Ten with Tom: Tori Murphy

Tori Murphy started in 2012 with 12 metres of fabric woven in Lancashire that was turned into a capsule collection of cushions and throws that quickly got stocked by stores including Heals, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Daylesford and Selfridges. The brand organically expanded into kitchen textiles, fabric by the metre and more recently made in England, made to measure curtains and blinds. Now in business for nearly 13 years, the business has worked globally on domestic and commercial projects and has steadily grown a reputation as one of the go-to brands for English fabrics and homeware. We caught up with founder, Tori Murphy to find out more…

TR: Can you walk us through a typical day?

TM: “In the week, I try to wake up before our three young daughters to do 15 minutes or so of Pilates before it all kicks off. It’s then a noisy breakfast all together, school uniforms and hair plaiting before I leave for our HQ in the English countryside about 9am. Everyday then at work is different particularly at present as we are preparing for Decorex and our first showroom opening at the end of October so there’s lots of planning, prep and logistics. It is then a quick dash back to collect the girls from school and another lively evening meal all together, homework, animals and bedtime and I then normally start work again and work way too late into the night…”

TR: What are the highs and lows when working with textiles?

TM: “With any production, there can be challenges and things don’t always go exactly how you wish - looms can break, yarns can be unavailable, there can de delays and faults. The highs are always when a new design arrives after months of sampling, and you know it’s just right and you can see the potential”.

TR: Why is sustainability important to you and your growing business?

TM: “We have always done what we believe to be the right thing: make things as close to home, as well as possible, using sustainable materials. It’s gives us confidence in our products and has helped shape the identity and look of the business over the past 13 years”.

TR: What has been your proudest design moment?

TM: “Seeing our first showroom come to life has really shone a light on how far the business has come and I’m proud of (almost!) everything that has led us up to this point”.

TR: Where do you find creative inspiration?

TM: “I am always inspired by travel, different countries and scenery. I love seeing the different ways textiles are used in interiors and the home. We spend a lot of time in Ireland and there’s something about the use of textiles in an unchanged rural setting that I love”.

TR: We love hearing about other people’s interior style, what makes your house a home?

TM: “It’s the overall feel of it I think, the colours, textures, flowers, mixed lighting, how relaxed and welcoming it is but ultimately it’s the people inside it, my family, my children, the animals and all the imperfections that they create, that’s what bring it to life and make it a home”.

TR: What is your favourite Tom Raffield design?

TM: “We have a beautiful open staircase in the new showroom, and we had been looking for a long time for a statement piece that fitted with our aesthetic and ethos and the Noctis Loer Chandelier ticked all the boxes. A dramatic but simple piece that adds a modern touch to a traditional space”.

TR: What are your tips for creating a cosy home as we head into Autumn?

TM: “I like to layer different colours and textures. We have a beautiful new washed linen that is perfect for this time of year. It is full of character and interest that makes you want to be home and get settled in. Inviting corners with low lighting and mixed and matched cushions, relaxed roman blinds and elegant merino wool door curtains to keep the chill away”.

TR: What’s your favourite part of your job?

TM: “Bringing the lifestyle shots to life. It’s usually 6 months or so of designing a new collection that has been circling in my head so being able to make vision a reality is always very rewarding and signals the start to a new season”.

TR: What is next for Tori Murphy?

TM: “Our showroom opening within the beautiful grounds of Belvoir Castle, it’ s a big move for us but it feels like a natural step. Textiles are such a tactile thing so it’s going to be great to have everything under one roof, displayed in our way so people can come and see and feel everything for themselves. As we expand our made to measure offering, 2024 sees us move too into curtain and blind hardware and accessories, we have partnered with Little Greene paints for bespoke curtain poles so our customers can really start to enjoy the art of window dressing for their homes”.

Tori Murphy Showroom Opening Soon:

The Engine Yard

Belvoir Castle

Grantham

NG32 1PA

Posted: 27.09.24