John's Journal

Introducing John Robshaw for Crate & Kids, a collection for babies and kids inspired by John’s travels, exclusively sold at Crate & Barrel. Shop the collection online and in select Crate & Barrel stores. SHOP NOW

Nantucket is one of my favorite places to visit in the US. The island is littered with my cousins. I love to go up to sail, but also to shop the sophisticated stores along the main drag. They have everything from woven sandals from Morocco to blankets from Maine. The shop Bodega does a fantastic job with our prints. My favorite hotel there is Greydon House, a lovely 20 room boutique hotel. Designed by Roman and Williams, Greydon House features our bedding in every room. As Nantucket is known for the nautical blue and white color combination, we thought it would be fun to create a blue and white room using our spring collection. Everything from the bedding to the pillows to the art to the robe is part of our new line.  See below for more about the room, Greydon House, and a cheat sheet of all my favorite spots. Hope you all can get out to this very special space soon! John Robshaw Spring 22 collection featured at Greydon House includes Aasira Duvet, Kesar Indigo Sheets, Layla Indigo Quilt, Edo Decorative Euros and Haseen Decorative Pillow on bed, Vintage Stripe Rug on Floor. Photo: Daniel Schwartz Cyanotypes made by John and Rachel on the walls and Isbah Decorative Pillow on side chair. Blue & White Salina Robe STAY: Greydon House My favorite hotel on the island. Stylishly classic, centrally located, wonderful art & gardens. And only 2 mins from the ferry. 17 Broad Street, (508) 228-2468, greydonhouse.com EAT/DRINK: Sushi Sean’s Shop for tuna nachos A graduate of the Tokyo Sushi Academy in Tsukiji, Tokyo, Japan, the eponymous Sean has been serving his signature selection on Nantucket for nine years. Don't skip the tuna nachos! 21 S Water St, (508) 901-5871, sushisean1111.com Chanticleer This elegant restaurant in dreamy Sconset is a favorite. Request a table in their pub room if it's chilly or in the rose garden on a warm summer night. 9 New St, Siaconset, (508) 257-4499, chanticleernantucket.com Roastd General Store for matcha Nantucket's premier spot for wellness and specialty food also has an extensive and creative coffee offering. I get my matcha here. They roast their own milk. 159 Orange St, (508) 228-8400, roastdgeneralstore.com  GO: Whaling Museum for culture and history "Nantucket has a fascinating history, which many people don't know about," says John. He recommends starting at the Whaling Museum, located one block from Greydon House. Discover over 1,000 works of art, a 46-foot sperm whale skeleton, a massive Fresnel lens, and a restored 1847 candle factory across nine galleries that offer a glimpse into Nantucket's past. 13 Broad Street, (508) 228-1894, nha.org Linda Loring Nature Center for Nantucket’s wild side Several organizations ensure the preservation of Nantucket, and nearly half of the island is open space. John recommends visiting the Linda Loring Nature Center, which conducts research, education, and stewardship of 275 acres. "I love to take my daughter, Regina, on the Story Walk." 110 Eel Point Rd, (508) 325-0873, llnf.org

Dorms don’t have to be boring. Go back to school in style with these 12 essentials. Pro tip: Plan your color story ahead. Choose your favorite color, or two, or more (John Robshaw himself is a maximalist) and go back to your color story when making any of the below design decisions. Jami Belushi in her dorm room above.Featuring John Robshaw bedding, pillows, and custom ottoman. 1. TWIN XL SHEETS & DUVETS John Robshaw sheets and duvets fit both Twin and Twin XL (dorm beds are 5 inches longer)! Duvets have ties in each corner so the comforter doesn’t get lost. So many prints to choose from! Choose one color or mix and match. SHOP TWIN XL SHEETS & DUVETS 2. HEADBOARDS Adding a headboard can really make a design statement. The John Robshaw x Cloth & Co. collection has twin headboards in 7 prints and 4 solids. (Or you can make your own using fabric of your choice!) SHOP HEADBOARDS 3. ART Your walls should talk. Tell your story through art and photos. Hang pieces that makes you smile. Explore John Robshaw art and add to your collection. SHOP ART 4. KING EUROS The perfect college pillow! It can be used on the floor for extra seating when having friends over, or doing schoolwork in bed. SHOP KING EUROS 5. OTTOMANS AS END TABLES Adding an end table upgrades the entire room. The John Robshaw x Cloth & Co. collection has four ottoman styles available in 7 prints and 4 solids. SHOP OTTOMANS 6. RUGS You have the floor, now design it! Explore John Robshaw Indigo Dip Dye Rugs. SHOP RUGS 7. QUILTS For warmer climates, sheets and a quilt might be the perfect weight. For colder climates, add another quilt as an extra layer. Choose from our 40+ quilts in both prints and solids. SHOP QUILTS 8. OVERSIZED COMFORTERS & PILLOWS John Robshaw Down (& Alternative Down) Comforters are oversized so they fit a duvet end to end. Our down pillows offer the perfect amount of ‘give’ under your head at night. All of our down and feather products are sourced from a Responsible Down Standard (RSD) certified supplier. SHOP DOWN 9. DECORATIVE PILLOWS Decorative pillows are a nice way to focus a bed. One of our favorite styles for a twin bed is to add two 22x22 decorative pillows, with a 12x18 pillow in front. SHOP DECORATIVE PILLOWS 10. TOWELS Bath towels don’t need to be boring. You can coordinate and extend your bedroom style with printed towels in the bath. SHOP TOWELS 11. THROWS Throws can have many purposes from being an extra layer of warmth to being an extra layer of protection in keeping your bed clean when hosting friends. SHOP THROWS 12. BED SKIRT Hide your suitcases and storage under the bed with a bed skirt. You can easily create your own using fabric from our John Robshaw Fabric Collection. Use a custom bed skirt pattern or don’t be afraid to just staple fabric to wood platform (as long as it’s ok with the school of course!). EXPLORE FABRIC

Fitted, Flat, Pillow Cases. Professional organizers @ofspaceandmind give us their tips on how to fold a sheet set (including tricky fitted sheets) for both narrow and deep shelves using our Vamika Periwinkle and Cinde Indigo sheets. The key to a great fold is to consider where you’re storing a piece, then fold it to fit your space. Pro tip! Stack fitted sheet on bottom, then flat sheet. Place pillowcases inside flat sheet (so you’re never searching for the matching pillowcases). How to Fold for a NARROW Shelf How to Fold a Fitted Sheet Lay fitted sheet on a flat surface. Put hands in corners on the long side. Match up corners. Flatten and smooth. Bring sides in to fold in thirds. Fold top to bottom in half, then in half again. How to Fold a Flat Sheet Lay sheet out on a flat surface and fold in half, then fold in half again to create a square. Match sides to fold in half, then in thirds. Fold top to bottom in half, then in thirds. How to Fold a Pillowcase Lay pillowcase on a flat surface. Fold in half, matching up corners on the short side. Fold in half again, then bring sides to fold in thirds. **Flatten and smooth between steps for a clean fold! John Robshaw Cinde Indigo Sheets above How to Fold for a DEEP Shelf How to Fold a Fitted Sheet Lay fitted sheet on a flat surface. Put hands in corners on the short side. Match up corners. Flatten and smooth. Fold elastic side in slightly to create a straight edge. Bring sides in to fold in half, then half again. Fold top to bottom, then in thirds. How to Fold a Flat Sheet Lay sheet out on a flat surface. Match up corners on the short side. Fold in half lengthwise, then in half again. Bring top to bottom in to fold in half, then in thirds. How to Fold a Pillowcase Lay pillowcase on a flat surface. Fold in half, matching up corners on the short side. Fold in half again, then bring sides to fold in thirds. **Flatten and smooth between steps for a clean fold! John Robshaw Vamika Periwinkle Sheets above

Happy International Astrology Day! To honor the occasion, we thought we’d share  our pillow recommendations for each zodiac sign. Aries Butterflies have many meanings, but they’re known best for their metamorphosis. It’s Aries’ nature to be fire-hot in one moment, and cucumber cool in the next, shedding your skin. Coral Butterfly Decorative Pillow Taurus The earthy tones and cool blue-greens should speak well to your calm and collected energy. Cozy up Taurus! Gohar Decorative Pillow Gemini Show off your style with the best of both worlds! Bright coral, light indigo, and seaglass are an unexpected and excitingly pleasant combination, much like your personality Gemini! Irha Decorative Pillow Cancer Printed palms on a deep blue recall a reflective and calming vacation on the ocean, which is exactly what you’re craving Cancer. Isbah Decorative Pillow Leo Strike up a conversation with the exciting applique design of this pillow inspired by organic architecture. They’re sure to be impressed, Leo. Nuha Decorative Pillow Virgo The thoughtful blues and greens, high quality fabric, and intricate pattern of this pillow should speak to your nature Virgo. It’s especially practical as it can be used both indoors and out. Yug Outdoor Pillow Libra It’s no secret that your sign is fair and just, but others should know by now that you also love to look good! This horse is dressed to the nines just like you. Strut your stuff Libra. Prancing Horse Decorative Pillow Scorpio Dark and moody, with finely drawn dashes and dots, this pillow is sure to express your intriguingly mysterious nature Scorpio. Eda Euro Sagittarius Small lotus flowers block printed on a rich orange stand out and bring a sense of cheer. Be the life of the party Saggitarius! Aleesa Decorative Pillow Capricorn A classic Mughal flower in gold and silver makes a tasteful statement, and the neutral background makes it easy to fit in any room. A suitable fit for any thoughtful Capricorn. Ayna Decorative Pillow Aquarius As an out-of-the-box thinker, an Aquarius will love this block printed fabric that has been cut and sewn together to make an entirely new and inventive pillow. Couching Decorative Pillow Pisces A classic blue and white block print on a new and fun miniature pillow size will speak to your innovative and adaptive nature. You’re standing out in your own unique way Pisces! Myrthi Mini Round Bolster SHOP PILLOWS

Blue. Print. John and his wife Rachel created three prints using exotic palms then had them made into cyanotypes in India on hand made paper. Read about the history and process of making these cyanotypes below. Cyanotype is a 170 year old photographic printing process that creates prints in an extraordinary blue. ‘Cyan’ comes from the Greek, meaning ‘dark blue’. The process was invented by Sir John Herschel, a scientist and astronomer, in 1842. Step 1. Mix Ammonium Ferric Citrate (25gm) and Potassium Ferrocyanide (15gm) in 100ml water each. Mix both the solutions very well. Step 2. Apply the coating evenly on the paper using a brush. Step 3. After coating, place the paper in a dark room for drying. Step 4. After drying, place the coated paper beneath the negative image of the design and sandwich them in a glass frame. Step 5. Place the glass frame in sunlight for exposing for about 18 - 20 minutes. After exposing, remove the paper from the frame and prepare for the wash. Step 6. Wash in water for 5-7 minutes, then wash in Hydrogen Peroxide solution for about 1 minute. Step 7. Final wash in water! Step 8. Step 11: Dry the paper in the shade. Shop Cyanotypes

1. At the Foot of the Bed Fold in half and drape over the end of the bed, either horizontally or diagonally. It creates a nice focal point and gives any bed a styled look. You can also fold a throw on a chair at the end of a bed for the same feel. Photo by Rachel Robshaw. Photo by Rachel Robshaw. 2. Cover up a Chair Give any piece of furniture a new look. Photo by Rachel Robshaw. 3. On the Sofa Perfect to add a dash of color or just to create easy access to a warm blanket when enjoying time on the couch. Photo by Rachel Robshaw. Photo by Rachel Robshaw. 4. Outside for Guests Having a stack of throws for guests when hosting an outdoor dinner party is a sign of a very thoughtful host. Photo by Annie Schlecter for Better Homes & Gardens. Shop Throws

Step 1 Chop euro down the middle. Step 2 Fold euro in half. Step 3 Slide folded euro inside cover so that left side of pillow fits. Step 4 Adjust to fill pillow end to end. Step 5 Make sure euro corners fill pillow cover corners. Step 6 One last chop to fluff it up! Step 7 Your euro awaits!

We asked five different interior designers to style their autumn tables using our Fall tabletop collection and the result was five very different, and very beautiful tablescapes. 1. Eddie Ross at Maximalist Studios @eddieross    @maximaliststudios Eddie’s company Maximalist Studios combines 9,000 square feet of space into three studios and a prop house, where they help clients like Anthropologie, Lilly Pulitzer, and York Wallcoverings create fresh content for their channels. Teams can rent space and props or engage Eddie and his team to help execute their vision. Eddie is also a style editor for House Beautiful and Better Homes & Gardens.  Tell us about your inspiration for this tablescape. I created this table at our 1923 house on Philadelphia’s Main Line. I wanted it to be a casual, bohemian table using natural elements and traditional touches, like my favorite set of brown and white spongeware plates. I was going for a more subtle Thanksgiving vibe, so I kept it more to the season of fall. I’m in love with those lavender and eggplant tones in the placemat, napkin and tablecloth. The mercury glass picks up the silver of John's napkin rings and complements my bamboo flatware. To give the table a natural, bohemian look, I kept the floral arrangements to simple elements clipped from my backyard. The begonias add a fresh green look and pick up that dark purple in the tablecloth as well as the lighter tones of the fall hydrangeas.  2. Elly P. Cooper of Elly Poston Interiors @ellyposton  Elly Poston Interiors is a full-service interior design firm based in Richmond, Virginia with current projects on both coasts. Since opening her firm in 2014, Elly Poston Cooper has been recognized for her fresh take on design, pairing her innately Southern aesthetic with a modern sensibility to create homes that are both beautiful and functional. She credits her eye for designing well-layered and edited interiors to Meg Braff and Ashley Whittaker, with whom she trained prior to her time working as the Decorating Editor at Southern Living. Inspired by her Charleston roots and world travels, Elly’s projects are thoughtful, livable reflections of the clients who call the spaces home.  Tell us about your inspiration for this tablescape. As much as I have missed travel the past few seasons, Fall in Virginia is simply divine and truly an inspiration on its own. Thank goodness my husband is a clever chef and like so many, we have really leaned into entertaining within the comforts of our own home. For me, there's something very cathartic about setting a table. It's like creating a room for a client, but without nearly as much pressure. The new linen collection from John Robshaw made it a delight to create a warm and elegant evening for friends. With the simple addition of cozy throws, a roaring fire,  and s'mores - you've got the perfect evening under the stars! 3. Shawn Bridges & Juliet Feehan of Blackthorn Interiors @blackthorninteriors Blackthorn Interiors founded by Designers Juliet Feehan and Shawn Brydges and based in Upstate New York and Manhattan. Fueled by doing projects we love and loving what we do. Tell us about your inspiration for this tablescape. Dutch Still life and Maine Lobster Shacks.  4. Ariel Okin at Ariel Okin Interiors @arielokin  Ariel Okin Interiors is a New York based, full-service interior design firm specializing in luxury residential, commercial, and hospitality projects across the country.  Ariel’s signature style can be interpreted as “traditional with a twist” – warm, livable and elegant spaces, with an edited, contemporary and practical approach. A deft use of color, emphasis on clean lines, and mix of bespoke and antique items are hallmarks of her aesthetic, yet no two projects are alike; Ariel believes every home should reflect its owner.  Ariel established her firm in 2016, and has since been featured and profiled in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Domino, Vogue, The Wall Street Journal, House & Garden, and New York Magazine, among others. In 2021, she was named a House & Garden Gold List Designer. Tell us about your inspiration for this tablescape. Autumn Colors. 5. Brittany Bromley @bittybromley  Brittany Bromley Interiors is a luxury, full-service, interior design firm with offices in New York and Palm Beach. With a devotion to classic proportions and scale, Brittany’s layered and collected aesthetic reflects her love of antiques, pattern and color. Her work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Veranda, House Beautiful, Luxe Magazine, and Cottage & Garden.
 Tell us about your inspiration for this tablescape. I love a layered, eclectic vibe for my tablescapes, so I mixed JR’s newest table linens in hand blocked batiks with my favorite Casa Gusto Caprichoso plates, Mottahedah’s Vista Alegre salad plates, Aubergine Morocan glasses, and rattan and bamboo. 6. Whitney McGregor @whitneymcgregor Whitney McGregor Designs is a South Carolina based design firm currently working on projects all over the East Coast and Midwest. Whitney McGregor has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Southern Living, Country Living and housebeautiful.com.
 Tell us about your inspiration for this tablescape. John Robshaw linens were the inspiration that drove the rest of the scheme. Love the color and the scale of the pattern. It made it so easy to build from.

Years (and years) ago, I was planning to shoot a new season of prints in Jaipur and needed a local photographer.  I had heard rumors about a Belgium fellow who was fluent in Hindi, a brilliant photographer, and he lived in Jaipur. My connection with Jonas Spinoy was fortunately made. From Goa to Kashmir, Jonas has shot many of our collection photos, and we have had many adventures together. I could not think of a better companion… or photographer. Jonas captures the unexpected, quirky, and charming world of India in his own work. I’m happy to share his world with you here, in addition to some of the photos he has taken for me throughout the years.  If you can’t get to India, Jonas will take you there. John waiting for a train in India. Photo by Jonas Spinoy. Models wear sunglasses from the John Robshaw x Mondelliani collaboration. Photo by Jonas Spinoy. Tell us a bit about yourself and how you came to live in India. I grew up and studied fine arts photography in Brussels, Belgium while working with my father in the field of interiors & furniture. Needing to see new places, I moved to Spain, worked in a friend’s restaurant in Andalusia, and learned a lot about food. I then moved to Morocco, where I worked with architects developing decorative elements to restore old Riads in Marrakech, and that's where I met my future wife who was from India. We were both working on textile & interiors projects. When her project ended, she went back, and I joined her there. We got married in New Delhi, moved to Jaipur, and have been happily living there with our family ever since. A striking natural landscape. Photo by Jonas Spinoy. A moment of a man looking out his window is captured beautifully. Photo by Jonas Spinoy. When did you become interested in photography? I have always liked to travel, and growing up without social media, looking at photo books was the most exciting thing! My dad had an old analog camera.  When I was 16 I learned to print and process my own rolls with a friend who had a dark room. I still prefer film photography. Jonas captures the historic architecture of India. Photo by Jonas Spinoy. A car in a custom John Robshaw fabric slipcover. Photo by Jonas Spinoy. How did you choose your subject matter? Tell us about your work. If I like a place or certain people, I most definitely would like to photograph them. Sometimes I go back to places I have seen or people I have met months later to take one photograph. Otherwise I don’t normally plan images very much. I love to shoot places and people that I connect with. A performer poses for a portrait. Photo by Jonas Spinoy. A motorcycle rider carries a stack of pillows as cargo. Photo by Jonas Spinoy. Any funny stories about shooting with John? A camel eating John's hair? Or pillow-covered donkeys running away from the frame? Most of the time we arrive on location with a plan, but we get inspired by other places and elements. The process is always very fluid to allow space for improvisation, the constant element being a car full of pillows and bed linens, those are the real prima donnas of our shows! I think we both really enjoyed travelling around this incredible country to make those shoots happen over the years. We’ve travelled so much together it's hard to pick one funny story. John on a boat. Photo by Jonas Spinoy. Portraits of John. Photo by Jonas Spinoy. John sits on a dock. Photo by Jonas Spinoy. What other photographers or artists inspire you? There are so many it's hard to choose a few. I love the portraits of the Malian photographer Seydou Keita. He’s self-taught, and his portraits are so sophisticated, a rare combination. Dayanita Singh is known for her intimate portraits of unusual spaces and Indian families. I also love the extensive coverage of India by Raghu Rai. Portrait of a man riding his bike. Photo by Jonas Spinoy. Beach landscape. Photo by Jonas Spinoy. A rickshaw driver carries a load of textiles. Photo by Jonas Spinoy. Do you have a favorite photograph? No, but I have a favorite photo book, “A Way into India“ by Raghubir Singh. It's pure street style photography centered around the Iconic Ambassador Car. A band plays to celebrate the launch of new pillows. Photo by Jonas Spinoy. Portrait of a well-dressed merchant. Photo by Jonas Spinoy. Jonas with his wife. You can follow Jonas on Instagram at @jonas.spinoy, and on Flickr at @fatafatphoto.

John with Meganne Wecker of Cloth & Company. Years ago, I met Meganne Wecker, Founder of Cloth & Company, when we were working on a collaboration for furniture for Bloomingdale’s. When she let me know her dad always wanted to go to India, I set him out on an itinerary and Meganne and I became family friends for life. She is always on the cutting edge, both in creating bespoke collections as well pushing the envelope by embracing 3D technologies with All3D. Together we built a virtual dream loft featuring our collection pieces. I thought I’d talk to Meganne about the launch of our furniture collaboration and why she started Cloth & Company. I hope you enjoy the discussion. And be sure to check out the collection, 14 different styles in 11 different prints and solids. The John Robshaw x Cloth & Company Collection. From left to right: Shiza Ottoman in Issa Light Indigo, Tarifa Daybed in Poppy Lotus Indigo, Esra Ottoman in Poppy Indigo Linen, Zoha Dining Chair in Bamana Lapis Linen, Sadia Slipcover Chair in Mudetti Indigo Linen, Liba Ottoman in Fergana Clay Linen, Kinza Screen in Poppy Lotus Linen. Photo by Rachel Robshaw.   Tell us about Cloth & Co. and why you started it. Cloth & Company aims to celebrate design by fusing art, technology, and a tradition of craftsmanship. We have an innovative design process that gives us the freedom to work with artists and collaborators that inspire us. Left: Sadia Slipcover Chair in Mudetti Indigo Linen, Esra Ottoman in Poppy Indigo Linen. Zoha Dining Chair in Bamana Lapis Linen. Right: Kinza Screen in Poppy Lotus Linen, Tarifa Daybed in Poppy Lotus Indigo, Shiza Ottoman in Issa Light Indigo. Photos by Rachel Robshaw. Our collections are bespoke, made-to-order, eco-conscious, and produced in Chicago so they ship to the customer in weeks. I have always admired John's aesthetic and his appreciation for the process and craftsmanship within our industry both here in the US and internationally. Left: Kashida Swivel Chair in Madura Vista Linen, Shiza Ottoman in Issa Light Indigo. Right: Liba Ottoman in Fergana Clay Linen. Photos by Rachel Robshaw. Tell us about your partnership with All3D and why you chose to invest in the partnership. We are always looking to the future and employing innovation to improve our product offerings. We‘ve aligned closely with ALL3D and Amra Tareen because she is a true trailblazer in the industry. We are very familiar with AR/VR and 3D rendering, but our partnership with ALL3D takes our visualization technology to the next level.   From left to right: Esra Ottoman in Taupe Performance Tweed, Kashida Swivel Chair in Mudetti Indigo Linen, Kinza Screen in Madura Vista Linen, Tarifa Daybed in Bamana Lapis Linen, Liba Ottoman in Madura Vista Linen. 3D Render by All3D. From left to right: Esra Ottoman in Taupe Performance Tweed, Kashida Swivel Chair in Mudetti Indigo Linen, Kinza Screen in Madura Vista Linen, Tarifa Daybed in Bamana Lapis Linen, Liba Ottoman in Madura Vista Linen. 3D Render by All3D.   At a time when Covid has forced us to rethink our market strategies, ALL3D allowed us to pivot seamlessly and imagine new ways of showcasing our collection at a fraction of the cost. We are so impressed by ALL3D capabilities, it now is an ongoing part of our marketing strategy. Hiba Wingback Bed in Fergana Clay. Walls are covered in Suka Moss Wallpaper. 3D Render by All3D. Kashida Swivel Chair in Poppy Lotus Linen. Walls are covered in Suka Moss Wallpaper. 3D Render by All3D.

20th Anniversary Poster Collaboration, Alexander Gorlizki and John Robshaw In celebration of our 20th Anniversary collection, we collaborated with my friend and artist Alexander Gorlizki to create a one of a kind poster which will be included in the boxes of all purchases July through September. I met Alex many moons ago at a run down palace hotel in Jaipur. Alex had come to study with the master Indian miniature painter Riyaz Uddin. Alex's work shown has since been shown around the world and his paintings are in many museum collections. I thought it would be nice to interview him and show some of his work and his story. Enjoy! Tell us about the collaboration for the poster. The idea for the poster was to create a mythical scene that combines a cast of characters from my paintings alongside patterns and graphics from John’s prints. Block printing is such a fascinating technique. It’s great how John has adapted the tradition to a contemporary context, or combined it with other creative methods.It’s really a conversation between two distinct but related graphic skills, so it’s a form of collage. Reclining and Relaxing, Gold and pigment on book-plate, 13.75" x 11.25”, c/o Berggruen Gallery Tell us a bit about yourself. I was introduced to art and design through my mum. Since the early 1970’s, she would travel to Afghanistan and had a magical and quirky jewel-box of a shop in London. Growing up, I was surrounded by Central Asian embroideries, tribal jewelry, carpets and handicrafts, so that really influenced my own aesthetics. The journey itself also became a part of my work. Never Say Never, Pigment and gold on paper, 14.75" x 10.75”, 2020, c/o artist Tell us about miniature paintings. When did you become interested in them? Tell us about your work. As a teenager I was really captivated by the exquisitely delicate forms and gem-like colours of Indian miniatures. They were portals into strange, whimsical worlds and stories I could lose myself in - and I still do! Later on I became really interested in the various artisanal skills and traditions on my trips to Asia and wanted to find ways of incorporating some of these techniques into my own work. I commissioned shoe makers, sari embroiderers, sand casters, marble embroiderers amongst others to interpret my drawings and designs. In 1996 I started working with an exceptionally gifted miniaturist painter called Riyaz Uddin and we opened an atelier in Jaipur’s Old City. We’ve been working together ever since and the paintings now travel back and forth, often over a period of years. The Grass is Always Greener, Pigment and gold on paper, 14.5" x 16.75”, 2018, c/o Berggruen Gallery Any good travel stories? Whenever I arrive in India I feel like I’ve landed in a parallel world that is both very peculiar but also familiar. I love staying with Riyaz’s wonderful family in the Old City as it feels like home but there’s always some crazy drama going on or a scheme being hatched. I’m continuously amazed by the latest shenanigans. Riyaz and I spend a lot of time giggling. It’s like living in a soap opera full of odd and intriguing characters. Balram, the milkman often arrives in the morning and seems to stay for hours gossiping, making mischief and updating us on the state of his water buffalos. He gets roped into giving head massages to whoever is in need. Riyaz and I go for our early morning walks to the chai stall and he’ll recount stories of black magic rituals at the nearby holy tree, the ongoing conflict between the gold-beater community and the Dhobi (clothes) washers. He’ll wax lyrical about the best Biriani recipe, and the latest news on the squirrel hair brush maker or his relative who’s a medieval dentist and a cassette seller. And then we drift in and out of the workshops of numerous artisans and craftspeople in his neighborhood. I always feel so lucky to be able to inhabit that world and have such a fun and gracious guide. A Place Like No Other, Pigment and gold on paper, 15.5" x 12.5”, 2020, $5500, c/o the artist What other artists inspire you? I sometimes describe myself as a pattern farmer so I’m always looking at ways other artists use pattern from Vuillard and Bonnard, to the Russian Constructivists and the Chicago Imagists. I also like artists who incorporate storytelling into their work such as Ilya and Emilie Kabakov. Having grown up with textiles I’m also endlessly inspired by the unnamed weavers of Lakai and Katawaz Kuba Textiles and Victorian Lace makers. It’s a good time to be a visual magpie! Wo Ist Mein Pumpernickel?, Pigment and gold on paper, 2.25" x 14.25”, 2019, c/o the artist Do you have a favorite painting or art piece? It changes week to week! Land of Plenty, Pigment and gold on paper, 14.45" x 11.25”, 2018, c/o Berggruen Gallery   To follow Alexander Gorlizki on Instagram: @alexandergorlizki

Four tips on how to mix and match like a pro. 1. Choose one COLOR and mix up patterns, texture, scale and shapes. 2. Choose one PATTERN and experiment with different colors, sizes or shapes.   3. Choose one SHAPE or SIZE pillow and play with different colors and patterns.   4. Choose a TEXTURE (for instance, embroidered, block print, or wovens) and mix up colors, patterns, and sizes. Explore Pillows from Bundles

My wife Rachel is friends with this great couple up in Ipswich, Massachusetts who are big collectors of textiles and Asian antiques. Tom Arsenault and Paul Morse met in the blizzard of 1977 in Boston and started a lifelong relationship, as well as an antiques business. They are also good friends with designer Michael Trapp (who I profiled earlier last year) and served as the inspiration for his imaginative style. Their stories of their travels throughout Tibet, Nepal, and all over southeast Asia are only second to the adventurous style in their home, which was mainly built in the 1600’s (with an addition built in 1808). Tom is also a lauded artist. Rachel took some lovely photos on our last visit, and we thought it would be nice to share a bit about them with you. Here's my conversation with Tom. The Red Room. Tom’s painting entitled Albino Deer. Quilt is Indian.   Tell us a bit about yourself. What kind of house did you grow up in? I grew up in a Victorian house in Newburyport, Massachusetts, known for its many antique and elegant Federal Period homes built with Clipper ship trade money. It’s all very ‘hoity toity’ now, but when I was growing up it was a bit shabby and run down. I remember exploring empty houses and playing in my neighbor’s barn full off old family possessions. My mother was an artist and teacher. She was constantly repainting rooms and rearranging the furniture. This is probably where my mania come from. More of The Red Room. Tom and Paul hang art and tapestries on doors out of necessity as they’ve run out of wall space. American Tiger Maple chest of drawers from the 1820’s. How much has evolved since you began decorating? Paul and I used to go to Asia every winter and bring containers of antiques here. I would have to display everything in our house and barn. Sometimes in a large tent. Things were very ‘chock-a-block’. I pride myself on fitting lots of things in small spaces. Layering is a great skill of mine. We would have great open houses and sell lots of stuff. Those days are since past, but I still sell antiques here. So things by necessity get moved around. Robbie, Tom and Paul’s dog, enjoying himself in the main living room, which was called ‘the keeping room’ in the 1600’s and 1700’s - where people would sit and eat. Hunsinger rocker. Antique ikat on ceiling. Do you alternate artwork? My artwork is probably what moves around the most here. I like to hang recently completed pieces to see how I feel about them. Pieces get sold and go out for exhibition. I think it’s good to move things about. It can re-energize a room and make you see things differently. Tom’s abstract and collage paintings in a guest bedroom. The center diptych is comprised of items found in Tom’s parents house. Sleigh bed from Michael Trapp. Quilt is American, rug is Persian.   Do you have any advice for beginning a personal textile / art collection? My advice for would-be textile collectors is to find something that makes you happy. Do your research. Go to shows to see how things feel in person and museums to see great pieces. The internet makes everything so much easier to study. I enjoy finding something I’ve not seen before and trying to figure out what it is. So much art, they use one of the guest bathrooms as a gallery of sorts. Tom collects sculptures of hands and paintings of hands. His collection is on a 17th century Tibetan storage box. Tom’s painting he made the year of the tsunami in 2004. Collection of seashells on an altar table from Java. Tom’s painting in the background. Chest is from Tibet, 18th century.   Any stories behind specific pieces, like the chandelier over the dining table? My “chandelier“ over my dining table is made of Nepali bronze temple lamps 19th century. Hung with chains and various lamp prism crystals I have collected. This part of the house is probably very early 18th century with ceilings so low you can touch them . Necessity is the mother of invention. Also speaks to my obsession with making collections. The house is full of them. Chandelier of Nepali temple lamps. Hand woven silk tablecloth from Assam, India. Tell us about where you find your textiles. Almost anywhere. Embroideries, weaving, ikats and tie dyes from Central Asia, Middle East, Africa, India, Southeast and East Asia, Europe.. I am attracted to color and design. I sell and sometimes collect antique textiles. Main bedroom. As Tom says, ‘Everything looks good in lavender.” Suzani on the bed is from an Istanbul trip when shopping with Michael Trapp. Ritual Cabinet from Tibet. The four masks are from Bhutan and represent a couple when married and then in old age.   What advice would they give a traveler who’s never gone anywhere except Europe and the Americas? My advice for traveling is familiar: Get off the beaten path. This takes time, I know and is harder to do than when I started going to Asia. I count myself so fortunate to have traveled to places like Tibet, Laos, Cambodia and Burma when they first opened up to tourists. We would spend two or three months in Asia every winter. At least a few weeks or more shopping in Kathmandu shopping. Also a great way to meet people and get a different understanding of a culture. Bronze vases from Nepal with dried flowers in the mud room.   If there was a fire and you could grab just one item, what would you grab? If there was a fire here I think I would just grab my little dog and run. Mudroom with collection of faux Greek pottery.   If you could go anywhere (or any time period) where would it be? Like everyone I think, I would probably choose to return to my youth and be able to act with all the wisdom I’ve acquired. Hah! Embroidered sash from India on door, and Persian embroidery on the left. Exterior of house with Tibetan prayer flags. You can find Tom on Instagram at @tomarsenault1. Tom sells directly, and can be contacted at arsenault310@gmail.com. He is also a seller at The York Antiques Gallery in York, Maine, and he sells textiles & jewelry at the Antique Textiles Vintage Fashion Show. Some of his paintings are viewable at Michael Trapp’s West Cornwall, Connecticut store. Tom Arsenault (left) and Paul Morse in Bali. Photo by Michael Trapp. SHOP VINTAGE All photos by Rachel Robshaw.

Why is it conversation in a nook is so engaging? A nook is defined as a right angle or a small secluded corner. We love seeing them in any room and are big believers in creating a perfect cozy spot to start the conversation. Here are our three favorite tips to create your nook. This nook uses our Vintage Stripe Coral and Mathura Lapis fabric. Photo: @nturnerdesign   This dining nook has a great mix of our block printed pillows. Photo: @southernlivingmag Our pillows give this nook a pop of color. Photo: @her.styling 1) Width and height are key.   Make sure your measurements take into account the cushion height underneath you (so they aren't too high) and the pillows behind you (so your seat isn't too narrow). Our pillows help make this nook the perfect napping spot. Photo: @isacattostudio Our hand painted pillows give a special character to this space. Photo: @collins__interiors 2) Think about color. We love a nook with a point of view. There are some color winners here that floored it here with one color, but you could also go with all primary or pastels.   This unique nook has custom cushions made from John Robshaw fabric. Photo: @torusinteriors   This nook utilized a number of our pillows. Photo: @saintmalobeachheaven 3) Decide how many pillows you want (and then double that number). More is always better when it comes to comfort. Euros and bolsters are the heros when it comes to the nook.   This nook features our best selling Verdin Euro. Photo: @palmerweiss @patrickclinephotography   Custom nook for John's Connecticut home, made entirely with John Robshaw fabric and pillows.

It’s my wife Rachel's first Mothers Day. It’s been a wild ride of a year, and my hardworking and eccentric wife did it with aplomb. In case you didn't know, Rachel is the photographer and creative vision behind our catalog, as well as many of our interior shots. She also has an incredible knack for designing our tabletop images. She is an artist and photographer in her own right - you can check out some of her work in the blog. For our first official Mother's Day, I thought it would be fun to put the spotlight on her (for a change), she deserves it.   Anything fun or surprising about being a mom? The amount of songs / lyrics I have created concerning my daughters eating preferences, diaper discoveries, teething adventures and Turkey Bird. I have found you need a few for the sake of your child’s happiness as well as your own sanity. Rachel and Regina at home. Rachel is wearing the Shrishti Pajama Set. Photo by Rachel Robshaw.   How did you and John meet? At a party in Connecticut, over giant oatmeal cookies.    Do you have any funny stories about John? This one time he discovered my very childlike fleece nightgown, complete with teddy bear appliques, and he somehow squeezed into it over his regular pajamas and surprised me as I came downstairs one morning – I laughed so hard, I hope he does it again someday. And baby makes three. Who makes the bed? We both do our own versions - I like to pick a theme and combine old and new pieces. John does his signature messy, loose stack of pillows or quick coverlet toss. Tell us about the first man in your life, Turkey Bird. How did you become a bird person? When I was really little, my mom had a pet dove named Rudy who sang at the same time every morning---this really wonderful coo that I can still mimic. My aunt Catie also kept lots of birds. Turkey and I met in San Francisco back in 2009. My roommate brought him home and we instantly bonded. He doesn’t coo like Rudy did, but---fun story---once when there was a bear behind me he warned me with a bunch of loud crazy squawks. Rachel with her parrot, Turkey Bird. Photo by Rachel Robshaw.   What are 5 Things you love? Okay, so aside from my daughter, my husband, my family and my bird... haha… here are 5 in no particular order: Insects + Animals Gardening Dioramas, train sets, dollhouses, or anything miniature Ramen JewelryRachel’s photography includes designer interiors, fashion, portraiture, and even insects (as pictured in the three works above). You can learn more and purchase her art at rachelrobshaw.com.   3 TV shows you recommend: Right now I’m watching and loving Veneno, Waffles & Mochi (not just because of Regina) and waiting anxiously for the return of Killing Eve.    3 books you recommend: Last year I finally finished (John is shaking his head and laughing) The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman. It was given to me by a good friend, Susan Champion, who told me she felt it was an important book for anyone in the medical field to read. I’m not in the medical field, but I think everyone could benefit from reading it. The Painted Bird by Jerzy Kosinski is one of John’s favorite books. He gave me his first edition copy and I thought it was amazing. Oh - and The Stand by Stephen King! Ask John how many times I’ve read the 1200+ pager.   What inspires your tablescapes? When doing tabletop, John and I usually start with a theme like ‘summer garden ladies brunch’ or ‘a night in Jaipur with an aging prince’ and let it go from there. Don’t be afraid to use non-tabletop items for your tablescapes at home. I’ll pull turbans off the wall or use a throw as a tablecloth. Anything is game. Layers are also key.     Rachel is the creative visionary for our tabletop shoots. Here are some of the beautiful tablescapes she's created.   Rachel hard at work behind the scenes of our Spring 2021 Location Shoot. Favorite artists? Even in high school, I’ve always loved Sally Mann, David Hockney polaroids & Robert Mapplethorpe. I discovered Joel Peter Witkin, Jerry Ulseman and Sarah Moon in college, and recently I’ve been into anything Kerry James Marshall paints, Louise Borgeois (I’ll take all the giant spider / alien sculptures!), and random archive photography. Three photographs of coral by Rachel. You can learn more and purchase her art at rachelrobshaw.com.  Favorite places you've traveled? I’ve always loved camping off Route 395 in California - so many amazing spots that hold a special place in my heart. Obviously visiting faraway places like India, Laos & Uzbekistan are fantastic; I wish I could fully explore them the way I’ve been able to explore California. I love to revisit places and dig deeper, but you need time. Rachel on the road.   What are your favorite pieces in John's collection? I love the new Jalal Voile Duvet & Sheets – which is on the bed now in CT, and I loved the Ravatti quilt - it makes me feel like I’m swimming in the Caribbean. Any of the kidney pillows with painted birds, and any of the thinner throws that I can turn into giant scarfs. Regina on John & Rachel’s bed, made with Jalal Voile Duvet & Sheets. Photo by Rachel Robshaw. Shop Rachel's Favorites You can follow Rachel at @rachel_robshaw on Instagram, and explore her work at rachelrobshaw.com.