In conversation with GP & J Baker's Ann Grafton

GP & J Baker has grown to become one of the world’s innovators of fabric and wallpaper design, with prints inspired by the brand’s spectacular archive which dates back to the company’s conception in 1884. A holder of the Royal Warrant since 1982 GP & J Baker enjoys an international reputation for its unique and stylish approach to fabric and wallpaper designs that appeal to both traditional and contemporary customers. 

A brand close to our hearts, GP & J Baker were one of the very first brands Jane Clayton & Company partnered with 40 years ago. We caught up with Ann Grafton, MD and Creative Director, to learn more about the brand, what it's like working with such a prestigious archive and her tips for using GP & J Baker designs in the home.

How did you get into the world of interiors & what would be your career highlight?

I have a lifelong connection to textiles, growing up amongst fabrics and the textile industry. Prior to joining GP & J Baker I was the Creative Director of the Colefax and Fowler group.

A career highlight would have to include holding the Royal Warrant of Her Majesty The Queen’s on behalf of GP & J Baker and having the privilege to work with GP & J Baker’s world renowned fabric and textile archive.

GP & J Baker was founded in 1884 and has an extensive archive. How easy is it to translate archival designs in comparison to creating new designs?

My aim is that all of our collections meet the demands of stylish modern living. The Design Studio develops new and innovative designs that suit the demands of our customers whilst evolving and reinventing enduring iconic designs from our archive, ensuring they remain relevant to today’s interiors. It's an incredibly rewarding process.

Our extensive archive has become one of the largest and most exciting privately owned textile archives in the world and includes rare Indian prints, iconic designs ranging from hand drawn artistic representations of flora and fauna such as the iconic Magnolia designed by William Turner in 1913, to Art Deco prints and abstract designs developed it the 1930s, designs inspired by fashion and architecture, all in the most wonderful color palettes. 

What are your expert tips for anyone looking to add pattern and texture into their home?

It's always a great idea to start any interior design scheme by basing it on a favorite piece of art or a rug that will be in the room and using this as a guide for your color palette. Small and larger scale patterns combine brilliantly when a color from the larger more decorative design is chosen for a small scale design. Also, be bold. Some of the most magnificent rooms we have seen that feature GP & J Baker fabrics contain a riot of layered prints.

What are your top tips for using GP & J Baker fabrics and wallpapers?

Many of our designs are highly decorative and distinctive so we have developed a range of smaller scale printed fabrics and wallpapers that combine brilliantly with these larger scale statement designs to make them more contemporary and easier to use in modern interiors.

A top tip for wallpaper is to not forget the 5th wall, the ceilings, which can look superb when wallpapered in a small print, and to be bold! Embrace pattern and color on every wall in your home and on all your furnishings.

With curtains in particular it is important to look at the drape of the fabric and how it moves. Curtains look best when they drape beautifully and the fabric is supple and not stiff. This is achieved through a fabric with a great drape and using enough fabric to create the fullness.  We also like to encourage customers to pair decorative curtain fabric with a smaller scale print for the lining fabric as this means the outside of your windows and your home is as beautiful as the inside.

What is your favorite GP & J Baker product/collection from over the years & why?

I would say that our ‘Originals’ Wallpapers reflects our commitment to review, recolor, rescale and reimagine designs that were originally drawn over 100 years ago and I am proud that these cherished designs will continue to bring joy to customers for many years to come.

How important is it to consider the type of property you are decorating when making interior design choices?

Critically important! As you need to ensure that the interior of your property echoes or enhances and is sympathetic to the internal architecture and style.

How important is authenticity when it comes to decorating a property?

The outcome is that being authentic when decorating is the only way you can truly create a home with warmth and that you want to spend time in. So as well as considering the type of property, embrace your favorite color, layer in the texture and cherish your inherited furniture to create rooms that reflect you and the way you want to live.

Have you spotted any changes within interiors in recent years?

People are embracing more color and pattern and are becoming braver in expressing their own personal style. With more inspiration available through social media, customers are more savvy and more informed.

What interior style do you think will be big for this upcoming season?

There is a strong trend towards translating classical designs into contemporary colors for today’s interiors, resulting in rooms with personality, interest and modernity. The growth in conversational wallpaper reflects the interest in pattern on wall surfaces; beautiful textures including luxurious velvets and weighty linens in warm sandy neutrals are also becoming popular as they add interest and layers to contemporary interiors.

We couldn't help but feel inspired after chatting with Ann, it's clear to see how important GP & J Baker's ethos is to her and how their commitment in giving new life to archival designs has remained at the forefront of all they do. 

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