When Dani came across Annie’s watercolours on Instagram one cold winter’s afternoon, she found herself in awe of the artwork that so beautifully captured the magical moments of everyday life.   Annie is not only a highly talented creative, but her outlook on life is as joyful as her paintings.

Tell us a bit about your background, what makes you… you?

I grew up on Martha’s Vineyard, an island off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. You can only get to the island by boat, a 45minute ferry, so it’s quite secluded. Growing up in this small town gave me wanderlust and a desire to see the world, so travelling became one of my passions and that led me to be interested in art and culture. I have a very fiery and driven personality, which fuels my desire to see as much of the world as I can. I love going to new places because all your senses are awake and there’s a unique vibe in every place. One of my passions is aiming to capture the vibe of a place, or of a moment, and I’m very visual so I love curating things to be aesthetically pleasing.

How and when did your journey and love for art start?

I come from a creative family, and I’ve always loved art. Creativity is very important to me, and growing up I had tons of different creative ventures. At university, I studied marketing communications, and after graduation, I got a job at an advertising agency. While working at the agency I started watercolour painting in my free time just for fun, and after a few years, I transitioned to doing painting mostly full time!

What influences and inspires you?

Honestly, my inspiration comes from everywhere in my day-to-day life! I’m always looking for things to paint and it’s fun to find the next random thing that will be an inspiration. I’ll see an arrangement in a shop window, or a scene of people eating at a restaurant, or particular flowers and vines in a window box, or a picture of from ad on Instagram… anything can catch my eye and inspire a scene to illustrate, so I’ll take a photo or a screenshot. I have an album on my phone called “things to paint” and I have over 1000 inspo images in there!

Does your art represent something about you?

I think my art represents how see the world – how little moments and small details can be beautiful. It’s just a matter of what you pay attention to. I like taking everyday things and making them a little more whimsical and pretty. I like bold colours and cheery patterns and that’s what I choose to see.

 

How do you make your art, what is your speciality?

I use watercolour paints to create my illustrations, and when I scan my paintings onto the computer I use photoshop as well. So my style is a mixed media of painting and digital. This allows me to edit colours, make different versions and create print patterns.

What art do you most identify with?

I identify with modern, still life, and portrait art. I do like some colourful abstract pieces, but I tend to be more drawn to art that captures a certain essence of an object. I also really love photography. I have so much respect and admiration for photographers!

What work do you most enjoy doing?

I paint a lot of things for fun or just to post on my Instagram simply because I like it, and I really enjoy painting those things because it’s purely for the purpose of creating. But I also really enjoy painting custom illustrations for clients. People always choose to have me illustrate special moments, like weddings, proposals, family photos, first homes, memories of loved ones passed – so to get to bring those moments to life in a painting and knowing it’s going to make a really special gift is amazing.

What themes do you pursue and why?

I love to paint Mediterranean themes: lemons and citrus, blue oceans, flowers, food, prints and patterns you might see on Italian ceramics, things like that. I think a lot of my work is also “romantic” in theme. I tend to pull from girly themes, making my work cutesie and feminine.

Do you have a dream project?

I’d love to see my work as home decor items and kitchenware, one day I want to design prints and artwork for plates, mugs, dish towels, pillows, candles. My dream partnership would be to do a collaboration with Anthropologie and see my work sold all over the country!

Name three artists you would like to be compared to.

Nathalie Lete, her work is so whimsical and imaginative

My favourite watercolour artists are Inslee Ferris, Riley Sheehey and Erisha Rubingh. They are huge inspirations to me!

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

Recently I was messaging with Susannah Garrod, a ceramic artist I admire. I had reached out to her for advice as an artist, and she said she once heard “it takes 10 years to become an overnight success” – and I loved this because it’s a reminder that things don’t happen instantly and you have to keep going and keep working hard, and things are not as easy as they seem (especially on social media where it seems like everyone is an overnight success.)

Professionally, what is your goal?

My professional goal is to build a reputable brand for myself and my work. I want to be able to work for myself and build a successful business that allows me to do what I enjoy, be flexible with my time, and create art that I am proud of. I just want to be able to sustain myself and set an example for other artists who want to turn their passion into a business.

Make sure you visit Annie’s Instagram Page @olive.and.orange and be taken on a whimsical journey of everyday life!

Thanks for visiting and please stay as long as you like…it’s so wonderful to have you here!

If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, you will slowly notice the world outside your window change from a fresh summer palette to an earthier one that represents the coming of the cooler months. It’s time to welcome the seasonal change and create a cosy and inviting space that will embrace you and your friends during the festive season.

Changing up your decor to represent the seasons ensures your home is welcoming all year round. It could be the introduction of small details or a new colour palette. At Evie and Skye, the fundamental principle to decorating in the colder months is to introduce cosy layers and textiles. We love to play with warm hues and luxe textiles to generate an ambience that will prepare you for chilly days, longer nights and festive entertaining.

Follow these simple steps to seasonally update your home for winter and the festive season, transforming it into a swoon-worthy space that your friends and family won’t want to leave.

EMBRACE WARMER TONES

There are many ways to create a warm and inviting home in the cooler months.  Saturated and jewel-like hues are perfect for autumn and winter and they also create a luxurious ambience for festive entertaining.

LAYERS UPON LAYERS

Cosy corners are easy to create when you start playing with layers of tactile textures like soft throws and velvet cushions.  Mixing and layering up cushions is a quick and interesting way to create an inviting space for cooler nights.

PILES OF CUSHIONS

Mix and match cushions to add texture and luxury. Pile them on every soft surface so a cushion to nestle into is always within reach.  When entertaining don’t forget to curate a pile of cushions in various spaces around your home, creating inviting nooks for a friendly chat and glass of celebratory champagne!

We love to share your images with other cushions and interior enthusiasts on social media, so don’t forget to head over to our Instagram Page, follow us and post your picture with #evieandskye.

Have a great day!

In our series of interviews, we thought we would start with the creative behind our brand Evie and Skye…our very own Daniela Townson.

What do you love most about being a designer?
I love bringing a vision to life. You look at the world with different eyes. I see beauty in the smallest things. You even start noticing things like a pattern on a drain cover. I dream of patterns and colour combinations and often get my little sketchbook out with new ideas. It’s simply exhilarating for me.

I have always been like this. One of my earlier memories was when I was 10, and I loved drawing and designing kitchens and living spaces. My mother kept all the designs in her cookbooks. It’s simply bringing a vision to life. That’s so fulfilling.

As a grown-up, I found it difficult to find the designs and quality that I was looking for, and I often had to order from the USA or Australia. There was still a big gap in the market. I could not find what I so desperately wanted, so after a chat with Caroline, we both decided to fill that gap and create what we were so passionate about. Meeting Caroline allowed me to partner with someone with business acumen who also has a great eye for styling, design and colours. Without her, I would have never known where to start. Dream team!

Who or what inspires your designs?
What inspires me are all things classic and well designed, always maintaining quality and simplicity. I like to stay away from the norm and mass-produced designs. I want to attract customers who, like me, are looking for something different to reflect their personality. A home is a big part of you; therefore, it should reflect that.

My personal favourite is The Coco in Dark Blue and Green and the Savannah. So edgy and fresh.

I love the vintage era of the 1950s and 1960s Amalfi Coast and the French Riviera at their best when life was about truly being in the moment. No social media, no phones. Good company and conversations in a nice environment. What a lifestyle!

I like to escape by watching old classic films or more recent films based on days gone by, such as The Talented Mr Ripley.  I treasure a timeless style and can still be seen in the finest boutique hotels all over the world. It’s beautifully executed at the gorgeous Mezzatorre hotel in Ischia, the Arienzo beach club in Positano and the stunning beach club La Fontelina on Capri. To name a few.

In America, New York excites me with its bold clean lines and simple hints of Art Deco. I adore the Tribeca loft penthouses with touches of Crittall mixed in with the old original fixtures.

Palm Springs’ playfulness in the 1960s will always be popular in every generation to come. One of my favourites is poolside at The Parker Palm Springs. Quirky yet simple and fresh with a touch of the Bertoia barstool to add that cool mid-century modern detail. I could go on and on.  Slim Aarons’ photography captures the lifestyle that so many of us still fondly look at.  A coffee table book must-have.

Could you walk us through your design process? How do you create a new design?
I strictly avoid looking at other brands during design periods, as I want my designs to be completely original. Then I play around with a pattern either from my sketchbook or a random one. Constantly adding little details. I make sure to leave it for a few hours. With a fresh pair of eyes, I tweak a few more things. Suddenly, there it is!  After that, I show Caroline. Sometimes she will see small details that need adjusting, and it’s perfect. She has a great eye. We then play with colour combinations. This is my absolute favourite part. We squeak with excitement when our vision comes to life. I did our first collection in one evening and stayed up until 3 a.m; my creative juices were flowing. It’s the best time to do it whilst listening to tunes surrounded by fragrant candles lit in the quiet of the night.

What would be your dream design project?
A boutique hotel. From poolside sun loungers, towels, parasols, bedding, bathrobes, body products and the creation of a signature fragrance. We aspire to be a lifestyle brand, adding more and more every year. That’s our dream.

Tell us about your perfect holiday?
That is a very, very hard one for me. I am a big foodie, so travel is based on what cuisine I most crave at the time.  Based on hospitality and the sheer escapism of a full-on London lifestyle with a young daughter, I choose Italy. It feels stuck in time, and I always switch off and relax.

I adore Tuscany with all its gems such as San Gimignano, Siena and Lucca. One of my favourite hotels is Villa Cora overlooking Florence. They are so welcoming and spoil your kids rotten with customised surprises during the stay. I highly recommend it.

We got married on Lake Como at Villa Del Balbianello so jumping on boats and exploring all the towns is always very reminiscent.

 

I love the simplicity of Puglia, we stayed at Borgo Egnazia a few years ago, and my daughter still talks about it.  My grandfather’s family came from Naples and Rome, so the Amalfi Coast is an absolute must. Amazing food and beautiful cliffside towns such as Positano and Sorrento are the perfect romantic spot. I adore La Sirenuse in Positano. Such a beautiful hotel with breathtaking views.  There are so many more places to see in Italy, such as Venice and Portofino. Based on food, culture and variety, I put Italy at the top of my list.  I have even converted my husband, who is a big fan of the south of France.

I was born in Austria, so I also enjoy city breaks in Salzburg, Graz and Vienna.

We love staying at the Gran Ferdinand in Vienna. The unparalleled finesse and food choices for both savoury and the coffee cake culture make Austria a must for me. There is nowhere else in the world like it. Considering how small the country is, there is a huge variation one to explore all year round.

Who is your style icon?
Easy.  Audrey Hepburn always has been from a very young age.

I also love Romy Schneider and Claudia Cardinale. It’s hard to pick from so many amazing icons! But all from the Hollywood era of the 1950s/1960s.

Name three of your favourite restaurants and why?
I will stick to London restaurants for this question.

1. Sketch London because of the interiors and cocktails.
2. Brunch at the Wolseley is divine; I love the building and architecture.
3. Tucked away in Notting Hill is Mazi, a gorgeous and intimate Greek Restaurant. Perfect for a small group of friends.

What three objects in your home could you not live without?
Aside from the essentials…

My Marshall radio in the kitchen, ambience music is essential to me and reflects my mood and vibe.  As shallow as it sounds, I love a bit of nighttime Netflix with a vino in hand and a luxury scented candle helps me unwind.  Coffee table books, art surrounded by unique accessories make me smile.

I have recently discovered Emmie Lou, a British-Australian artist. Her art makes me smile every day, and she lets me escape. Her vintage French/ Italian road trip vibe mixed with mystical femininity is eye-catching to all that come to my house.

We will plan a little collaboration soon as our colours and patterns complement each other so well.

Tell us about a day in the life of Dani?
Besides enjoying lots of creative moments with Evie & Skye, I am also a hands-on mother to a gorgeous 7-year-old girl.  I don’t want a nanny, so my normal day means getting up early and making sure all the school work is up to date and double-checking if I need to remind my class of anything due to being a class rep … all very normal everyday stuff.  We now have a gorgeous little Maltese puppy, so that I will be walking her in the park after drop off and enjoy a peaceful coffee whilst doing some work in a quiet house (Sometimes I go on strike and meet up with friends and have a proper girly day out all around London and get very little done. Good for the soul).  3.40 pm is when it’s time for school pick up.  After that, I am rushing her around for activities/clubs. By the time I have cooked a nice meal and tidied up, I enjoy watching some well-deserved television.  I stay up way too late as I get greedy and crave ‘me time‘ like so many mothers out there.

Art is powerful.  It changes space and can transport the observer to another place or time.

As a result of its impact, many people are intimidated by purchasing and displaying art in their home.  If you are not sure of your aesthetic or you do not feel ready to make the financial commitment to purchase a piece of artwork, the good news is you can still add character and interest to your home by way of accessories such as a collection of complementary cushions.

Like art, a room can be transformed by adding a perfectly curated selection of cushions.  When chosen correctly, the process of mixing cushions of various patterns, colours, textures and sizes can enhance and harmonise a once uninspired, mismatched or bland room.  Let’s be honest, we don’t want to have that home that is vanilla; we want our design efforts to reflect who we are, be admired and be appreciated.  Selecting and styling the right assortment of cushions for your current space to have an impact can be intimidating and challenging.

The good news is our obsession is designing cushions that can be mixed and matched.  Therefore, we thought we would pull together a mini-guide to help you transform your home into a fresh, aspirational space and that is a reflection of your personal aesthetic.

IT’S AS EASY AS 1,2,3, AND 4!
1. Create an empty canvas.
2. Conceive a colour palette.
3. Identify styling arrangement.
4. Curate a selection of cushions.

CREATE AN EMPTY CANVAS
It doesn’t matter if your starting point is your bedroom, living room, family room, playroom, study or dressing room…you have to start with an empty canvas.  Remove all existing cushions and any other accessories in the room that you no longer want to keep.  Rooms can often be an explosion of colours, patterns, and styles, from walls to window treatments, furniture, and vases.  Therefore, we need to review and curate our belongings before we add any more to the mix to create an aspirational space.

CONCEIVE A COLOUR PALETTE
Spend some time just being in the room where you are decorating, observing, and recording your surroundings.  Determine the use of colour that currently exists in the room.  Observe the room’s mood, how does it makes you feel and do you want it to change? Look at the style of furniture, the formality of the room, and the room’s purpose. From your evaluation, build a palette of 2-3 colours to complement and enhance your room.  Please, please, please do not be tempted to select a colour palette that directly matches your room’s primary component, such as your sofa or bedding.  Instead, select a contrasting palette that is a combination of complementary colours and textures.

IDENTIFY STYLING ARRANGEMENT
Styling is not a science; there isn’t a rule book to say how you must style cushions.   However, you can adopt techniques pending the context of the room and its general style and purpose.  When identifying your styling approach, the key points for consideration are the arrangement, size, and texture of cushions.

Let’s talk about sofa styling.  In a formal setting, you may want to follow an asymmetrical approach,  starting from the sofa’s two endpoints and working your way into the middle.  There are no rules to say the cushions have to be different sizes, shapes or textures, but it’s often a great way to mix up the patterns, create some depth and add interest to your home.

 

If you are looking to embrace and enhance a more casual space, throw symmetry out the window and create clusters of cushions to one end of your sofa, couch or lounge.  You may not want to or be able to play with texture in more casual spaces; velvets and silks don’t mix so well with kids and dogs.  Remember, playing with odd numbers of cushions, such as 3 and 5, is more impactful, and we find this configuration more visually pleasing.

So, what about beds?  

Again, if a rule book has been written, we haven’t heard about it.  It partially depends on the size of your bed, formality and use of bed linen.  You need to figure out do you like to have the symmetrical look of two larger cushions at the back, two smaller complementary coloured cushions in front and a statement cushion in between.  Alternatively, you may not want a statement cushion, and you would rather opt for a complimentary pair of cushions on either side of the bed.

If you want a more relaxed, playful and fun vibe to your bedroom, create a haphazard collection of complementary cushions that don’t fall into any particular order at all.

Be brave, and don’t forget to play around with these styling approaches so you can figure out the style that reflects you and your home.

CURATE A SELECTION OF CUSHIONS
You have made your choice of colours, decided on quantity, thought about sizing and identified your preferred textures.  It is now time to do your research and find your cushions.  Some stores offer sets of cushions that have already been curated for you, and this can be a wonderful option if you aren’t 100% confident in mixing patterns, colours and textures.  When purchasing your cushions, we recommend looking for cushions made from quality materials and have a certified feather-based inner for a plush, and indulgent end look and feel.

Let us know if this guide has been of use and if you have any further questions.   We love to share your images with other cushion and interior enthusiasts on social media, so don’t forget to head over to our Instagram Page, follow us and post your picture with #evieandskye.

Have a great day!

A stunning cushion is truly the sum of its parts!

 

A cushion cover is nothing without the right insert and unfortunately cushion inserts are not all created equal!

Let me tell you a little story before I begin.  When Dani and I first started out on our journey to launch Evie and Skye we spent hours doing our research into what created the most luxurious cushion.  We soon discovered that the most stunning cushion cover was nothing without the perfect insert.

Time and time again we saw luxury cushions with limp, lumpy and flat inserts, and as a result the cushions just didn’t exude the wow factor.  Consequently, we spent nearly as much time perfecting our inserts as we did on our covers.  So, let me tell you how cushion inserts differ and why they are so important!

BIGGER IS BETTER

When it comes to cushion inserts bigger is better!

If a cushion insert fails to fill a cushion cover all the way to the tips of each corner, it will just look sad and cheap…no matter how much you paid for the cover!

Therefore, you will need to buy an insert that is bigger than your cover.  We have tested a range of different sizes, and we always size up our inserts by 2.5cm as we have a high density insert for that extra touch of luxury.

IT’S WHATS INSIDE THAT COUNTS

There are so many different fillings to choose from for cushion inserts, and it can become very overwhelming very quickly.  One wrong move and bingo bango you have a lumpy, hard, uninviting cushion that people would rather toss out the window!

So, let me give you the cheat notes on the various materials that are used to stuff cushion inserts and how we came about choosing the perfect filling for our Evie and Skye Cushions.

Feather and Down Inserts

Down comes from the undercoating, fluffy part of ducks and geese feathers — and it’s the most luxurious option for cushion inserts.

Cushions with feather and down inserts offer a plushness and “oomph” that cannot be replicated by another other filling. The feathers in the insert provide a luxurious weight to the cushion, while the down makes it delightfully comfortable and opulent.

Down and feather cushions are 100% natural and require a fluffing after use to ensure a perfectly plump profile.  Feather and Down are of the highest quality, and are more expensive than other fillings, but with proper care, they can last a long time.

Feather Inserts

Feather filled inserts are the most widely used filling in the soft furnishing industry. This filling should be made up of pure duck feathers which are small in size and have a natural curl which give cushions a soft plumpness.  Feathers do flatten when they are sat on and will need to be “poofed” up to create that perfectly plump effect.

Some feather pillows will last decades if you take care of them properly. This is because duck feathers are naturally durable.

There is a myth that duck feather cushion inserts are not suitable for people that suffer from allergies.  However, allergic reactions are usually caused by dust mite droppings and not the feathers themselves.  If you wash and care for your cushions regularly you can avoid contamination of dust mites!

Fibre Inserts

Polyester fibre inserts are lightweight, easy to wash and hold their shape after repetitive use.  They offer greater back support and are resilient.  Fibre filling is non-allergenic and the material is odourless.

They do not have the luxurious, plump cushion appearance and the fibre quality can impact the comfort factor.

Eco Friendly Inserts

Eco inserts can be made from recycled water bottles, buckwheat hulls or sheep wool.  Cushions with an Eco filling hold their shape and do not have that “oomph” feeling when you settle into them.  Instead eco inserts offer a durable, firm feel that offers great support.

If you love the look of the what they call the “karate chop” in the interiors industry, Eco cushions are not for you…they will bounce back faster than a rubber ball!

Eco cushions are of course good for the environment and they are non-allergenic and antibacterial.

HOW DID WE CHOOSE THE PERFECT FILLING FOR OUR CUSHIONS?

Our ultimate goal when choosing our inserts was to find the most luxurious and comfortable cushion that would honour our covers.

 

In all honestly our testing process was similar to Goldilocks and the Three Bears:

The Fibre Inserts were too lumpy and blah.

The Eco Inserts were too ridged.

The Feather Inserts were lovely but just didn’t have the WOW factor!

And then we tried….

The Down and Feather Inserts and they were perfect in every way!

 

 

We had the honour to collaborate with the gorgeous Emmie Lou and her stunning art pieces.

For us, her art and style was love at first sight. Her Art is unique, playful yet edgy. We felt mellow from the moment we arrived, realising how much we had in common. The door opened, the effortlessly gorgeous Emmie warmly welcomed us. It was pure bliss. My senses were elated. Divinely fragrant candles lit in every room combined with gorgeous music from the classic 1940s and 1950’s era. This highlighted just how much we both are old souls in young bodies and could forever dream of the classic time periods that never fade. The sophisticated era of true timeless elegance and style. Perhaps that is exactly why we were so drawn to her.

We were bursting to ask her some questions.

What is your background and evolution as an artist?
I have spent the last 8 years of my career working in digital marketing and began to feel slightly lost and disheartened by a world of Facetune and filters. I craved a world before devices, a time when we lived blissfully in the moment (in place of documenting everything, or it never happened). Having studied Fine Art at Parsons Paris, I always had the itch to go back to painting, as if there was some unfinished business that was halted by the ‘you’ll never make a living as an artist’ chat that I was constantly confronting.

I had entered a depression, frustrated and unfulfilled. I had nothing to lose and bought a box of paints and an enormous canvas. The first stroke felt like an immediate weight had been lifted, the intimacy of the brush swimming across the cotton, the endless colours and compositions I had to release. Layers upon layers of hidden messages, expression and positivity ensued. I had finally found the light.

What influences and inspires you?
I reference a whimsical bygone era throughout many of my pieces, whether it’s summer in a 1960’s St Tropez, a bewitching F.Scott Fitzgerald quote or a candy-floss sunset. I try to let the inspiration flow as organically as possible and trust my intuition will take the piece where it needs to go.

Would you say that your background in terms of upbringing has influenced your art, is it informed by certain concepts and themes from childhood and travel to where you lived and were raised?
Absolutely! I am lucky enough to be from Australia but was brought up in Paris and London, so travel has played a huge role in my art.  Being exposed to some of the world’s most amazing masterpieces at a young age was pivotal in steering me into a creative career. In saying that, I also have a strong link to my Aussie roots, and I’m heavily influenced by their modern art scene, which I feel is finally getting the recognition it deserves.

What does your artwork aim to say?
I aim to bring to life an abstract universe inspired by mystical femininity. Each piece is an oversized portal into an imaginary world where silhouetted figures are immersed in vibrant, whimsical scenes. My main goal with each piece is to ‘lift’ the viewer to a state of joy and empowerment. I try to toe the line between full abstraction combined with figurative elements (that magical sweet spot in between is what I live for!).

What does your art mean to you?
Everything! I count the lucky stars that I get to do what I love every day. It is an extraordinary vocation that is equal parts tough and rewarding, and I wouldn’t change it for anything.

How does your art influence your interiors?
I love the curved lines in interiors that feeds into my painting style; I’m constantly aiming for a soft feminine curve with each stroke. From the Vertigo Pendant Lamp hanging in my living room to the vintage Mario Bellini sofa and the asymmetrically curved Isamu Noguchi coffee table, it seems that my love of the curve is abundant in my interiors aesthetic too.

I love Evie and Skye because their playful prints add the perfect finishing touch to my interior space.

What’s next for you?
My first solo show in May; stay tuned….

After the shoot, we realised how compatible we are in style and colour and are planning a fun collaboration for an upcoming collection. This is definitely an artist to watch.