Case Study: Emily Rickard

Case Study: Emily Rickard

By Marketing Bert & May

May 2, 2023

Seeing our products used in beautiful ways is always a thrill - but seeing them used in beautiful ways in the homes of interior designers we admire is one of the biggest compliments we could receive. 

When Bristol-based interior designer Emily Rickard chose to use our tiles in her kitchen, we couldn’t wait to see the finished result. Needless to say, the space is gorgeous…

Full name: Emily Rickard 

Occupation: Interior designer, stylist and writer 

Tell us about your business… 

I run a boutique interior design and styling business based in Bristol. We work on projects all over the UK and internationally and are very passionate about what we do. 

Have you always had a passion for interior design? How did you get started in the industry? 

I used to live in Australia after I graduated in a degree in media and photography in the UK. I worked in a small agency focusing on interior display suites and marketing for real estate and it grew from there. I started to work with clients directly on interior photoshoots. After studying interior design drafting while working for a small interior firm in Sydney for four years, I set up my own business in design and styling. I have always been passionate about creating beautiful homes. 

How would you sum up your interior style? 

I’ve lived all over the world so I feel like my style is very much an extension of me. It’s varied and layered but not at all maximalist. I feel my style is full of ‘stylist’s stuff’ but at the same time, curated. Curated clutter if you like. 

Where do you find inspiration?

I get a lot of inspiration from travel. Hotels, restaurants, being in different spaces and places. I like to take inspiration from all the places I’ve lived and all the places I visit. When I’m at my desk, I find inspiration online from blogs, Pinterest and Instagram. 

Whose interior style do you really admire? 

Hilary Robertson, Lisa Dawson, Robyn Donaldson and Theo Bert Pot.

Can you tell us about the approach you take to your projects?

I think it’s very important to think about how a client lives in a space. How they feel in a space as well as the aesthetic results we hope to achieve together. We take a very holistic approach and let the space lead us as much as we lead the spaces and clients. 

Your use of colour is beautiful…

I love a pop of colour. Even when it's neutral! Colour is very personal, and one colour can look completely different in two different homes so it’s important to know about the space and the light when choosing colours.

What’s your advice when it comes to getting it ‘right’ with colour? 

‘Getting it right’ is a tricky thing. I do say go with your heart, but also don’t be afraid to sample and make sure that you multi-sample in each room, in two or three spots so you can see the colour in all lights. I also say go BOLD, even if it’s just a hint, a corner or a chair. And never forget the fifth wall - the ceiling. 

How much space is there for trend-led decisions in the schemes you create?

I tend to not follow trends too much. I go with my heart and advise my clients to do the same. If it works in the space, and it makes me happy in mine, or my client happy in theirs, then that’s a great reason to make a decision. Rather than based on a trend. 

Moving on to your own kitchen project… Please can you provide an overview of the space?

I live in a three-storey, semi-detached Victorian house in Bristol. When I moved in the kitchen was very stark. Modern, with lots of downlighting and very little soul. Not very me at all. I removed the downlights and added a pendant, painted cabinets and reclaimed shelving. 

Which Bert & May products did you use and why?

I added a mix of Pinnacle Marigold and Ascent Marigold tiles to the kitchen splashback. I had already re-painted the cabinets in Pickleson Tarte Tan and felt this was a perfect match. 

What do they add to the space? 

They not only add a really fun pop of colour and pattern, but they also make the kitchen look and feel a lot cosier, which I love. 

Have you used our products anywhere else in your home?

The first thing I did when I moved in was rip-up the hallway tiles and use Bert & May reclaimed tiles on the floor. I wanted to get ‘that feeling’ as soon as I walked through the door. A sense of home, a sense of Europe, Italy/Spain to be exact. 

What first led you to use Bert & May?

I found Bert & May when I was looking for reclaimed encaustic tiles and love the range. 

What are your favourite local spots in Bristol?

The Artist Residence we LOVE; Bianchi's Restaurants; Mon Pote and Fox & Feather for interiors and lifestyle shopping; M Shed Museum and Wapping Wharf for great food and drink by the water; walks on the Downs, St Andrew’s Park in the sunshine with the dog, and a walk around the city to see all the original Banksys. Bristol has loads of festivals, too – it’s great for the whole family!

Find out more at emily-rickard.com

Instagram: @emilyrickardstyle

Visit Bert & May’s new Bristol showroom -  5 The Mall, Clifton, BS8 4DP

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