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In the Studio: Tom Faulkner

In preparation for the unveiling our new collaborative design, Capricorn, at this year’s WNWN, we visited Tom Faulkner in his London showroom.

During our conversation, Tom shared his design philosophy, the significance of craftsmanship, and the creative journey that transformed the original Capricorn furniture design into a stunning wallcovering. This collaboration beautifully captures the essence of blending tradition with innovation

How did you get into the world of design and more specifically into the world of furniture design?

It was completely by chance. I’ve always been a creative person, enjoying making and mending things with my hands. One day, the glass top of the coffee table in the house I shared with my sister broke. I replaced it with a new top that I painted in kaleidoscopic colours. Impressed by my own ingenuity, I started painting patterns on more surfaces, mostly tabletops, and then began making and painting tables. Everything changed when I discovered metalwork in the early 1990s, and I haven’t looked back.

Papillon Console Table by Tom Faulkner

How would you describe your design aesthetic, and how has it evolved over time? Are there specific influences or experiences that have shaped this evolution?

I am greatly inspired by 20th-century modernists like Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand, and Breuer. My designs have a strong, distinctive silhouette with minimal ornamentation. Line and proportion are crucial in creating pieces that are both distinctive and, hopefully, elegant. Over time, I’d like to think my design style has become more focused and distilled. While our collections vary greatly, I hope there’s a recognisable handwriting to them, much like Fromental’s work. I’m always drawn to shapes, patterns, and silhouettes. For example, our Papillon collection was inspired by the lines of the boulders I saw in Joshua Tree National Park. It’s an organic-looking collection but still ties back to the painted tables I started out making.

Capricorn Table by Tom Faulkner

Among the pieces you've designed over the years, could you share one that stands out as a personal favourite? What makes it special to you?

“Capricorn” is a favourite. It’s one of the first furniture pieces I ever designed and remains one of our best-selling collections. It’s very classical yet looks contemporary, with a strong silhouette. It’s also incredibly challenging to make—each piece takes months to master. We make everything ourselves, which adds to its uniqueness.

What motivated your decision to collaborate with Fromental, and what captivates you most about the Capricorn wallcovering design? Is there a particular element that captures the essence of this collaboration?

I’ve always absolutely loved what Fromental does. Their work is beautiful, refreshing, and original. The modern shapes and patterns they use resonate with me. Much of what I design starts in two dimensions, so I have a natural affinity for graphic wallpaper. Tim’s expertise in his field is something I admire greatly, as his knowledge is deeply rooted in experience and personal passion. In terms of the Capricorn wallcovering, I love how the strength and simplicity of the original furniture piece's shape translated into a pattern that feels both contemporary and approachable. The design feels luxurious and timeless, perfectly capturing the essence of our collaboration.

How do you think the Capricorn wallcovering will influence or complement interior spaces?

The Capricorn wallcovering’s pattern is soft, so it doesn’t dominate a space. It feels luxurious and versatile, suitable for both private homes and public spaces. We’ve created two colourways, with more to come, allowing it to adapt to various environments

What role does colour play in the design? How did you decide on the Ferrous Blue and Copper colourways for Capricorn, and what do they bring to the overall design?

Colour is crucial in design. Blue is a significant colour for us, both in our branding and our furniture. Tim and I discussed using a pale Cerulean blue, which isn’t too strong and blends perfectly with the parchment colour in the wallcovering. Tim’s understanding of colour is exceptional. He chose the Copper colourway as a warm alternative, which complements the blue perfectly.

What are your thoughts on the balance between innovation and tradition in design? How did this balance come into play in the Capricorn collaboration with Fromental?

I love that Tim comes from a background in Chinoiserie and is an expert in traditional hand-painted wallpaper techniques. Yet, he and Lizzie produce such contemporary and timeless modern designs. Our Capricorn wallcovering, which looks very contemporary, is essentially a twist on a very classical motif. This balance of innovation and tradition is at the heart of our collaboration.

How do you approach the challenge of creating a piece that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing for a specific space?

I work within the limits of the materials we use and understand what’s possible. Steel is wonderful because it’s both slender and strong. For me, aesthetics are everything, and we try to compromise as little as possible.

Are there any emerging design talents or trends that you find particularly intriguing or promising in the current design landscape?

Sustainability is a significant trend right now. I recently visited Miami, where the Alcova exhibition at the Gold Dust Motel showcased makers working with mushrooms and shells. The Rhode Island School of Design had a fantastic collection, and I was particularly impressed by the Shellf Life chair by a student called @hi___felicia, made from oyster, mussel, and clam shells, and plywood.

Shellf Life chair by Felicia Neuhof and MR10 chair by Mies van der Rohe

Who is your most coveted designer, and if you could own any piece they’ve designed, which one would it be?

I would love an original MR10 chair by Mies van der Rohe with the wickerwork by Lilly Reich.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

So many things – I would like to spend more time in the workshop getting my hands dirty, but that is difficult with a growing business. But I like the “entity” that is my business – I like all the people I work with, and I am proud of having created a happy working environment where people enjoy what they do and feel valued and invested in the success of the business. I come from a big family, and there is a very familial atmosphere in the business.

What profession would you choose in an alternate life?

Rock star?

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Capricorn

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