Sitting here on a grey, raw Monday morning, I’m glad that my subject today involves such vibrant colour and pattern – I’m feeling decidedly warmer and cheerier already.
Sarah Newman, the talent behind DesignBark, developed the technique of screenprinting onto real wood veneer in the course of her MA research at Chelsea College of Art and Design. Whilst neither this traditional printing technique, nor a commonplace material like wood veneer, are anything new in themselves, their unusual juxtaposition produces a completely fresh and unexpected result – an arresting overlay of contemporary colour and pattern onto natural wood grain.
Products include lampshades, street signs and furniture. Sarah hand screen prints the designs at her studio in South London using FSC certified wood, environmentally friendly pigments wherever possible, and all manufacturing is UK-based.
Lampshades are available in 12″ or 18″ diameter as standard, and in oak, maple or American walnut veneers, but different sizes and colourways are available on request. As a further service, Sarah can produce bespoke lampshade designs, and liaises with clients throughout the whole design process. Commissions are also welcomed – the chair pictured below is a collaborative piece with furniture designer Byply. For more information contact Sarah through her website.
Products are available to buy online from DesignBark,, and Greener Abode, and also in-store, as well as online, from Heals.
But if you’re needing a more immediate antidote to the January gloom, then I prescribe a visit to the DesignBark website, in particular the page that showcases Sarah’s designs; click through the gallery for a therapeutic dose of uplifting and exciting colour, pattern and craftsmanship. I’ve chosen a few of them below – just what the doctor ordered.
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