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Matthew Williamson isn't afraid of pattern. Praised for his bold creations, the British fashion designer has emblazoned whimsical, nature-inspired prints on everything from dresses to wallpaper. This month he adds furniture to the list. But while it might seem like a daunting leap, Williamson was unfazed because he was in good company: The new line was produced in collaboration with modern decor purveyor CB2. From Williamson's boundless creativity and CB2's craftsmanship emerged a collection of kaleidoscopic patterns in livable silhouettes, punctuated with fanciful accessories. "CB2 liked my DNA, and they wanted to infuse it into their line," says Williamson. "I was relatively free to do what I wanted but was guided by their meticulous attention to detail, which informed the shapes we used. It was a nice synthesis." AD sat down with Williamson to hear about the inspiration behind the line and to learn a bit from his fearless take on color and pattern.
Architectural Digest: The collection is so rich. Can you tell us more about your approach to color and pattern?
Matthew Williamson: To be honest, I don't overthink it. I guess I'm the opposite of most people in that way. But it's funny—three people this morning have asked about doing color in the home, and they were all wearing black. Meanwhile, I'm thinking, how do you do black in the home?! But I do think my stuff can sit quite happily with less colorful items as well. I don't have rules for color or pattern, but if you're anxious, I'd say stick to a clear palette, say, three colors, and keep those harmonious. That would help rein in your supposed mistakes. No one wants a rainbow room.
AD: How does designing for the home differ from designing fashion?
MW: I'm not really scared of designing a table or a sofa or a rug because I see myself more as a lifestyle designer. I've focused on fashion, but I've always tinkered with designers. I've done wallpaper with Osborne and Little and rugs with the Rug Company, so it's been a slow but steady move into that world, which I assume is connected. My customer wants a great home. My work is rooted in color, pattern, texture, and a sense of the exotic, with cultural references, and I apply the same processes whether it's on a dress or a table. I have learned a lot from the craftsmen. I'm learning as I go and loving every bit.
AD: You use such a wide variety of shapes, from the traditional dining chairs to a sofa with a midcentury silhouette. How did you select these?
MW: There was a certain parameter within the collection, and that was understanding what works for CB2. So I knew that this kind of a sofa would resonate. I took their lead on their shapes. In that way, it's much the same as doing fashion; you get feedback on, say, the length of a dress or style of a sleeve, and you incorporate that. It was really a collaboration of their knowledge and my aesthetic.
AD: What about the small objects? They're so fun.
MW: That was just me doing what I wanted to! They're whimsical and meant to make you smile. Of course no one needs a blue parrot, but they add character and personality, especially if you are scared to make those more eccentric choices. You can get an eclectic feel without doing your whole room.
AD: Do you have a personal favorite piece from the collection?
MW: Well, it's changed quite a lot, but recently, I'm really loving the resin Atol table. A sample came to London for me to check, and I realized that the legs screw off. I just bought a house in Spain, and that ended up going there in my suitcase. It packs quite well!
AD: Now that you've made your foray into furniture, what's next?
MW: I also want to do tabletop and bed linen. Oh, and beautiful china! And candles.
