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Home
Spotlight On
Beautiful Homes
Meet The Team
Behind the Name
Our Showrooms
Visit Jim Lawrence Website
Made By Us
  • Home
  • Spotlight On
  • Beautiful Homes
  • Meet The Team
  • Behind the Name
  • Our Showrooms
  • Visit Jim Lawrence Website
  • Made By Us
Jim Lawrence Blog - Jim Lawrence Blog
Beautiful Homes

Introducing Kay of Kinship Creative

Kay Prestney is an Interior Designer & Stylist working on private and commercial projects as well photoshoot and event styling. She also runs Kinship Gatherings, a business hub teaching people crafts and other creative skills. Not only is Kay’s own home a culmination of these talents, but her scandi-inspired interior is all sustainably and locally sourced. We chat with Kay about her gorgeous renovation and why an eco-ethos matters.

Hi Kay, welcome to the style journal! Your home has a rustic feel with a very neutral colour palette, but your interior is far from plain. Can you tell us a bit about how you discovered and refined your own style?

I have always been drawn to Scandinavian style, using lots of natural materials and a muted palette. As a stylist and interior designer I am immersed in design on a daily basis, I love colourful and playful interiors but always find that I need a neutral, calm interior at home to be able to switch off at the end of the day. I love to use layer textures, to bring the natural world into our home and use vintage pieces to create interesting rooms that tell the story of who lives there, reflecting their life and loves.

You keep to an eco-ethos whilst renovating your own home, is this something you stick to when styling other spaces?

Yes, very much so. I try to encourage clients to rethink their existing pieces, to look at making the most of the natural light and moving things around to get the look they want, rather than getting rid of everything and buying new. There are lots of ways you can repurpose pieces or give a vintage item new life such as adding castors and a linen cushion to a vintage wooden trunk to make it into storage and easily moveable occasional seating in one. Buying vintage makes your home unique and helps the planet, what’s not to love about that!

There is certainly a wave of recognition for sustainable practice rippling across the world – and rightly so – but how can we all implement these positive and conscious changes in the everyday home?

I think we can all start by buying less and if we are paring back then considering how we get rid of unwanted items sustainably by donating to charity, putting on free cycle or repurposing. Its amazing how many creative ways there are to upcycle unwanted things. Try googling ideas before you throw something away and you might find a new crafting hobby!

We love that you champion local businesses in your design. What draws you to Jim Lawrence products in particular?

I feel passionately about supporting small local businesses and Makers. I always try to choose heart-led companies in my work and I love the ethos of Jim Lawrence, the attention to detail and the fact it is all hand made locally. The products are also built to last which helps reduce our throw-away culture.

Of course we love your lighting choices, but where do you find inspiration for the rest of the décor?

I am always inspired by the natural world and try to get outside whenever possible to walk in the woods or over the fields. I forage fallen branches, foliage and dried seed-heads to brIng into our home to create interesting vignettes. I also love the association of fond memories when I see the pieces in my home and remember the walks or family time when we collected them. I subscribe to magazines such as 91, Enki, Elle Decoration and always look at interiors magazines when I am travelling for inspiration. I go to Design fairs and am often falling down an Instagram rabbit hole finding new Makers to follow!

When it comes to designing a room, where do you start?

I always start by taking everything out, this doesn’t have to be done physically, but it’s easy when you live in a room to just accept that pieces have their place. Sometimes just moving a sofa, adding a mirror to reflect natural light into a dark corner, bringing in some plants for colour and their health benefits and having a declutter can radically change a room on a small budget. It’s also really important to think about what a room is used for and to consider storage needs.

What has been your favourite space to design?

Ooh that’s such a tricky one as I have never done a project I didn’t really enjoy! I think it would have to be one of my first commercial design projects helping transform an old run down Barn into a cool Scandi inspired kids play space, cafe and studios. It was all done on a very small budget and I worked with the lovely owner Jo repurposing lots of pieces from a barn on the family farm where people stored things they didn’t want any more. We used lots of natural materials, upcycled most of the furniture and custom made pieces using scaffold boards and other vintage finds.

I have also really enjoyed renovating a holiday cottage on the Suffolk coast where we had to balance design aesthetics with the practicalities needed for a property that is let out. It’s now one of the most popular rentals on the agency’s books which is hugely rewarding.

Why did you start hosting the Kinship Gatherings?

When I started Kinship Creative Design Consultancy I wanted to meet like-minded people running their own small business, to make connections and find ways to collaborate and support each other. I couldn’t find anything locally so I started one myself. We meet every six months and there is now a wonderful network of creatives, Makers, small business owners and people who would like to set up their own business but are not quite there yet. It’s a hugely supportive network and we offer a workshop as part of the gathering as well as coffee and cake to fuel our creativity!

What events do you have coming up that our audience might be interested in?

Our next gathering is on Feb 7th and will feature a workshop about Marketing for small businesses. We also occasionally run pop-up gatherings which have taken place in Bristol and Guildford. We also run creative workshops and have some fun ones coming up in the New Year including Ceramics, Modern Calligraphy and Photography and Styling. I am also planning workshops on sustainable living, plant styling and care, and some new crafting workshops.

Finally, what’s on the cards for you Kinship Creative in 2020?

I am looking forward to some really exciting new interior design projects including redesigning a bridal studio, helping create a series of glamping lodges and some private home projects. I am also looking forward to styling shoots, helping small businesses thrive, expanding our Kinship Community through our Gatherings, working on some content creation with brands that share my values and maybe even finding time to make a few changes in our own home!!

To see what’s on and attend one of Kay’s events take a look here. To make sure you don’t miss out, sign up to the monthly community newsletters. To see more of her interior styling and stunning scandi home, follow Kay on Instagram at @kinship_creativedc. To shop her style, browse our website to see all of our hand forged and finished lighting and homeware.

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Welcome to the Jim Lawrence Style Journal.

We are a British interiors company creating beautiful lighting, ironwork and home furnishings from our Suffolk workshop.

This is where we share ideas that we love, show sneak peeks behind the scenes of our brand and offer a unique insight into classic design.

jimlawrencemade

Jim Lawrence Lighting & Home
We’re absolutely in love with our new Pimlico sh We’re absolutely in love with our new Pimlico showroom, and if you’ve already made it to London and stepped through the doors…chances are you might be too💡 

Nestled between Westminster, Belgravia and Chelsea, our new Pimlico showroom sits in the heart of London’s iconic design district, renowned for its interiors, antiques, and craftsmanship.

Pop in to say hello, explore our beautifully crafted lighting and accessories, or pick up our latest brochure to browse at home. If you’re yet to visit, we can’t wait to welcome you.

For opening hours and more details, simply tap the reel via the link in our bio to visit our website.
Whether you order online or visit one of our showr Whether you order online or visit one of our showrooms, we offer complimentary samples of our fabrics for you to take home if you need some more time to decide before you buy.⁠
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With a focus on natural fibres like silk, linen, wool, and pure cotton in a wide range of colours and patterns, there is plenty to choose from. If you'd like to browse our collections in person, find further information on locations and opening times at www.jim-lawrence.co.uk.⁠
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Thank you @charlotte.sje, for capturing this cosy moment - a perfect setting for choosing fabrics and comparing linen textures with beautiful paint swatches.
Our handcrafted shelf brackets are a quiet testame Our handcrafted shelf brackets are a quiet testament to timeless craftsmanship and refined functionality. ⁠
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Visually striking in their simplicity and elegance, the Brookland's come in two sizes and a choice of finishes, bringing varying levels of heritage style to the home.⁠
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The larger sizes were designed and made specifically for our new space in London, created in response to a specific brief: to support substantial weight without compromising on looks.⁠
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Tap the images via the link in our bio to shop.
A Jim Lawrence conduit kit offers a clever lightin A Jim Lawrence conduit kit offers a clever lighting solution for indoors and out.⁠
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Transform unsightly wiring into a stylish feature by connecting wall lights, pendants, sockets, and switches when internal wiring isn’t an option.⁠
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Its universal size is designed to work seamlessly with our full range of conduit components and a curated selection of Jim Lawrence lights. Tap these images via the link in our bio to discover all the components you need to create your own kit.
Whether you’re unwinding at home this bank holid Whether you’re unwinding at home this bank holiday or exploring new places over the weekend, it’s the perfect time to discover our latest brochure.⁠
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Packed with inspiring designs and innovative solutions, it’s your go-to guide for elevating any space. Browse the pages online from the comfort of your home, or visit us in person at our Suffolk, Bath, or London showrooms to experience our collections up close.⁠
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Kindly note, we will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday, but look forward to welcoming you again soon.
Step inside the beautiful home of @tanyaburr.⁠
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Featuring our lighting and accessories throughout, Tanya has masterfully crafted a relaxed yet lived-in look. Thoughtfully selected vintage-inspired pieces echo the property's era, while made-to-measure custom fittings and a soothing palette of calming colours come together to create a family home that feels both comfortable and effortlessly elegant.⁠
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Captured beautifully by @dean.hearne for @houseandgardenuk, Tanya's home is a lovely harmonisation of thoughtful design and personal style.
Outdoor wall lighting not only enhances the charac Outdoor wall lighting not only enhances the character of your home but also improves visibility and security after dark. It’s a vital addition that shouldn’t be an afterthought, but rather an extension of your interior style.⁠
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With its graceful swan neck arm and rich aged brass patina, the Granary makes a beautiful statement beside front doors, on exterior walls, or lighting up outbuildings. One of our most popular outdoor lights in Antiqued Brass, we've added a Matt Black version for those who prefer a more sleek, contemporary option for modern exteriors.⁠
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Tap the images via the link in our bio to shop the brand-new look.
With the opening of our new London showroom, we wa With the opening of our new London showroom, we wanted to highlight some of our other beautiful locations and the inspiration they’ve brought to our collections.⁠
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Our very first showroom sits beside our workshops in Hadleigh, an historic market town in Suffolk. Surrounded by the rolling countryside of the River Brett valley, Hadleigh is known for its rich heritage and character. The town is home to over 240 listed buildings, many of them timber-framed from the 15th century: the kind of architecture that has long influenced our period lighting designs.⁠
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It’s a fitting location for where our story began, showcasing traditional craftsmanship and enduring design. We’re proud of the places that shape our work, and we look forward to welcoming you to your nearest showroom.⁠
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Find us on Lady Lane just off the A1071 Ipswich Road. Visit our website for further details and opening times.
Your front door isn’t just an entryway, but an i Your front door isn’t just an entryway, but an introduction. ⁠
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Thank you Eilidh of @revamping_the_edwardian for sharing your magnificent home entrance, featuring antiqued brass details from us, and the rich Preference Red of @farrowandball. We love how the delicate florals soften the bold character of the stonework.⁠
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Create a lasting first impression with our beautifully crafted detailing - tap this image via the link in our bio to shop more Jim Lawrence door furniture.
Bedside lighting is an essential detail that blend Bedside lighting is an essential detail that blends comfort, utility, and beauty.

We design and make a variety of adjustable wall lights that allow you to direct the light where you need it most, making the best of your bedroom space. The Salthouse is a small but mighty option. Packed with industrial charm, its dainty silhouette and thoughtful detailing make it a quiet statement piece, wonderful for enhancing small bedsides with a touch of rusticity and perfect paired with a vintage-inspired bulb.

Tap this reel via the link in our bio to explore more adjustable options 💡
Never underestimate the power of simple, elegant d Never underestimate the power of simple, elegant design.⁠
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A beautifully crafted fabric lampshade shade gently filters light, offers subtle texture, and allows for pops of colour or contrasting tones to suit your existing interior scheme.⁠
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Available in a selection of our most popular fabrics, our new 40cm Wide Cone Shades can be made in a lamp base fitting or pendant option to create the look you love.⁠ Swipe to enjoy our Porter Table Lamp, Pendant Lamp Holder, and Harleston Table Lamp, each paired with crisp Cream Killowen Linen.
With the opening of our new London showroom, we wa With the opening of our new London showroom, we wanted to shine a light on our other beautiful locations and the inspiration they've brought to our collection.⁠
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Our second showroom, situated on Bath’s famous Walcot Street, inspired the creation of our elegant Walcot Pendant. Bath’s iconic Georgian architecture is known for its graceful lines and balanced proportions which heavily influenced this bestselling design. The hand-blown, dome-shaped glass is our nod to the bell jars once found in Georgian entrance halls - perfect for complementing more decorative interiors with its refined simplicity.⁠
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Walcot Street itself, an historic artisan quarter, remains a vibrant hub of creativity, filled with independent shops, galleries, restaurants, and makers.⁠
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You’ll find everything from antique mirrors to paints and carpets. Don't miss the lively Saturday flea market just down the road, and be sure to stop by and see us at 112–114 Walcot Street.
Corners of our new London showroom.⁠ ⁠ Located Corners of our new London showroom.⁠
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Located in the thriving neighbourhood of Pimlico, nestled between Westminster, Belgravia and Chelsea, the showroom is in the heart of the Pimlico Road Design District - known for its rich concentration of antiques and interior design shops.⁠
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Find us at number 94 and drop by to say hello, browse our stunning collection of beautifully handcrafted lighting and home fittings, or simply pick up our latest brochure to delve into at home.
Drenched in deep burgundy, this kitchen balances b Drenched in deep burgundy, this kitchen balances bold design with everyday practicality. Our Club wall light proves time and time again that atmosphere and performance can harmonise in the home.⁠
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Thank you @ashmazzina for revealing your exquisite new space. The warm, focused glow of a solid brass light creates an inviting setting without losing the precision needed for tasking in a kitchen. To get the look, tap this image via the link our bio to shop our full Club collection.⁠
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The new Jim Lawrence London showroom is officially The new Jim Lawrence London showroom is officially OPEN.

We are proud to join London’s most iconic design district with a new showroom that celebrates manufacturing in England with our classic lighting and home design.

Visit us at 94 Pimlico Road, SW1W 8PL. We look forward to welcoming you through the doors!

For opening times and further information, please tap this reel via the link in our bio to visit our website.
Designer Sean Symington began his career in Toront Designer Sean Symington began his career in Toronto, completing a Bachelor of Arts from Ryerson University, School of Interior Design. Now living in Bath with a business based in the beautiful Cotswolds town of Tetbury, Sean’s style is influenced by classic architecture and proportions, bold colour combinations, and a playful whimsy which keeps every space interesting.⁠
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Tap the 'On the blog 🏡' button via the link in our bio to read our interview with Sean about how he has fostered this signature look and the places that inspire it.⁠
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Images from @chriswakefield.photography.
Sometimes it’s the little things that make a roo Sometimes it’s the little things that make a room feel like home, like a stack of books, a vase of garden stems, or a comfy cushion.⁠
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But the real impact - the element that truly defines a space - almost always comes from the lighting.⁠
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This cosy corner from @thedentalbarns makes their business feel as welcoming as a sitting room at home. Gently lit by our Brooke for a calm glow, this clever lighting choice softens the edges and leaves a lovely lasting impression for when you're just passing through.
Our Killarney and Galway linens translate beautifu Our Killarney and Galway linens translate beautifully into the inviting shape of a plump cushion cover. The natural weight and drape of these fabrics is perfect for offering both comfort and character in green or indigo blue - made for layering on sofas or adding colour to a neutral bedspread.

Discover our full range of designs and colours on our website or within our showroom, with a special focus on natural fibres like silk, linen, wool, and pure cotton.

Choose from our wide range of existing looks or fill out a bespoke cushion form to customise your own. If you need a little more time to decide, select a fabric swatch directly from our website or give us a call on 01473 826685 and we’ll send them straight to your door.
A perfect addition for the dining room, candleligh A perfect addition for the dining room, candlelight can help set the mood from dawn until dinnertime.⁠
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Swipe for @eliskasharp 's daytime look, proof the Hurricane Sconce holds it own even without a burning wick. Shop the sconce via the link in our bio.
A closer look at our latest fabric collection in g A closer look at our latest fabric collection in gorgeous greens, each ready to refresh your home for the summer and beyond.⁠
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With a focus on vivid but calming colour palettes, high-quality materials, and meticulous craftsmanship, each cushion cover, lampshade, and curtain in these beautiful fabrics is made by us in our Suffolk workshops.⁠
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From left to right: Cow Parsley in new Hedge Green, Waterford Linen in Green, and the brand-new Norwood in Green & Gold.⁠
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Tap the 'Discover new arrivals' button via the link in our bio to shop these cut lengths, or choose from our selection of cushions and lampshades to accessorise your home.
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