designers Archives - The San Francisco Fall Show

As the oldest interior decorating firm in Great Britain, SIBYL COLEFAX & JOHN FOWLER has mastered the comfortable English Country House aesthetic, in a deeply personal way that mixes present day appeal with old world charm. EMMA BURNS and PHILIP HOOPER are two of the firm’s seven decorators, as well as the Managing Directors. I spoke with them recently from my home in Connecticut, with (this being the age of the Zoom call), Philip Hopper in London, and Emma Burns in Greece. We will meet this coming week in San Francisco for the 40th anniversary ‘Ruby Jubilee’ of THE SAN FRANCISCO FALL SHOW, where Burns and Hooper will create one of the four Designer Vignettes to grace the Grand Entry Hall of the Show. I was eager to know what they have in store…

“Given that it is your ruby anniversary, our room is layers of red,” they shared. “We were inspired us to go down the Indian, Ottoman route, with red velvet panels. We came up with the idea to do divans, and banquettes around the room, giving the feeling of an opium room, lots of layers, very unexpected for us,” said Hooper.

Hand-drawn interior with pink patterned sofa, pink floral wall art, wooden coffee table, lamps, plants, hanging lights, and angled ceiling beams. Reminiscent of A Conversation with Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler Designers—Emma Burns and Philip Hooper—the room has a cozy, colorful, and elegant atmosphere with soft, warm lighting.

Watercolour sketch by Philip Hooper of the Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler Designer Vignette for the 2022 San Francisco Fall Show

“The Colefax group is an umbrella and we (Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler) are the interior decorating arm,” explained Hooper. “Our group of decorators each run our own businesses and Emma and I are starting to work together on projects. We have a constant dialogue about what we want to do, working together toward a common goal.”

The two recently worked on the guest bedroom at BELVOIR CASTLE in Leicestershire, England, with the renowned hand-painted wallpaper company, DE GOURNAY. Belvoir Castle is home to the Fall Show’s Co-Honorary Chair, The Duchess of Rutland, Emma Manners, and de Gournay is a major sponsor of the show. “We dressed the incredible 4-poster bed and used Colefax fabrics,” said Hooper. “We drew our scheme from that palette. All the furniture was original to the room, to maintain continuity. We curated this beautiful room using all new components and new de Gournay wallpaper in apricot and blue.”

A man in glasses and a scarf sits at a table with papers, while a woman in a black jacket and scarf stands, pointing at a document—capturing the spirit of A Conversation with Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler Designers Emma Burns and Philip Hooper. Behind them are a lamp, a painting of trees, and a vase of flowers on a black cabinet. Fabric samples are spread across the.

Philip Hooper and Emma Burns at Work. Photograph by Dean Hearne

Another recent project was the WOW! HOUSE in London, the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour’s design showhouse, showcasing the work of 20 acclaimed interior designers. Hooper and Burns created the Drawing Room for the 2022 Showhouse. “We did a fabulous dark green wall covering, and a high gloss egg yolk yellow on the mirror over the fireplace. The result was beautiful—a nice refreshing take–it played with your mind—it looked gilded,” said Burns. I love this concept and how this translates to the process of creating timeless décor.

Elegant living room with dark green walls, a marble fireplace, ornate gold mirror, and two decorative plates. The sophisticated atmosphere recalls the timeless style seen in A Conversation with Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler Designers—Emma Burns and Philip Hooper. A black side table holds a white lamp and flowers. Wall sconce and modern art hang nearby; woven basket and striped ottoman are visible.

Sybil Colefax & John Fowler Room at the Wow! house, designed by Emma Burns and Philip Hooper. Photograph by Christopher Horwood

“It comes back to the layout of the space—which is vital, and not being seduced by trends,” said Burns. “Rooms change subtly, gently over the years. Living in it, you will know how much it has changed. If the volume of what you’ve put into the room is correct, the way the light comes in, the thought that goes into it, it lasts.” But they both agree trends are not all bad. “With trends—you might take something from a trend, but not abjectly follow it”, said Hooper. “Something as simple as a finish–high gloss lacquer, for example.”

Elegant living room with a red coffee table, black fireplace, flowers, books, and a checkered ottoman. A portrait in a gold frame hangs above the fireplace, flanked by wall lamps. Soft gray walls feature a tree mural; classic and modern decor blend throughout—an inviting space that channels the timeless sensibility seen in “A Conversation with Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler Designers—Emma.

Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler decorator, Wendy Nicholls’ London flat.

These days, Burns and Hooper are seeing a demand for more flexibility in their clients’ homes, a result of the increased time we have been spending there–rooms have become more multi-use. “Everything has to perform more than one function these days,” said Burns. “I think homes in general are more important, we don’t take them for granted. In some ways our firm has been cushioned from what is going on because most of our projects are so large they started pre-pandemic and were already in production. But with smaller projects, people want to put walls up vs. taking walls down–no more open floor plans.”

“There is a balance of things,” Burns explained. “You don’t want to have too much of one thing, too many museum quality pieces all together, but if you mix in some modern it balances out. John Fowler famously said ‘the little jug of primrose on the commode makes the room human.’ It’s about being realistic and honest about how you live and what you want to say about yourself.”

Rustic bedroom with wood walls and ceiling, fluffy white rug, large bed with light blue curtains, chandelier, desk with books and lamp, cozy textiles, and baskets by the doorway; the overall atmosphere is warm and inviting—an ambiance reminiscent of spaces curated by A Conversation with Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler Designers-Emma Burns and Philip Hooper.

Wisconsin Bedroom, designed by Emma Burns for Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler. Photograph by Simon Brown

“I think you can also find a way in which the pieces talk to each other, through finish or color or texture. That’s what is healthy about mixing things up. If you get it right it’s a harmonious mix, adds Hooper” Hooper comes from an architectural background and as such, looks at a space from that perspective. “It is pointless doing decoration if the bones are not right. If you get the proportions right, what you hang on it will feel that much better. There is a skill in thinking in 3-dimensions, it’s a good talent to have! Everything we do is about planning and doing everything to scale. It really is as pragmatic as that.”

Cozy living room with wood-paneled walls and ceiling, a lit stone fireplace, tan sofa, striped armchair, two green tufted ottomans, glass coffee table, lamps, and large windows with gold curtains. Patterned rug covers the floor—an inviting space that echoes the timeless elegance discussed in A Conversation with Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler Designers-Emma Burns and Philip Hooper.

Verbier Project, Designed by Philip Hooper for Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler

To be successful, Hooper and Burns need involvement from their clients. “I need their commitment to their project, says Hooper, “they need to put in the homework and the legwork and the time. You need a client who is committed and understanding of what they want. It’s like a tennis match–you knock ideas back and forth.” Burns adds, “I have a wonderful client who likens the design process to a dog sniffing–you get down and down to what you want. There needs to be an openness.”

A cozy living room with wood paneling, a stone fireplace, bookshelves filled with books, and a desk with a chair. Two armchairs and a patterned rug are in the center, setting the scene for A Conversation with Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler Designers—Emma Burns and Philip Hooper. A large framed map hangs above the mantel while potted plants are scattered around, completing this inviting.

Connecticut home, designed by Roger Jones for Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler

Travel is a great source of inspiration for both designers, “travel, and seeing things with your eyes. It’s the most important thing you can do,” says Hooper. “And constant curiosity,” adds Burns. “The biggest joy about being able to travel again is being able to see things in person again. During the pandemic, it was all books, and photographs.” Armchair travel, armchair inspiration.

A cozy room with a large window, cream drapes, and a striped armchair with footstool evokes timeless elegance. The chair has a floral pillow, reminiscent of the refined touch found in A Conversation with Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler Designers—Emma Burns and Philip Hooper. Light streams in, illuminating a window seat and a taupe rug. Framed art and a vase of flowers.

Architecture feature ‘Respect restored’ on interior designer Philip Hooper restoration of late-regency house in Hampshire, England. Interior view of main bedroom with striped armchair and footstool, carpet, window seat, pelmet and curtains and paintings on red wall. From House & Garden

I am always curious what elements designers find to be the most important in a room–without which, nothing else works. For Hooper, comfort is king. I can’t argue with that–if you don’t feel comfortable, it doesn’t matter how stunning the room looks; a room should be used. And Burns’s answer paired well with Hooper’s: “it’s the people in the room,” she concluded. They are the most important element. And that’s what makes a great team.

By Ariane Maclean Trimuschat
Ariane served as Show Director for The San Francisco Fall Show for 7 years through 2019. She is now the show’s Director-at-Large, living in Westport, Connecticut with her family. Follow Ariane on her blog, SOJOURNEST, where she focuses on all things home and travel and on Instagram at @arianetrim

There is an easy banter that evolves in a conversation with Cecilia Sagrera-Hill and George Brazil, the principals in SAGRERABRAZIL DESIGN. It is perhaps a result of working together for two decades, and it gives insight into their creative thought process and view of their roles as decorators~as designers, keepers of the home, and stewards of the environment.

George Brazil and Cecilia Sagrera-Hill in their Vignette at the 2019 San Francisco Fall Show. Photograph by Jose Manuel Alorda

They have a ‘farm-to-table’ concept of design: locally sourced to the craftsmen. “We try to minimize how many things have to be shipped in containers overseas,” says Sagrera-Hill

“It’s more of a control issue, she says. We go back to the sustainability of it, educating our clients about antiques. The younger generation may not understand the value behind antiques, getting away from disposable furniture in your homes—not even in the kids rooms, it just goes into a landfill. In addition to antiques, locally made, locally crafted furniture is something we focus on. We are blessed being in California, we are surrounded by amazing craftspeople,” she says.

Brazil agrees, “This whole pandemic experience has made everyone go inward and do some soul searching. Everything needs to serve a purpose, have a meaning. In some ways that is expressing itself in more custom items, more one of a kind. Pieces that look good and feel good and have a meaning behind them, it’s a cause we can get behind, sustainable, locally made.”

Modern living room with neutral tones, features a beige sofa, light armchair, abstract art, marble fireplace, gold accent table, decorative objects, and large windows with city views; soft natural light fills the space—a sophisticated retreat inspired by Interior Design Insights with SagreraBrazil Design.

Photograph by Christopher Stark

Both designers agree there needs to be purpose in design, and mixing antiques into a space. “When you are choosing an antique for a contemporary space, is it the focus of a room, is it going to be functional, or is it decorative? If you have an amazing Biedermeier cabinet in a high-rise, how do you design around that—you don’t want it to stick out like a sore thumb,” says Sagrera-Hill. If you have a collection of beautiful modern pieces, is there a wood tone, a shape something that brings them together?” You need to find that component she explains.

“It also has to do with the architecture of the space,” Says Brazil. “All the components, not just the furniture—the textiles, moldings. We start by creating a vision so there is a cohesiveness from when we start until we install the last tile. We translate the same traditional classical principles in our contemporary work. We are able to do that in a contemporary high-rise even if it’s just the way the furniture is laid out.”

Elegant dining room with a crystal chandelier, blue curtains, floral wallpaper, a fireplace with a mirror above it, and a set dining table with green and gold decor, surrounded by six wooden chairs. Sunlight filters through large windows—offering Interior Design Insights with SagreraBrazil Design to inspire your next sophisticated space.

Photograph by David Duncan Livingston

In the wake of the pandemic, Brazil is seeing a rise in their clients’ interest in antiques and how they can work for them “Now is the perfect time to buy brown furniture,” he says. “It fell out of vogue in recent years, but it is coming back and today you can get some amazing pieces.” Sagrera-Hill adds “buying antiques is similar to collecting art, a lot of it boils down to the value. Antiques hold their value-it’s an investment.”

People are living differently these days, and seeing their homes in a whole new way. “What we’ve realized now is that we need truly functioning convertible spaces,” says Brazil. “A guest bedroom that needs to become a secondary office, or you may need two offices. More multi-use rooms, or convertible rooms, and works spaces, ‘Zoom’ spaces, homework/craft spaces. Not open spaces; the spaces are not single use anymore. The sitting room is not just a sitting room anymore–everything has multiple uses.”

Elegant living room with a marble fireplace, large mirror above it, two armchairs, round wooden coffee table with purple flowers, tall curtains, potted plant, and decorative objects; neutral tones and soft lighting create a cozy atmosphere—an inviting space that reflects Interior Design Insights with SagreraBrazil Design.

Photograph by Jose Manuel Alorda

“And people want to create private sanctuaries,” adds Sagrera-Hill. “Master bedrooms also have a sitting area, everyone wants their own sanctuary to escape to. We have to take into consideration those holistic spaces that we can retreat to.”

With THE SAN FRANCISCO FALL SHOW coming up in less than two weeks, I had to know what these two were most looking forward to. “I am excited to touch and feel things, to physically be there, to get off screen!” says Sagrera-Hill “And to talk with the dealers-getting knowledge from them–you can’t get that online.”

Brazil adds, “I am looking forward to walking the show with clients–the energy of the show gets our clients excited.”

A modern bedroom curated with Interior Design Insights with SagreraBrazil Design features a gray upholstered bed, white and patterned bedding, a beige throw, bedside table with lamp, large cream curtains, glass doors opening to greenery, a fireplace, wall-mounted TV, and a circular chandelier. The décor is light, soft, and airy.

Photograph by Jose Manuel Alorda

Both designers have been long time supporters of the show, as members of the DESIGN COUNCIL, past speakers in the show LECTURE SERIES, and having created a stunning Designer Vignette for the 2019 “Wanderlust’ Show. “I’ve been coming to the Show for 25 years,” says Brazil. I realized early on its one of the best and least expensive educations you can get on art and antiques. The minute you ask a dealer about a piece, their eyes light up.”

As current President of the NoCal chapter of the ICAA (Institute of Classical Architecture & Art), Brazil also supports the show in that role with their annual Saturday Luncheon at the Show. “I’ve been an ICAA member for 6-7 years and am currently in a three-year term as President. My role is to be the steward of our mission, which focuses on education. We have collaborated with the ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY in teaching architecture and helped developed the curriculum for their school of interior design.”

A bright kitchen with white cabinets, open shelves displaying dishes and decor, a farmhouse sink, a towel on the handle, a bowl of vegetables, and a window with a colorful, floral Roman shade above the sink. Light wood floor and neutral walls complete the look, showcasing subtle elegance inspired by Interior Design Insights with SagreraBrazil Design.

Photograph by Jose Manuel Alorda

The ICAA will be back at the show for its upcoming 40^th anniversary. “We are hosting our luncheon at the show this year honoring the interior designer Michael Smith who will be speaking with Show Chair, Suzanne Tucker in the Lecture Series. It is one of our major fundraisers and will help us to continue our programming throughout the year,” he says. “Our mission is to provide educational programs to our membership but also to junior high schools and high schools. We want to expose students to art and architecture, as so many schools are limiting or eliminating their arts programs.” A worthy endeavor.

By Ariane Maclean Trimuschat

Ariane served as Show Director for the San Francisco Fall Show for 7 years through 2019. She is now the show’s Director-at-Large, living in Westport, Connecticut with her family. Follow Ariane on her blog, SOJOURNEST, where she focuses on all things home and travel and on Instagram at @arianetrim

Tag: designers

A Chat with Emma Burns and Philip Hooper of Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler

A Conversation with SagreraBrazil Design