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Designer Selects – Bec Burnard’s unexpected and cozy sources of inspiration

Designer Selects – Bec Burnard’s unexpected and cozy sources of inspiration

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Designers see the world slightly differently from the general population. For Sheridan’s head of design, Bec Burnard, the sources of inspiration for her collections range from the artworks of world-renowned artists to a simple cashmere scarf. With a background in fine arts – painting and drawing, to be specific – it’s not surprising that mark-making and embodied aesthetic experiences underpin her approach. 

Bec Burnard. Photography credit: Sheridan.

Sheridan Abbotson bedcover 

The Abbotson bedcover in flax. Photography credit: Sheridan.

I love this bedcover for its versatility. It’s the perfect weight for warm weather and can be used with a flat sheet instead of a quilt on hot summer nights. It’s also cotton-filled, so it’s breathable. As the temperature drops, it transforms into an extra layer over a quilt.

Sheridan Est tea towel in carbon 

Available in multiple colour-ways. Shown here in Carbon. Photography credit: Sheridan

This tea towel is both functional and fun, adding a great pattern to any kitchen. The terry side is super absorbent, while the woven side is perfect for polishing.

Sensual Home by Ilse Crawford 

Available from Amazon. Book cover image via StudioIlse.

“Home is our emotional heartland – a place to restore our balance,” reads an excerpt from the book by author Ilse Crawford. This was one of the starting points of concept inspiration for the AW25 Sheridan IN BALANCE collection. I adore Crawford’s approach to interiors, which looks at how homes can engage us from the perspective of the senses beyond the visual alone. 

Cy Twombly Three Studies from the Temeraire 

Cy Twombly, Three studies from the Temeraire,1998 – 1999, oil on canvas (triptych), 265 x 761 x 5.6cm installed. Image via Art Gallery New South Wales.

I love Cy Twombly’s work for the beautiful mark-making techniques. Sheridan’s design team are always looking for inspiration in the old and the new. Our techniques, colour adjacencies and combinations are informed by present-day trends, but we also constantly look to the past for design inspiration. 

Vintage tapestry curule armchair by Henning Kjaernulf 

Tapestry Curule armchair by Henning Kjaernulf, Denmark 1960’s. Image via CCSS.

The unexpected tapestry element of this chair adds such a surprising pattern to a classic chair, which I absolutely love. The juxtaposition of the heritage with the unexpected is a concept that greatly influences the Sheridan design team and our approach to product development and styling.

Toteme embroidered wool cashmere scarf in grey melange 

Totem scarf. Image via Toteme.

This is a must-have travel accessory, in my opinion. The scarf’s oversized wool cashmere blend is perfect for keeping cozy on the plane when you land. I also love the blanket stitch and its classic trim and considered design details. This is a brand, like Sheridan, with a focus on quality.

Plaster 1940s-style table lamp signed by Frank Howell

Plaster 1940s style table lamp. Available from The Vault, Sydney. Image via The Vault.

I love this lamp’s simplicity combined with its rolling shapes. Even though it’s all white, it has impact and statement, plus a nod to the past in a modern way.

Bec Burnard joined the Sheridan product design team 10 years ago after forging a successful career as a textile designer. Highlights of her time with Sheridan so far include working on collaborative collections with Ken Done, the Sydney Opera House, Grandi Flora and Jac + Jack.

For more Designer Selects inspiration, see founder of CoTheory, Larissa Haddid’s selections.

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