Studio Visit: Heather Taylor Home
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Studio Visit: Heather Taylor Home
February 16, 2016

I was introduced to Heather through Simone LeBlanc and simultaneously fell in love with both her line of textiles and home goods, Heather Taylor Home, and her blog, LA In Bloom. Inspired by her love of travel and eclectic entertaining style, her handmade textiles are simply beautiful, and I’m thrilled to now carry them in my stores.
Heather was kind enough to welcome us into her West Hollywood studio for a glimpse at her creative space and process. I hope you enjoy this look inside. XXJKE
THE TEXTILES & HOME GOODS
R+T: How and when did you launch Heather Taylor Home?
I launched online in 2013 with a small collection of runners, napkins, placemats and cocktail napkins.
R+T: What inspired you to create your own line of textiles and home goods?
I’ve been knitting and weaving for years and have always appreciated a handmade textile. I also love entertaining and setting a beautiful table but I couldn’t find linens I loved without traveling to some far-flung locale. This was the original inspiration for launching HTH.
R+T: What are some of your sources of inspiration today?
I am inspired by colors from nature and antique textiles. The first inkling of inspiration for the line came while eating breakfast in Greece in 2006. The long wooden table was covered in a white crocheted lace tablecloth, which felt like the perfect mix of elegance and ease. I’ve been chasing that balance ever since.
R+T: If you had to, could you pick a favorite within your collection?
Right now, I’m in love with our Striped Tea Towels. I love them so much that I’ve been using them as napkins!
THE STUDIO
R+T: Tell us about your studio space… How did you find it? What drew you to it? And what impact does it have on your work?
After learning I was pregnant last spring, I decided to convert my garage into a home studio. It’s something I had been considering for a while, and learning there was a baby on the way proved to be the perfect push. We tore down the wonky 1920’s garage and built a clean and airy space with French doors leading to the roses and citrus trees in my backyard. The space is small so I tried to be very efficient when designing it — I have a wall of shelving that houses a sampling of my inventory, walls of mood boards covered with inspiration material, and a bookshelf with favorite books and magazines. Being surrounded by beautiful and meaningful objects helps keep me productive. And now I have a photo of my baby daughter on my desk which makes me smile.
R+T: How would you describe the atmosphere in your studio?
The space itself is clean and crisp with great light. I find that my environment can really impact my productivity so I fill my studio with sentimental objects and pictures that help me escape into whatever project I’m working on. Prized possessions include ceramics from Jessica Winzelberg, textiles from Joanna Williams at Kneeland Co, a framed picture of myself with Clare Vivier, paintings by Jeana Sohn, a God’s Eye I bought in Sayulita, and a framed letter my late grandfather wrote to me when I was 16.
R+T: Tell us about a typical day in the studio…
First, I sit down at my desk and make my daily to-do list. I begin answering emails and taking care of the tasks at hand – approving textile samples, strategizing about new products, and sending out inventory to new clients and wholesale accounts. I often have customers pop by the studio, which I love because it gets me face-to-face with my amazing customers. I usually have to run out at some point to meet with vendors or deliver linens at one of my East Side stockists. If I can meet up with my friend Jeana Sohn for a quick lunch or coffee to discuss an upcoming photoshoot, it’s a good day. Back in the studio, I promptly turn on All Things Considered and start responding to emails and finishing whatever projects need my attention. I make sure my LA in Bloom posts are in order for the week, process any inventory that has arrived while I was out, and check in on my Heather Taylor Home social media. I try to tie up all loose ends so I can enjoy the night.
R+T: Top five workspace musts?
1. My iPhone – I do a lot of work on the go.
2. Dropbox app – lets me send images and linesheets from my phone.
3. Heather Taylor Home notebook – I’m a big list maker.
4. John Wooden’s “Pyramid of Success” – I’ve had a copy of this at my desk for 15 years and it keeps me right on track.
5. Pictures of my baby – helps me focus and reminds me why I’m busting my butt!