For this edition of ‘In Conversation With’ we had the pleasure of speaking to Sara Hingle, founder of These Walls, a textile design studio based in Burleigh.
Sara speaks to the inspiration behind establishing These Walls which included filling a significant gap in the Gold Coast’s textile offerings. In addition the key learnings of establishing the design studio whilst striking balancing with motherhood.
Sharing a love for blending vintage and modern pieces in the home, Sara sheds light on her own approach to design in the home and her most treasured pieces.
Lastly, we get insight into the the daily rituals that remain a constant in Sara’s life and plans for the future as 2023 drawers to a close.
We hope you enjoy.
01. In your own words can you tell us a little about yourself and what you do?
I am a Mum of two boys, and started up These Walls in 2015. I create most of the textile designs that we print to wallpaper and fabric, with a couple of collaborations thrown in the mix. I run the business with the help of the lovely Vinessa, and my husband Mick too.
02. What was the journey that got you to where you are today?
Originally I worked as an editorial designer, then illustrator, which then led me to illustrating patterns. Once I had two boys, I really wanted the flexibility to work around my family and These Walls was born!
03. What was the inspiration behind creating These Walls?
After over a decade of creating insanely detailed portraits, I wanted to loosen things up a bit with fresh patterns that people would want to live with in their homes. Admittedly, there wasn't a lot of wallpaper getting about in Australia at the time and a few eyebrows were raised. But I've been fortunate that a rise in peoples affection for wallpaper has coincided with the growth of These Walls.
04. What have been some key learning experiences since establishing the brand?
You cant do everything. Actually I lie, I am trying to live that mantra, but am still yet to achieve it!
05. How would you describe your own approach to your interior style & what have been key influences on this?
I like things to feel homely/comfy, fresh, and a little bit quirky. I am drawn to a mix of vintage and new, with earthy textures (and greens and blues are my fave at the moment)!
06. What is your most loved object or piece of furniture in your home and why?
I love my 60s dining table by Rainer Daumiller that I found at CCSS.
07. What does a typical morning look like for you?
Nothing too special here - I wake up slowly, sometimes taking an hour before I get out of bed anytime between 5 and 6. I'll take my dog Ozzie for a walk straight up, get the lunches done and kids sorted and on their way to school, a quick tidy before I head off to the studio, grabbing a coffee on the way.
08. Your favourite way to unwind at the end of the day, do you have any rituals?
I try and fit in another walk if there's time, otherwise its usually ferrying kids about to various sporting activites! After dinner is my chill time - I'll either read my book (currently "The Seven Skins of Esther Wilding") or watch a show (which one is entirely dependant on who I'm watching with - "Ted Lasso" or "Dark Winds" or "1923").
09. Who makes the best coffee?
At the moment I go between Nook or Paddock in Burleigh, depending on where I am.
10. If you were to live anywhere else where would it be and why?
Somewhere a bit quieter, with a slower pace and small coastal town vibe. But my boys would never let that happen!!
