Hi everyone, Athina here, founder of Topology. If we’ve not met before, it’s great to be acquainted. As you can imagine running an interior design business is not just plumping cushions – it’s managing trades, sourcing complex products, liaising with suppliers, ensuring smooth logistics and more. So, it may come as no surprise that what makes my job so much easier is knowing all the best suppliers out there who consistently provide a good product & service. It’s half the battle to maintaining a successful project. So I thought why not share some of my favourite suppliers that are tried and tested. Enjoy…
Athina’s Little Black Book Of Suppliers
ART SUPPLIERS
Art is hugely subjective but currently I’m frequenting 5 regular suppliers. My first is always ‘Discerning Palette‘ who source mid-century modern pieces for fair prices – they’re one of a kind pieces that sell out quickly! Alternatively, I’m loving Laura Wickstead, House Outfit and Etsy local sellers too!
LIGHTING
Ask any interior designer and they’ll agree with me when I say lighting is one of the most crucial parts to any design scheme. Whether it’s hard wired technical lighting systems such as Lutron, or freestanding table lamps from our favourite Lights & Lamps – their ability to create ambience is vital. Some of my go to brands are Heathfield & Co, Spark & Bell & Layered Lounge.
PAINT BRANDS
My go to paint brands without fail are consistently COAT, Lick & Little Greene. Not only are these brands low in VOC’s an eco friendly, but their customer service is good, prices are fair, colours are pigmented and lastly, trades are always happy to paint with them. For our top paint colours for SS24, read this post.
ROMAN BLINDS
Roman blinds for us are a Topology go to as their easy to install, hard to get the measurements wrong, customisable and give a good black out without feeling too heavy. For a service where you measure up and install yourself try Ada & Ina. If you’re nervous about measuring try Stitched.
UPHOLSTERERS
‘Leather Chairs of England’ have consistently created us upholstery items on time, with fantastic quality and a friendly service. Same for Fine Quality Cushions who can make items such as bespoke cushions with that Soho Home esq fringed look. Or contact Designers Guild who can supply fabric for your chosen item and send you their recommended contacts subject to your area.
WORKTOPS
Worktop library have been supplying our stone worktops for years and are competitively priced comparatively to going direct from a high street kitchen supplier. For something a little wilder try a timber terrazzo worktop from Foresso for a unique look.
SWITCHES & SOCKETS & HARDWARE
There are a lot of switches and sockets suppliers out there who charge a fortune and aren’t necessarily worth the price. Our go to is the ‘Knightsbridge‘ brushed brass range that starts from just a few quid and have a premium feel. If you want something a little more premium try Soho Lighting company. For hardware like knobs and handles, I’m currently loving Corston.
CUSHIONS & ACCESSORIES
Arguably one of the most important elements, the finishing touches like small accessories and cushions are the key to a space feeling polished. For cushions, I flock to Fox & Beau, Thames & Hudson for books, HM Home for accessories & Faux Flower Company for foliage & vintage accessories The Style Pad.
