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Layers of Light: Molly Mahon’s Guide to a Storied Interior
What began as a personal quest to dress her own home has blossomed into a vibrant celebration of the hand-blocked print. From her studio in the heart of the Ashdown Forest, British printmaker Molly Mahon breathes new life into a centuries-old craft, bridging the soulful energy of India with the soft, storied charm of the English countryside. Her work is a masterclass in "Curiositycore" - emphasizing the beauty of the imperfect and the sensory joy of a home layered with history and texture. We sat down with Molly to discuss the "well-traveled bohemian" spirit, spring-cleaning with textiles, and the enduring magic of the hand-pressed motif.
By Flora Vestey
When a new collection begins, does it start with a specific shape, a colour, or a memory?
It’s always a gentle collision of ideas, but primarily it begins with the design itself. A motif or pattern will often spark everything and from there, colour, scale and repeat begin to fall into place quite naturally.
How do you go about choosing the different colourways for each fabric design?
My approach to colour is very instinctive. I’m often drawn to a particular memory of colour, perhaps from a garden or exhibition I’ve visited and it begins with a feeling, a certain atmosphere. That tends to guide my colour choices, along with the change of the seasons and my own shifting mood.
How do you take a craft that is centuries old and make it feel like it belongs in a modern 2026 interior?
I started by designing for my own home, which naturally led me to think about how others might live with these pieces. I have to truly love something first, to use it, live with it, before I can share it. My passion for block printing, with its beautifully imperfect and textured finish, is at the heart of everything. I think people respond to that authenticity, so I tend to stay true to it.
Your work bridges two very different worlds. How do you find the balance between English charm and Indian vibrancy?
They are two places and two parts of my life that I deeply love and somehow they simply come together. I’ve always been drawn to that well travelled British bohemian spirit and India offers that endless inspiration. I balance that with the beautiful nature of the British countryside and the long walks around where I live in the Ashdown forest. The balance isn’t something I consciously plan, it’s entirely instinctive.
Whose home or studio, past or present, would you most love to wander through for an afternoon?
Isabelle de Borchgrave and I’ve been lucky enough to visit. It was truly inspiring; I could never tire of it!!!
If you were to take a slow stroll through your own home, which corner currently brings you the most peace?
It’s always the spaces that catch the light just right - a quiet corner layered with textiles. My sitting room has a lovely pink sofa covered with all my tapestry cushions. That’s my happy place right now.
As the light changes in spring, how does the mood of your textiles change within a room?
I find myself drawn to lighter, more layered textiles. The colours lift, becoming fresher and brighter and with the longer evenings, I love carrying my bright patterned cushions outside, letting them become part of the garden, to enjoy the lighter days.
If we wanted to “spring-clean” our home’s personality using just textiles, where should we start?
Cushions and lampshades are the easiest and most transformative place to begin. As the light shifts, introducing brighter patterns, especially on lampshades, can completely lift a room and bring in a sense of new energy.
For someone afraid of colour, what’s the easiest way to start layering patterns and colour without feeling overwhelmed?
Start small and build gently. A single cushion, or a soft patterned lampshade, can introduce colour in a way that feels manageable. From there, it’s about layering slowly - choosing tones that sit comfortably together rather than compete. It should feel joyful, never overwhelming or forced.
A Guide To London
Which London table is your go-to for a long, celebratory lunch?
Daphne's, for its old world charm and beautiful surroundings. It always feels like such a treat.
Where should a visitor stay to experience the best of English charm?
The Firmdale Hotels, you really can’t go wrong. Each one is full of character and warmth.
Which corner of the city is your favourite for a stroll?
Pimlico Road, I love picking up a morning coffee at Daylesford and wandering slowly, taking it all in, dreaming of having my own shop there one day!