Cushions just got a bit cooler, thanks to former rock chick Meg Matthews’ debut furnishings range for high-street store Dwell. Hot on the heels of her popular wallpaper and scarf collections for Liberty of London, we can now all get a piece of the action. Myleene Klass and Sadie Frost are already fans, so we headed straight for the sofa to find out what’s behind it all, and why “everyone loves a Russian doll” (obvs)…
Meg, we’re loving your latest collection – how did the collaboration come about?
I was already a huge fan of Dwell’s designs – it’s a cool brand, quirky and at a good price point. Once a year they do this competition to find a design and then put it into production. I got asked to judge it last year, and I loved the team so I gave them each one of my Liberty of London scarves, and they said I should design some soft furnishings for them. Dwell is so me! When I look at the pieces already in the shop it all looks like they could all have been designed by me. Put me with Laura Ashley, though, and people would be like: “Erm no!”
Erm, yep! Have you got a favourite piece from the collection?
It has to be the big black Russian doll cushion, scattered across my sofas. And the pink cushions would be on my bed.
Russian doll cushions by Meg Matthews, from £39 each
- One of Meg’s favourite pieces
Talking of Russian dolls, how did you come up with the idea to use them in your designs?
My daughter Anais has three or four Russian dolls in her bedroom – neon, cool ones – and, well, everyone loves a Russian doll, don’t they? You get dog prints on things, but some people might not like dogs. And what’s really cool about my Russian doll print is that when you turn it upside down it turns into a skull!
It wouldn’t be right without a skull or two, would it?
Exactly!
And the crowns you’ve used… very Diamond Jubilee!
Yes, the crown print was used in my scarf designs during the Royal Wedding last year – Kate Middleton had one. I think it’s really nice to be able to recycle ideas, it’s such a nice print I didn’t want it to only be around for the wedding.
Crown cushion by Meg Matthews, £29
How involved did you get in the design process?
M: I went to art college so design was always there in me – it’s like riding a bike. I did all the sketches for the designs. But luckily Dwell sources the fabrics for the pieces, as I’ve got expensive taste!
Have you got any other projects on the go?
I’ve got loads coming up… a jewellery line with Rachel Galley and a range of scented candles.
All this while you’re still trying to get your life and home back together [Meg's £1.6million Primrose Hill home was devastated by a house fire last November]…
Yes, it’s been a big project getting our home sorted, but it’ll hopefully be done by June. It’s going to look totally different to before – like South Beach meets Primrose Hill. Without the sunshine. There will be lots of glass, concrete, big white leather sofas. Very Miami!
Sounds amazing – feel free to invite us round for a cuppa any time!
- For more information on Meg visit Megmatthews.co.uk, and for more of Meg Matthews’ collection, visit Dwell.co.uk
