Spotlight on: Made to Measure with Diane Hill

London-based artist Diane Hill’s rise in popularity is far from surprising given her talent. Her signature style offers a more contemporary take on chinoiserie, an art style inspired by the beautiful landscapes of East Asia. Diane’s take on this uses bold colourways to bring a fresher look to interior spaces.

Earlier this year Diane launched her first collection in collaboration with Harlequin, a brand also known for their vibrant use of colour, so it felt like a match made in heaven. As well as being bright and beautiful, Diane’s designs are named after pioneering and powerful women, from the giant poppy motif of Marsha named after 1960s and 70s LGBTQ+ activist Marsha P Johnson, to Nellie, taking its name from American journalist Nellie Bly, known for her 1889 record-breaking trip around the world.

Speaking to her about her style and inspiration, Diane noted "I’ve always loved chinoiserie, ever since I first spotted it in a book while at uni, and since then I’ve been practicing my craft, obsessing about techniques and intricacies, making my paintings as perfect as I can."

Diane’s brand started its life back in 2016 following a project in her daughter Bonnie’s nursery where she hand-painted a beautiful mural all over all four walls. Now, years later, Diane is starting a new chapter giving Bonnie’s bedroom a revamp that will suit her bubbly personality, and we are happy to be a part of her journey.

Bonnie’s bedroom is a wonderful combination of vibrant colours and bold patterns, chosen entirely by herself! Having seen Diane’s Harlequin collection, Bonnie chose her favourites and built the bedroom entirlely around them. She bravely paired the vibrant Lady Alford wallpaper with Marsha satin fabric on both the curtains and her incredible shaped headboard, inspired by none other than Kit Kemp, dubbed the "headboard Queen" by Diane!

She then tied the room together with furniture painted in a gorgeous shade of pink, made to measure cushions in Ella and Lovelace fabrics, both finished off with a playful pom pom trimming, something she was really keen to incorporate in her new bedroom.

We caught up with Diane to find out more about what it was that made her choose made to measure for Bonnie's new bedroom, and she shared some great insights:

"Made to measure means you can choose exactly what you want, from the colour to size and design. I’ve got a few pairs of Jane Clayton’s made to measure curtains which are a precise fit – they look absolutely fabulous and the blackout lining is the perfect addition for our bedrooms. My headboard is completely bespoke too - I literally drew the shape, measured my space and Jane Clayton copied it for me. Cushions are another fantastic (and very easy) way to inject some fun into the home. All you do is choose the fabric, pick the style of cushion and that’s it." 

She then spoke to us more broadly in terms of her general interior design tips, adding:

"Interior design is all about confidence. So often people are afraid to use colour, especially lots of it. If you’re unsure, pick three of four colours to build a scheme around. Be fearless and go with what you love – after all, our interiors are expressions of who we are."

Speaking fondly of her daugher's creation, Diane says "The whole thing is incredible. It works amazingly well and I'm so proud. Bonnie can't wait to show it off to her friends and neither can I!".