WITH LOUISE ROE, FOUNDER OF SHARLAND ENGLAND
"I began my career in the fashion industry, writing for magazines such as Elle, Glamour and Vogue.com before moving to LA to host a makeover show for MTV, called Plain Jane. I stayed there 11 years, met my husband Mackenzie and had our first daughter. Right before covid we moved back to England and restored a gorgeous old rectory in the countryside, during which time I had the idea to found Sharland England. I design rattan furniture, rattan accessories and tabletop, which is all handcrafted by artisans in various countries. The aesthetic is warm, nostalgic and I hope, elegant. I love creating unique pieces for the home. "
FAVOURITE TAPERED CANDLE FROM CANDLE FLAIR?
Honey - they’re warm and neutral so they go with every tablescape imaginable. The twist candles in baby pink are also beautiful.
HOW DO YOU LIKE TO INTEGRATE CANDLES INTO YOUR TABLETOP?
I love looking for vintage and handmade candle holders. Different heights along the centre of the table, surrounded by flowers in jam jars, make for a beautifully wonky dinner party atmosphere.
THREE FAVOURITE INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS FOR INTERIOR INSPIRATION?
WHAT MAKES A HOUSE A HOME FOR YOU?
The mood when you walk inside- which might be smelling fresh banana bread or coffee, hearing some lovely music playing or the kids racing around laughing. Lighting makes a difference too, the lower the better!
TABLESCAPING DO'S AND DON'TS?
The pieces I design at Sharland England are all with my great-granny in mind (Marjorie Sharland, whom the brand is named after). She entertained a lot in Buenos Aires where she lived, and her approach to a table was layered, and storied. So nothing really had to match, it just worked- maybe an old chipped vase from the flea market in the centre with fresh flowers from the garden, new plates, antique napkins, red wine flowing, and lots of candles!
YOUR GO-TO HOSTING RECIPE?
Shepherd’s pie and a really good bottle of red. Sometimes in the Summer my husband gets the pizza oven out and that’s a lot of fun, the children love it!
IF YOU HAD THREE DINNER GUESTS TO INVITE FROM ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHO WOULD THEY BE?
Micheal McIntyre to make us laugh, Maria Callas to sing, and Winston Churchill for the stories and one-liners!
YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE?
Becoming a mother to two little girls.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR LOUISE AND SHARLAND ENGLAND?
We are launching outdoor furniture later this month, and I’m so excited! I found it difficult to find beautiful outdoor tables and chairs, so I designed my own. I hope you like it too!
READ ON FOR MORE CANDLE CONVERSATIONS OR HEAD TO OUR JOURNAL FOR STYLING TIPS AND MUCH MORE!
