Sophie's story
Sophie Harpley is a British artist and designer painting patterns by hand to create original wallpapers and linen. Inspired by modernist painting, botanical forms, antiques and travel; her fresh freehand style brings a relaxed and storied aesthetic to both traditional and contemporary interiors.
Artist—designer
Sophie grew up in the English west country. When she wasn't drawing or exploring outdoors, she would watch as bolts of Laura Ashley cloth were spread across the kitchen table for her mother's curtain-making. Her earliest memories include dainty floral wallpapers around their Victorian home.
After studying in Sussex, Sophie's early career began at London's V&A Museum and served to confirm her deep love of art and decorative design. She then went back to art school in Bristol, gaining a Masters in Graphic Arts, specialised in print.
Drawing together her love of paint and pattern, Sophie's homeware collections have evolved alongside illustration commissions and design work for interiors brands like Liberty x Bloom & Wild, Habitat, Sofa.com and Graham & Green.
Sophie's work is known for a relaxed, layered and colourful aesthetic, a passion for nature and her signature loose hand painted style.
Sustainably made in Britain
With both nature and craft as inspirations for Sophie’s designs, she wanted to produce them in ways that honour this. Sophie's papers and cloth are all printed by skilled artisans in Britain, drawing from generations of expertise, yet pioneering sustainable printing today.
Linen is made from Flax which grows organically and even improves the soil around it. Sophie uses the finest, pure European linen. Her wallpapers are made from replenished forests. Both materials being natural, are also biodegradable.
Sophie's cushions and lampshades are handmade in small batches, making use of every inch of fabric and wallpaper, to create joyful interior accessories.
Press, partners & awards
Sophie's work has featured in national press such as British Vogue, House & Garden, The Financial Times, Telegraph and Elle Decoration. Most recently Sophie has partnered with Annie Sloan, Domenica Marland and Haines Collection. In 2023 she won a Homes & Gardens Design Award for her new wallpapers and joined The List by House & Garden.
Kind words
Studio Stories
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The coils of Colli
I’ve been in a happy online rabbit warren, researching one particular metalwork designer Pier Luigi Colli. -
Pauline Hilton Upholstery
"Once stripped the chair turned out to be a Victorian. Sophie's beautiful fabrics are lovely to work with and I think the Geraniums linen suits the style of this chair perfectly. The skirt hiding the legs is typical for the Victorian era as 'legs should not be seen' even on chairs!"
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A chat with Jules of The Haines Collection
"It takes ten years to be an overnight success."