Sussex coast.

We know you love to travel, are there any historical or cultural textile traditions that influence your use of natural forms and colour?

Absolutely, India, especially Rajasthan, has left an indelible mark on my soul. The centuries-old block printing traditions there, the perfectly imperfect prints, the indigo blues and the gentle hum of craft are woven into everything I do. I also adore the work of the Bloomsbury group, in particular, the aesthetic of Charleston.  The ‘can do’ confident method of decorating their home is something that really inspires me.

How do you reconcile traditional nature motifs with a contemporary aesthetic?

By keeping things honest and simple. I like to take the essence of a natural form, say, a tree or a petal, and strip it back to its iconographic joyful shape. I use bold, unfussy block printing and fresh, lively colours that bring it forward into the now.

How do you approach building a colour palette for a new collection?

It always starts with a feeling. Sometimes it’s a season, a place, or even a particular mood. For instance, with our Woodlands Collection, I wanted to capture that sense of shelter and dappled light. So we leaned into mossy greens, soft blues and pops of mauve (think fox gloves and orchids), colours that feel like a walk in the woods.

Favourite podcast you’re listening to at the moment?

I love Ruthie’s Table — she gets such great guests. And I always enjoy a bit of Gone to Timbuktu when I get a bit of wanderlust.

Walk us through a typical day for Molly Mahon?

My day starts with a strong coffee and then dropping my youngest at school.  I then head to the office, all within 5 minutes of where I live. My day can be a mix of meetings, relentless email answering and very occasionally sketching down ideas for new designs.  I love photoshoot days which can be at a lovely location.  Every day seems to fly by and I am back home with Orlando at about 6.30pm with time to cook supper, get the homework done, take the dog for an evening stroll and then collapse in to bed after a lovely long soak in the bath with my book

How do you ensure your designs stay fresh while staying rooted in timeless natural themes?

By trusting in nature’s endless well of ideas, it’s never still, always offering new patterns, new rhythms. And I stay curious, always open to play and imperfection, which keeps the work feeling alive.

How do you balance organic inspiration with interior design trends?

I try not to chase trends, instead, I focus on what feels enduring and honest. That said, I do keep an eye on how colours and materials are shifting, to make sure our work feels harmonious within a space.

Can you describe a moment in nature that directly inspired one of your designs?

Yes, the Oak Leaf block came from a single leaf I picked up on a walk. It had such character, with its ragged edges and strong spine. I traced it and carved it that same afternoon.

What are you reading at the moment?

Treasures by Harriert Evans,  it’s such a lovely meditation on the meaning of home. I also have a well-thumbed copy of If in Doubt Wash Your Hair by Anya Hindmarch  by my bed.

What’s your favourite flower/tree/landscape to work with, and why?

The mighty oak, it’s so British, so steady and grounding. Its leaves have a strength and elegance I find deeply reassuring.

What role do you think textile and wallpaper designers play in encouraging sustainable living?

A big one. We can choose to make beautiful things with care, using water based dyes, renewable materials, and timeless designs that aren’t tossed aside with trends. Craft encourages slower, more thoughtful living.

How important are the seasons to you and which is your favourite?

The seasons guide my whole year, in colour, mood, and pace. I think spring is my favourite, it’s a season of such brightness and hope, and I love layering bold bright tones into the home.

How would you describe your interiors style?

Joyful, layered, and a little bit wonky. I like homes that feel lived-in, loved and full of stories. Pattern on pattern, books on the floor, a mix of old and new, it’s about warmth, not perfection.

Describe the Woodlands Collection to anyone who might not have seen it.

The Woodlands Collection is a celebration of the British countryside, its peace, its mystery, its grounding beauty. Expect oak leaves, curling ferns, earthy tones and the sense of being wrapped in a natural embrace.

The link between personal style and your home is intrinsically linked, what parts of your home best show your personality?

Probably the kitchen, it’s full of colour, chatter, prints and mismatched plates. It’s where life happens, and it’s unapologetically me.

Which interiors accounts/designers do you go to when looking for inspiration?

I adore Rita Konig for her lived-in glamour, and Carlos Garcia for his bold, joyful eye. And of course, the Bloomsbury Group is a forever inspiration.

If your work could evoke one feeling in a space, what would it be?

Joy. That feeling when you walk in and your heart lifts just a little. That’s what I hope for.

How do you capture the movement or rhythm of nature in patterns — is it difficult?

It takes patience and a lot of sketching. I try to honour the wonkiness of nature, nothing too straight, nothing too perfect. That’s where the rhythm lies.

Biggest life lesson?

To follow what brings you joy and don’t be afraid to make a mess along the way. That’s usually where the magic is.

Slow Decorating and being more thoughtful in your design processes is trending right now — what is your take on this?

I’m thrilled by it. Slower decorating is how I’ve always worked, letting things evolve, layering meaning over time, and choosing quality over quantity.

Can you share with us your take on sustainability and how you address it day to day?

We work with natural fabrics, traditional techniques and conscious makers. I believe in making things that last, that people cherish. I also try to reuse, recycle and tread lightly wherever I can.

Best advice when trying to achieve your own personal style?

Start with what makes you feel good. Look at your wardrobe, your photos, the places you love; there’s your palette, your patterns, your vibe. Trust it.

What kind of music do you like listening to — anything specific that brings creativity?

Cinematic instrumentals, gentle folk, or something a bit joyful and nostalgic — like Mumford & Sons or a little King Creosote. Music with heart.

What’s your favourite restaurant?

Petersham Nurseries, it’s beautiful, thoughtful and full of soul. And the food is divine.

What do you love about where you live?

The trees. The sense of space. The way the light changes across the Downs. It feeds my soul.

Does colour evoke emotion for you — can you share with us some thoughts on this?

Completely. Colour can soothe or stir, calm or excite. A soft pink might bring comfort, while a deep green can ground you. It’s pure emotion in visual form

Minimalist or maximalist?

Joyful maximalist! Give me pattern, texture and layers of love.

What about craft do you think is so important to design?

Craft brings soul to design. It carries the mark of the maker, the history of a technique and a kind of quiet beauty you just can’t replicate with machines.

Describe an Edward Bulmer Natural Paint in three words…

Elegant. Honest. Alive.

A JOYOUS chat with Molly Mahon.

Don’t forget to drop in and see us this week, dedicated demo’s are on Wednesday 14th 11-12pm and 1-2pm. Come and meet Molly and Edward and relax, colour scheme and immerse yourself in nature.

Edward Bulmer Natural Paint

194 Ebury Street

London

SW1W 8UP

Just a short walk from Victoria and Sloane Square stations