Since moving into our own abode home decor has been at the forefront of my mind, come round to our cottage and you'll probably find me with a copy of Ideal Home in hand pondering colour schemes and debating whether or not to make mood boards, no lie - so when an email from Hillarys landed in my inbox  inviting me to peruse their new Country Retreat collection I was just a little bit excited. 

As soon as I stepped into Hillarys head office I immediately felt at home - any place where I'm surrounded by swatches of fabrics, inspirational mood boards and a huge afternoon tea inspired spread is alright by me. Settling down with a cup of tea and a rather scrumptious cupcake (with it's own spoon might I add) we were told all about the Country Retreat collection by designer Victoria Robinson.


Picked from a nearly-graduate show at Nottingham Trent University Victoria quickly went from designing textiles to get her cap and gown to creating the first ever in-house designed collection for Hillarys aptly named Country Retreat. Hailing from London Victoria took her inspiration for the collection from the beautiful North Yorkshire Moors where her father grew up as well as from artists like David Hockney. At just twenty three Victoria has taken a traditional country theme and given it a right-now-twist taking inspiration not only from her surroundings but home decor trends - think ombre effects, bird motifs and leaf prints.




Bird Parade: A real favourite of mine especially in the teal blue colour way


Eske: Inspired by leaves this painterly brushstroke effect gives the traditional print a contemporary edge


I love the yellow as an accent colour against the grey in this Bird Parade print



Patina: This heritage houndstooth printed textile would look chic in any room 

After fawning over pieces of fabric, swooning at the seriously inspirational imagery achieved by Hillarys (FYI many of the snaps were taken in a beautiful manor house in south London) and wondering why I haven't made a mood board yet the other blogging babes and I were treated to a trip of the factory floor. Hillarys are a homegrown company who've been manufacturing in Britain for over 40 years so it wasn't long before I found myself admiring the curtain and blind making process. The thing that has stuck with me from watching the factory guys and gals was the level of care and precision - Hillarys take great pride in using up to date technology to ensure your blinds or curtains are spot on, each pair of curtains or blinds made are rigorously tested to ensure performance and even the smallest details are thought of, I was impressed.

You know sometimes how you just click with an idea or a brand? That's how I feel about the Country Retreat Collection by Hillarys. I think it's amazing that their first foot steps into textile design are with the newly-graduated Victoria who in my eyes has created a collection which has some serious needs-to-be-in-your-home appeal. As for Hillarys the brand is desirable, the manufacturing process tight and the team are an absolute delight. I know what I'll be including in my first mood board...

What do you think of the Country Retreat Collection? Do you prefer to buy British?

The Country Retreat Collection is launched exclusively at Hillarys on the 30th September.