There is a certain naturalness to spaces created by Sally Wilkinson. She has a remarkable ability to craft spaces that blend uniquely charming pieces and feel effortlessly put together. We’re thrilled to have her as our holiday Style Guide feature, where she shows us how to set a beautiful and festive table using our block-printed Poppy and Gina linens. Her vision for this stunning tablescape, infused with her signature style, has left us captivated!
A Texan-born Southerner, Sally was trained in a classical framework. After working in Atlanta, Georgia post-schooling, she moved to London where she worked as a senior designer at Salvesen Graham before setting up her eponymous firm Sally Wilkinson Design. With offices in London and Atlanta, Sally’s elevated and warm aesthetic is shaped by her background and surroundings – blending the South’s emphasis on tradition and hospitality with elements of classic, pattern-rich British interior design. You don’t want to miss taking a look at her beautiful projects here.
“Indian block prints are a staple in my design work…It is so satisfying to see how a block print can effortlessly take things to the next level” is Sally’s take on what we do at Marigold Living and always strive to make known about Indian block prints! Sally shares some important tips on how to create a sense of scale and drama in a tablescape, collecting unusual pieces with history at flea markets, and enjoying your collections in everyday living – another like-minded philosophy we share at Marigold Living.
Read on to enjoy the sumptuous imagery and rich Q&A discussion with Sally, and we hope this inspires you to bring more beauty into your home, especially during the holidays!
One’s upbringing and current new surroundings both influence one’s aesthetic
“…my aesthetic is definitely shaped by the blend of my Southern U.S. upbringing and my current life in London.”
Q: As an American from the South living in London, how would you define your aesthetic? Do you find yourself bringing influences of both to decorating and entertaining?
A: Yes, my aesthetic is definitely shaped by the blend of my Southern U.S. upbringing and my current life in London. The South’s emphasis on tradition and hospitality will always be at the heart of my design work. The history and global point of view in London have encouraged me to think outside the box and embrace beauty in imperfection.
Designing a tablescape with a sense of cohesion and a story
“…start with one focal point and then build from there. In this case, the Poppy block-printed tablecloth and napkins were the anchoring pieces…”
Q: We’ve been drawn to your work, which effortlessly blends intrigue and charm in the spaces you create, all while maintaining an organic ambiance that never feels ‘designer-made.’ We’re thrilled to see that the tablescape featuring our Poppy block-printed tablecloth evokes the same feeling here! What are some tips for adding a touch of drama to a tablescape, while keeping it accessible for someone without a design background?
A: Thank you! Much like designing a room, for tablescape I also start with one focal point and then build from there…that way there is a sense of cohesion and a story. In this case, the Poppy block-printed tablecloth and napkins were the anchoring pieces and then I played around with what dishware and florals would complement the scale of the print and the vibrant colors.
Indian block printed textiles are a staple in Sally’s design work
“They are easy to layer in at the end of a project for a needed boost of color or pattern”
Q: We love seeing our pieces in your classic London flat. How do Indian block printed textiles fit with your decorating style and aesthetic?
A: Indian block prints are a staple in my design work. They are easy to layer in at the end of a project for a needed boost of color or pattern. It is so satisfying to see how a block print can effortlessly take things to the next level.
Candlelight on the table even for weekday family dinners
“I also am a big advocate for using what you have, not just for special occasions.”
Q: Any thoughts for setting a more causal table that makes impromptu get-togethers and daily mealtimes more special?
A: I love candlelight on the table even for a normal Tuesday family dinner. I also am a big advocate for using what you have, not just for special occasions. Collected pieces truly get better with each use. Setting the table is a great creative outlet for me and a good way to wind down and refocus after a hectic day.
Creating an organic, abundant tablescape with floral arrangement and fruit
“There is both a dressiness and earthiness to fruit that elevates tables, especially during the holidays.”
Q: The same theme is beautifully echoed in your floral arrangement and the use of fruit to decorate the table. We’d love to hear some specific ideas for creating this organic, abundant feel in a tablescape.
A: For flower arrangements, I always forage first in my own (or neighbors) gardens and then add in as needed from the market. In this case, I knew I wanted something with height and started with the wispy, larger arrangement and then grounded it with the fruit. There is both a dressiness and earthiness to fruit that elevates tables, especially during the holidays.
Adding a block printed tablecloth or bed linens to refresh a space
“…adding in a block print can reawaken a room in the best way.”
Q: How would you advise someone who is new to these hand-printed textiles to incorporate them in their day-to-day living and for entertaining?
A: I love adding a block printed tablecloth or bed linens to a space that has stayed the same for a while. It is important to change things up and adding in a block print can reawaken a room in the best way.
Everyone should collect something
“Collecting items with a history…typically ends up being a great topic of conversation over dinner.”
Q: The tableware and accents you’ve chosen feel like collector’s items not seen everywhere. What advice would you give to someone looking to cultivate an eye for these distinctive pieces to elevate their aesthetic, and do you have any sourcing tips for someone looking to build a collection of unique pieces?
A: I am a firm believer that everyone should collect something, and it doesn’t have to be overly researched or expensive. I fell in love with a set of these brown Hungarian plates at a flea market in London and then have slowly added to them from finds at auctions, eBay, and Etsy. I love how they offset my white everyday plates and work with patterned linens. Collecting items with a history to them adds dimension to a table and typically ends up being a great topic of conversation over dinner.
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