Meet Jules Haines, founder of the Haines Collection in our latest episode of The DnA of Home Interiors. Jules is our first ever guest on the podcast so we are very excited about releasing this episode!
This was recorded back in early March, before we knew how badly we were all going to be affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. We were in Deirdre’s new office in London Bridge - the ufurnish.com HQ. It was great to get together and have such an inspiring conversation about the positivity and success that has come out of Jules’ business idea of reducing fabric waste in the interiors industry.
You can listen here, or read our notes below.
Jules and I actually first met way back at one of the London Design Festival shows - Tent London (circa 2013 I think!) when she was working with Korla fabrics. She was on their stand. I was drawn in my the amazing patterns and we struck up a conversation. I became a repeat Korla customer - infact you will spot some of the fabrics amongst my project photos on the website.
Then last September I bumped into Jules again, at the Decorex trade show. She was exhibiting her own brand this time - Haines Collection. The message was loud and clear - textile waste was a very seldom spoken about issue in the interiors industry and Jules had come up with a new business idea to rescue waste fabrics from ending up in landfill and sell them online, at a discounted rate.
Jules is best described as an interiors lover and waste hater…
Jules Haines - Image from hainescollection.co.uk
On the podcast, Deirdre and I discuss a whole array of subjects with Jules around interior design, sustainability, starting a business and connecting with your customers (and believe it or not, a certain Barbie doll gets a mention too!)
We start by discussing her passion for reducing waste in the interiors industry and how that in itself may be a trend we will see develop further, following in the footsteps of the rise in sustainable fashion awareness.
We ask Jules what attracts people to buy fabric from the Haines Collection - are they drawn in first and foremost the sustainability message, or is style and visual appeal on the forefront of their minds? There is certainly an education element to a business like this, attracting customers via style, quality and price point who then realise they are also doing something good for the environment by saving the fabric they buy from going to landfill.
A selection of the current fabrics available on hainescollection.co.uk
Deirdre’s favourite fabric
Here is it - Blue Ocean by Sarah Fortescue. As we mention on the podcast, the fabrics can get snapped up quick so if this link no longer works for those of you reading it at a later date, you can see it on the Sarah Fortescue website here (at full price!)
‘Blue Ocean’ fabric by Sarah Fortescue
Suppliers, customers and what the fabrics end up being used for
We had so many questions for Jules! Some very inspiring stories here around the lifecycle of the fabrics and how Jules’ customers are making and up-cycling things with the fabric they are purchasing. Others are checking in with Jules for advice before getting curtains and blinds made professionally.
Also we discuss who the suppliers are - the various types of companies who need an easy way to shift their left over textiles from manufacture or production.
Jules has been running lampshade making workshops which have been so popular! A great way to use your last 30-40cm of fabric if you have some offcuts from a bigger project.
Images from Haines Collection lampshade making workshops
Deirdre also mentions Jules’ ‘Staple Gun, I Love You’ blog post - which has inspired her to feel she could take on a re-upholstery project or two herself!
Image from Haines Collection blog
Creative ways to incorporate fabric into your home, apart from cushions etc?
This was another great question from Deirdre. So Jules’ told us about the bin making kit - even I hadn’t heard of this! What a fantastic idea! I couldn’t wait to Google this to see where you can buy one - so here it is.
Example of a fabric covered bin
Jules also sells cushions made from the fabric - great solution if you haven’t got the time or patience to make your own!
Examples of cushions from the Haines Collection
And at the time of recording wallpaper was about to be launched on the website too….it is now available to buy - see here. Just like with the fabrics, the wallpaper is saved from going to landfill too.
Wallpaper from Haines Collection
The Eureka moment behind the Haines Collection
As business owners ourselves, Deirdre and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the idea behind the Haines Collection, where it all began and how Jules went about bringing it to life. You too can hear Jules’ business story. When you are ready, tune to the episode here. We hope you enjoy it!
Where to find the Podcast
If you enjoy the podcast please leave us a review!
Have you got any design decisions you would like help with?
Join our Facebook community and follow us on Instagram - Deirdre and I will be starting some live Q & A sessions soon where you can submit your design dilemmas and get some advice!