The Global Journey of an Interior Design Trailblazer
Alice Crawley’s path to becoming an acclaimed interior designer has been anything but linear. With a rich background in fashion and a distinct global perspective, she has seamlessly transitioned from the couture catwalk to the world of high-end residential and commercial design.
Born and raised in London, Crawley’s early career took her to the fashion capital of the world – Central Saint Martins, where she honed her skills as a fashion designer. For over a decade, she ran her own successful label, Wondaland, catering to a discerning clientele. However, it was her move to Asia that would ultimately shape the trajectory of her career.
Discovering Her Passion for Interiors in Hong Kong and Vietnam
Crawley spent 14 years living and working in Hong Kong and Vietnam, a period that proved transformative both personally and professionally. “I found that when I had children, my focus shifted from what I was wearing to my surroundings at home,” she reflects. Her innate eye for design and her fascination with Asian aesthetics led her to start informally decorating her friends’ homes, and in 2017, she decided to make it official by launching her interior design studio.
“I especially enjoyed the 4 years I spent living in Saigon, Vietnam – this is where I felt the real magic of living in such a different place to where I was from,” Crawley shares. “I used to ride between my home and studio on a bamboo bicycle! A lot of the friends I made during this time were furniture designers, and that’s when I really started drawing inspiration from the design and style of interiors and furniture out there.”
Bringing a Distinct Global Perspective to the Notting Hill Design Scene
Crawley’s time in Asia has had a profound impact on her design sensibilities, and this is evident in the work she produces in her Notting Hill studio. “Before this house, I had only ever lived in rentals–maybe 9 different flats in 13 years–so I had always been limited in what I could do decoratively,” she explains. “I wanted it to feel like home for my daughters, and for them to be surrounded by things that they recognised.”
In her own home, Crawley has seamlessly blended her Western roots with the Asian influences she has absorbed over the years. The result is a warm, enveloping atmosphere that celebrates her global inspirations. “I have a slight aversion to open plan layouts – they can make townhouses feel a bit smaller, and means there’s no escape from young children,” she says. Instead, she has created clearly defined spaces, each with its own distinct character.
The kitchen and dining area, painted in a soothing pink hue, features nods to her time spent in Asia – from the large bamboo mirror to the antique Chinese wallpaper panels. Upstairs, the hallway is a striking study in contrasts, with the bottom half painted in a deep red and the top in a soft pink. “This was the hardest decision I had to make,” admits Crawley. “It’s much easier to make bold decisions when it’s not your house, but I am so happy I went for it.”
Embracing Maximalism and Global Influences in Her Design Work
Crawley’s self-proclaimed “maximalist” approach to design is on full display throughout her home. The sitting room, for instance, features a vibrant color palette and layers of pattern, from the curtains to the armchairs. “There’s so much going on that it’s quite hard for one thing to dominate,” she says. “Keeping the walls in a pinky neutral allows me to use lots of furniture and prints.”
This penchant for bold, eclectic styling is also evident in her client work. Whether she’s transforming a family home in Notting Hill or tackling a commercial project, Crawley’s global influences and maximalist tendencies shine through. “I think the key is to accept what your life is and build the space around that,” she says. “Though full of beautiful fabrics and prized possessions, with two young girls, Alice can’t be precious. It’s a home, far from where they were three years ago, but a home nonetheless.”
Collaborating with Layered: Bringing Her Worldly Perspective to Life
Crawley’s unique design approach has not gone unnoticed. Last year, she was approached by the Swedish brand Layered to collaborate on a collection of rugs, an opportunity she enthusiastically embraced. “It’s not the first time I’ve been asked to do a collab of this kind, I guess I’ve been waiting to find the right partner to work with and feel I have found this in Layered,” she explains.
Inspired by her time in Asia, Crawley’s collection for Layered reflects her global sensibilities. “I was especially drawn to bamboo and faux bamboo furniture, having grown up a lot around this kind of furniture, and then later on in life whilst living in Asia where bamboo is literally used to make everything,” she shares.
The collection, which is now available on the Artificial Christmas Tree Shop website, celebrates Crawley’s worldly perspective and her ability to seamlessly blend Eastern and Western influences. “A lot of the friends I made during this time were furniture designers and that’s when I really started drawing inspiration from the design and style of interiors and furniture out there,” she explains.
Embracing the Future with Bold Design Moves
As Crawley looks ahead, she remains excited about the future of her design practice. “Our style of work is very much year by year / project based and it’s always about what’s next!” she exclaims. She is currently working on a few “really exciting new projects” and plans to continue expanding her furniture collection to offer “interesting new in-house products.”
Crawley’s global perspective and maximalist tendencies have not only shaped her personal design aesthetic but have also become the foundation of her successful interior design studio. Her journey from fashion to interiors has been a testament to her adaptability, creativity, and unwavering passion for design. As she continues to captivate clients with her unique vision, Crawley’s influence on the world of interior design is sure to only grow stronger.
