Penny Morrison on Interior Design And Tablescaping — ‘Make Your Dining Table Look Like A Work Of Art!’
Penny Morrison, the renowned interior designer and founder of the eponymous homeware brand, talks about the design influences of her childhood, her quintessentially British country style, and the secret to setting beautiful dining tables.
Read time:
4 minutes
Originally a property developer, Penny Morrison soon realised that she had a knack for design and launched her own Interior Design business. That was over 40 years ago, and since then she has developed her bold and playful signature style into a line of elegant wallpapers, fabrics, crockery and home accessories. Her beautiful range of homewares is exclusively available through our wedding registry service.
When did you set up Penny Morrison, and what inspired your decision?
I set up my business about 40 years ago...I think. Far too long ago to remember exactly how many years! I had been working in property development and quickly found that I had a real knack for the design side of things. I started my interior design company which then expanded into launching my own fabric range and most recently, launching a full home accessories collection. It’s been a very natural progression from one thing to the next.
Did you always know you wanted to be an interior designer?
I’ve always had a passion for design ever since I was really young, but it wasn’t until I found opportunities to explore it while working in property development that I seriously considered a career in it. I started decorating showrooms and my interior design business grew from there. I loved putting together the schemes and the clients really loved my work. The beauty of it all is that it really doesn’t feel like a job for me. I truly love what I do – I don’t know what else I would be if I wasn’t an interior designer.
Credit: Mike Garlick
What makes your products unique?
Every single one of our products is sourced personally by myself and the Penny Morrison team. I take a lot of inspiration from my travels as well as my interest in history and antiques. I then work closely with the team to create fresh designs that will complement a plethora of styles and spaces. What I love about everything that we create is that it’s all made to be mixed and matched. You’d be surprised by how many pieces look like they will clash but actually they work beautifully together.
" I really think that great design is about being a bit playful and experimental with what you do and the Penny Morrison products really embody that"
Other than that, I really do find inspiration everywhere and I always use my phone to take snaps of things I find beautiful or interesting. Travel is another huge source of inspiration for me. I particularly love the textile crafts in India – watching the artisans block printing in the markets is absolutely amazing. I love the bold and geometric tiles that you find all over Istanbul, and of course, the beautifully detailed floral motifs we see throughout British textile history. I could go on and on about where I get my inspiration but I guess what’s so unique to us is how we take these sources and transform them into something bold, current and fresh.
Where do you take your inspiration from?
I find inspiration everywhere but I think one of the most formative times for me when it comes to design was my upbringing in South Africa. There’s a real balance between bohemian-chic and polished comfort that many homes in South Africa have, and I try to achieve this in all of my designs. I love maximising on space and making rooms and homes feel as wide and open as possible. I think this approach is more common in houses in warmer climates but I love introducing that same feeling to spaces here in the UK too.
What’s your favourite product of yours to date?
To name my favourite product ever would be impossible! I love all of them! But if I had to choose my favourite products at the moment, I would say some of the table linens that we’ve recently launched. There’s nothing easier than throwing on a tablecloth to really elevate a dining set up, and instead of a bland white one, why not go for something with colour? The whole range is beautiful but I must admit that the Fatza Tablecloth is probably the one I use most often. The colours and patterns are just so whimsical and guests compliment me on it all the time.
What are your top tips for laying a table?
When creating a tablescape, keep the lighting low and place several votive candles on the table to cast a beautiful soft glow across the room. For some added colour, put the candles into jewel-toned glass hurricane lamps, and you’ll get a gorgeous rainbow effect. I also love using some low backlighting – never underestimate the importance of dimmers!
Use different table linens to add depth and interest to your when setting a table. Layering different colour and pattern tablecloths will make your dining table look like a work of art! Don’t be afraid of experimenting with clashing patterns – you’ll be surprised by what looks good together, so always try out different combinations.
I love using flowers to make a tablescape more beautiful too. There are so many different approaches that you can take with this, whether that’s using lots of little vases with mini floral arrangements, or larger bunches spread out across the length of the table. See what you have to use at home as well for makeshift vases! I collect jars and old bath oil bottles, remove the labels and clean them up to use for wildflowers that I pick in the garden.
How would you describe your home?
Our home is surrounded by the stunning Welsh countryside and it really is a quintessentially British country home. When I was designing it, it was important to me to create that warm and cosy atmosphere that everyone associates with country homes, while injecting it with the playfulness and boldness that is so integral to my style. The home really does strike that perfect balance and as a result, it’s harmoniously eclectic – think oil paintings hung on floral wallpapers, vibrant suzanis thrown over the arms of upholstered sofas and embroidered cushions piled on top of each other – and our dogs piled on top of them!
What does the future hold for Penny Morrison?
The journey of the Penny Morrison brand has been so organic and it’s continuing to grow in a way that feels very natural. At the end of last year, we launched a new website, which has allowed us to sell online directly to clients all over the world. Our team is also growing which I’m very excited about. At the moment, our plans are just to keep doing what we do so well – creating beautiful designs for our wonderful clients.
Do you have any advice to couples when setting up their wedding lists?
Choose wisely. Use this opportunity of creating a wedding list to fill your home with beautiful things that reflect your personal style as a couple, and pick items that you will actually use. What’s the point in getting a gorgeous crystal tumbler set if you never use it?
"[When making your wedding registry] rely on expert advice. The Wedding Present Company team are unrivalled in that department!"
What advice would you give to a couple who have just bought their first home, about decorating on a small budget?
Take the time to go to local flea markets and antique shows. If you put in a little effort, I guarantee that you’ll find treasures for your home that you can buy on a shoestring budget. I love spending hours browsing in French markets buying stunning baskets or weaves for the kitchen or even for log baskets in our sitting rooms. The whole experience is so satisfying; like a treasure hunt with a bit of friendly haggling to get the best deal possible!
What is it about The Wedding Present Company that stands out to you?
It’s such a wonderful company that showcases some of the most beautiful products all in one place. I also love that so many of the brands on the website are British! I love working with local businesses, it’s so important to support independent local companies.
Explore Penny Morrison's carefully curated collection of wedding gift essentials, available exclusively for your gift list in our online showroom. You can also book your appointment in our London showroom to explore the brand's collection and thousands of unique wedding gifts in person.
Whether you have a question about Penny Morrison products, need help with creating your wedding gift list, or simply want to discuss your gift list ideas, our Wedding List Advisors and team are always happy to help.
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