Design Diaries | Alice Crawley Interiors
A Colourful Collaboration with Alice Crawley Interiors x Imogen Heath Interiors
At Imogen Heath we’ve always believed that our textiles have the power to transform interiors - when paired with the creative eye of Interior Designer Alice Crawley, the result is something truly special. Alice is a fellow pattern and colour lover whose interiors deliver personality and warmth in abundance. Her joyful use of bold, energising colours and her passion for textiles sing throughout all of her projects.
So when Alice approached us about using our Sarah Louise woven fabrics for her Big (& Little) Friendly Ottoman, we were absolutely delighted to be part of her vibrant world.
Our Sarah Louise woven fabric, available in five colouways, makes an ideal upholstery choice for this multifunctional ottoman. Why? Because it’s as robust as it is beautiful - designed to stand up to daily use, whether in a busy home or a commercial setting. And with a reversible weave, the fabric offers incredible versatility, allowing designers like Alice to explore both sides of the textile when crafting unique, statement upholstered pieces.
Read on to find out more about Alice’s approach to design, collaboration and her love of textiles…
King & Coats Design Studio pairs The Big Friendly Ottoman in ‘Sarah Louise Ochre with a beautiful Rita Konig - Dark Olive tray from The Lacquer Company.
- How do you usually approach the design of a piece like this?
“When I approach designing a piece like the Big Friendly Ottoman, I think about how it can serve as more than just furniture. It’s generous in scale, so I design it to adapt to lots of different uses—some expected, some more surprising. It can be a spot to gather around, a soft playpen for little ones, a place to stow away the everyday mess, or even something fun like a hidden bar.
The idea is to create a piece that feels welcoming, tactile, and multifunctional. I love when design works hard but doesn’t take itself too seriously—when a single piece can make a room more practical, more inviting, and a little more playful all at once.”
- What role do textiles play in your work?
“Textiles are absolutely central to my work because they bridge my background in fashion with the world of interiors. Having started in fashion, I have a deep appreciation for how fabric moves, feels, and interacts with light, and I bring that sensitivity into every project. In interiors, textiles are not just decorative—they’re what create atmosphere, comfort, and a sense of tactility.
I use them to balance a space: whether it’s the texture of a woven rug grounding a room, the drape of curtains adding softness, or the layering of upholstery that introduces depth and personality. Textiles are also one of the most versatile tools for storytelling—they can carry colour, pattern, and cultural references all at once.
For me, textiles are where interiors become truly liveable and personal. They’re the element that can transform a beautiful space into one that feels inviting and connected to the client’s lifestyle.”
Alice Crawley - The Big Friendly Ottoman
Alice Crawley - Interior Designer
- What does collaboration mean to you?
“For me, collaboration is about creating something richer than I could achieve alone. Design is such a layered process, and the best results come from bringing together different voices—whether that’s clients, makers, or other designers. I see my role as both leading with a clear vision and listening closely, so that everyone’s expertise and perspective is reflected in the outcome.
On a practical level, collaboration means openness and trust: being able to share ideas, test them, adapt, and even let go when something better comes along. I really enjoy that back-and-forth, because it keeps the work fresh and ensures that the end result feels not just designed, but genuinely lived-in and connected to the people who will use it.”
- Is there a piece of furniture you’ve always wanted to design or a material you’re curious to work with next?
“I’m really excited to be extending my range into more upholstery—I’m currently developing an X-frame stool, which has been a great way to explore proportion, comfort, and craftsmanship on a smaller scale at a price point that’s more accessible.
Beyond that, I’d love to produce my own bamboo furniture in-house. I collect and sell Angraves antiques online, and I’m constantly inspired by their character and longevity. For me, it’s about keeping those traditional techniques alive and celebrating the quality of truly well-made furniture that’s built to last.”
We’re thrilled to see our fabrics brought to life through Alice's creative lens and love to see how her Ottomans bring comfort, colour, and character into homes and interiors everywhere.
Our reversible Sarah Louise woven fabric is available in five colourways.
You can find all of our woven fabrics in our online shop, where you can order samples along side the full fabric, wallpaper and passementerie collection.
