VANESSA & BRIDGET BARNEBY
Introducing the second instalment of AGB Icons, where we'll be talking to some of the amazing friends of the brand about their everyday, plus discussing their favourite Alex Gore Browne knits.
Next up, it's Bridget and Vanessa Barneby, our first mother and daughter icons. Vanessa, alongside friend Alice Gates, started Barneby Gates, a luxury wallpaper and fabric studio. Known for their diverse range of prints which combines the traditional with contemporary.
Today we talk to both Bridget and Vanessa on how they navigate everyday, the passion for gorgeous interiors and how they style their cosy AGB knits.
Vanessa, how did your interest in interiors begin?
I can definitely thank Mum for that. She has always had the most immaculate taste, and the best sense of what a real family ‘home’ should be. My parents were serial movers, and therefore became serial decorators too! In the 80s it was Laura Ashley, 90’s was Colefax & Fowler and O&L, and now of course – top-to-toe Barneby Gates!
How do you find inspiration in everyday?
Walking in the countryside with my dog Ziggy. Nature is without doubt my biggest inspiration, taking in the changing of the seasons, and the colour and joy that brings. It’s also a very mindful thing walking - It’s probably when I come up with ideas most.
How would you create a chic, cosy room?
I love a room that has a history, that tells a bit of a story about the people who live there – a room that has grown organically over time, layering old and new, colours and textures, and lots and lots of pictures.
What do you most love about running your own business?
I’m very lucky in that I run my business with one of my oldest and bestest friends. The launch of Barneby Gates accidentally coincided with us both starting our own families, and since then we’ve had 5 children between us. This meant we were able to design our business model around being an active Mum as well as a working Mum - something that has always been important to us both. We are very lucky that we get the best of both worlds, but finding the right balance isn’t always easy of course.
And Bridget, when does sweater season start for you?
November is probably my best month for sweaters – it’s cold enough to wear your favourites but warm enough not to have to layer too much underneath. I wear mine with jeans and my can’t-live-without AGB accessory, the hood, in a different colour each day
Describe the perfect knit for hunkering down at home.
It’s got to be the AGB Teddy Sweater
