Inside Our April Design Clinic at Middlethorpe Hall
There are some elements of interior design that simply cannot be understood from a screen.
Our recent Spring Design Clinic at Middlethorpe Hall was a reminder of how valuable it is to experience fabrics and wallpapers properly, to see colour in natural light, to understand scale, texture and craftsmanship, and to have time for thoughtful conversations around how a home should feel.
Held within the drawing room at Middlethorpe Hall, guests spent the morning exploring the latest Spring 2026 collections from GP & J Baker, Colefax & Fowler, Nina Campbell and Lewis & Wood. Surrounded by the layered interiors and historic character of the house itself, the setting could not have felt more appropriate.
Throughout the morning, conversations moved naturally between fabrics, renovation projects, period homes and the challenges many people face when trying to make confident design decisions.
Ann arriving at Middlethorpe Hall, York
Middlethorpe Interiors is an interior design studio in York, North Yorkshire. Led by SBID accredited interior designer, Ann Allan, Middlethorpe offers full-service interior design, soft furnishings & upholstery, design consultancy and virtual design services to homeowners in Yorkshire. Explore our Yorkshire interior design services, whether you have a townhouse, country home or are looking for expert interior design input through a Colour Consultation.
Why Seeing Fabrics In Person Matters
One of the most common things we hear from clients is how different fabrics feel once they are seen in person.
A colour that appears flat online suddenly becomes warmer and more complex in daylight. A larger scale print can feel surprisingly balanced once viewed within a room setting. Texture, weight and movement become part of the decision in a way that photography rarely captures fully.
This is particularly important when designing homes intended to feel comfortable, timeless and deeply personal.
Our design clinics are an opportunity to slow the process down slightly. To look properly at materials, layer combinations together and discuss how collections may sit within the context of a particular home and way of living. (Sign up to our newsletter to be notified of our next events here.)
GP & J Baker x Kit Kemp
One of the collections that sparked the most conversation throughout the morning was the collaboration between GP & J Baker and Kit Kemp.
Founded in 1884, GP & J Baker has long been associated with decorative British interiors and continues to hold a Royal Warrant, reflecting its longstanding reputation for craftsmanship and quality.
The latest collection with Kit Kemp brings together bold geometric patterns, playful stripes and expressive florals, all layered with an approach that feels artistic yet entirely livable. Much of the collection plays confidently with scale and colour whilst still retaining warmth and practicality for everyday interiors.
Several guests commented on how beautifully the fabrics balanced personality with comfort, particularly within older properties where stronger patterns can often bring energy and character to more traditional architecture.
Colefax & Fowler and the Enduring Country House Aesthetic
Middlethorpe Hall already features Colefax & Fowler fabrics and wallpapers throughout many of its interiors, making it an especially fitting backdrop to showcase the new Spring 2026 collection.
Founded in the 1930s, Colefax & Fowler has become synonymous with the English country house look, known for interiors that feel layered, elegant and deeply comfortable rather than overly formal.
The latest collection continues that philosophy beautifully, drawing on historical archive references whilst introducing softer contemporary colour palettes and richly textured layers. Decorative prints, subtle stripes, embroidered linens and muted tones sat naturally within the surroundings at Middlethorpe Hall itself.
What resonated strongly throughout the event was how easily these collections bridge old and new. They allow a home to feel evolved over time rather than overly designed, which is something many of our clients are increasingly looking for.
Nina Campbell’s Spring 2026 Collection
Nina Campbell’s latest Spring 2026 collection brought a softer, more relaxed energy to the morning.
Known for creating interiors that feel welcoming, timeless and personal, Nina Campbell’s collections continue to combine classic English decoration with an ease that works beautifully in contemporary homes. Florals, painterly prints and woven textures were layered in a way that felt fresh and understated rather than overtly decorative.
Many guests were drawn to the gentler palette and the versatility of the collection, particularly how easily the fabrics could sit alongside antiques, natural textures and existing schemes without overpowering a space.
Lewis & Wood and the Beauty of Individuality
Ann also showcased the new Spring 2026 collection from Lewis & Wood, a company long admired for its highly distinctive approach to fabrics and wallpapers.
Founded by Stephen Lewis and Creative Director Magdalen Jebb, Lewis & Wood has built a reputation for producing considered, characterful collections rooted in British craftsmanship and original design. Unlike many larger brands, the company deliberately releases a smaller number of carefully developed collections, favouring quality and individuality over volume.
The new Patchwork collection for Spring 2026 drew particular attention throughout the morning. Inspired by antique American quilts, archive textiles from the V&A and pieces from the American Museum in Bath, the collection transforms traditional quilt motifs and folk-inspired appliqué into fabrics and wallpapers with warmth, depth and narrative.
There is a handcrafted quality to Lewis & Wood collections that feels especially relevant at a time when many clients are searching for homes with greater individuality and personality. The fabrics sat beautifully alongside the historic interiors of Middlethorpe Hall, bringing a more artistic and slightly unexpected layer to the schemes shown throughout the morning.
The Importance of Early Design Conversations
One of the most rewarding aspects of the event was speaking to people at very different stages of their projects.
Some guests arrived with architectural plans already underway. Others simply knew something in their home no longer felt quite right but were unsure where to begin.
Often, these earlier conversations are where an interior designer can bring the greatest value. Helping clients refine ideas before expensive decisions are made, creating cohesion across a home and offering reassurance during what can otherwise feel like an overwhelming process.
The morning was a lovely reminder that interior design is rarely just about choosing fabrics or furniture. It is about understanding how people want to live and helping create homes that feel both beautiful, personal and comfortable.
Planning A Project?
If you are considering a renovation, redesigning a room or simply beginning to think differently about your home, we would be very pleased to hear from you.
Our studio works on interior design projects across York, North Yorkshire and further afield, creating homes that feel thoughtful, layered and personal to the people who live in them. To discuss your project or arrange an initial consultation, please contact the studio here.