Unlock the Editor’s Digest for Free: A Unique Collection of Outdoor Fabrics
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When Miranda Brooks, a skilled landscape architect, and her husband, Bastien Halard, a talented French-born architect and designer, found themselves in the process of creating a beautiful biodynamic garden for their Gloucestershire farmhouse, they encountered a question that many of their clients face: what fabric should they use for their outdoor furniture? Failing to find designs that aligned with their vision, they decided to take matters into their own hands. “It’s our nature: if we need something, we tend to make it,” says Halard. Over the course of two years, the couple developed a stunning collection of outdoor fabrics (starting at £90 per meter), inspired by their Cotswolds home, Catswood, and influenced by a myriad of eclectic references. These include renowned American photographer Slim Aarons, velvet hair ribbons, and vintage wallpaper and fabrics from as far back as the 19th century, some of which were once owned by Halard’s grandmother, who came from a long line of fabric designers. Catswood Design outdoor fabric swatches, priced at £90 per meter, can be found at tissusdhelene.co.uk.
Halard and Brooks worked together, sketching and experimenting with their own ideas and interpretations of archive designs and photographs before enlisting the help of a local artist named Hope Hanni, who taught their children art, to hand-paint eight unique motifs. Each design showcases the couple’s individual aesthetic while maintaining a harmonious look. Bursting with blooming flowers, muted ikat patterns, and ribbon-like stripes, these fabrics capture the essence of both Halard and Brooks. Brooks, who grew up in a modern 1970s home in Lancashire with her architect father and artist mother, draws inspiration from her grandmother’s glazed chintz eiderdowns in vibrant pink hues. In contrast, Halard prefers simpler, more streamlined designs.
One of Brooks’ main priorities was finding a waterproof textile that is gentle on the skin. “Most garden-friendly materials are treated with harmful chemicals, so the idea of lying on something toxic is completely unappealing,” she explains. As a solution, the couple chose to use recycled acrylic and “eco-tech” instead of carcinogenic Teflon. This eco-friendly alternative provides a waterproof finish without any health risks. To maintain a sustainable approach, all of the components are sourced within a 500km radius of Auvergne in France, where the textiles are produced. This location holds a special significance for Halard, as it is where his grandmother grew up, adding an emotional touch to the process.
The collection’s color palette celebrates the joyful hues found in nature, including shades of “dirty pink,” yellow, and green. Brooks sought to create a cheerful ambiance both indoors and outdoors, which is why she chose to upholster their kitchen sofa in one of the new designs adorned with vibrant red peonies. With practicality in mind, Halard understood the importance of fabrics that are both beautiful and functional. “We live life to the fullest, so we didn’t want something no one could sit on,” he remarks. Halard’s childhood memories of spending summers at his grandparents’ French château influenced his desire for fabrics that were slightly kitschy and didn’t take themselves too seriously.
Having been together for 19 years, both as a married couple and creative collaborators on various projects, this collection marks the first time Brooks and Halard have embarked on a fabric venture. Reflecting on their journey, Brooks remarks that their collaboration has become smoother over time, despite past disagreements during the renovation of their New York home. In 2019, they left the hustle and bustle of Brooklyn behind, although they still maintain a base and office there. Living in New York left little time for dreaming, but their 17th-century Cotswolds farmhouse has become a sanctuary of creativity. Unveiling lime-washed walls, Georgian paneling, and Jacobean chandeliers, the couple has discovered a newfound sense of inspiration, resulting in the creation of their vibrant fabric collection. Brooks adds, “This is just the beginning. We have plans to expand our range to include furniture, lighting, and various accessories such as gardening tools, hats, and gloves.”
Unlock the Editor’s Digest for FREE today to experience the unique world of Catswood Design outdoor fabrics and discover the beauty created by the collaboration of two visionary artists.
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