We caught up with Saffron Hare, Managing Director and Designer at James Hare, to discuss the brand's rich heritage, the inspiration behind their latest designs, and Orange Grove–our summer fabric obsession. Saffron’s unique vision blends the timeless elegance of the brand’s past with a contemporary edge, creating collections that are both beautiful and innovative. From luxurious silks to bold new textures, Saffron shares how she continues to evolve the James Hare legacy while staying true to its roots.

James Hare has an incredible heritage – could you tell us a little about the brand’s history and what makes it so special today?

James Hare has a really special story – we have been part of the British textile scene since 1865, so it’s safe to say fabric is in our DNA. We’re still a family-run business, and our love of textiles runs deep. We’ve always been fascinated by the beauty and possibilities of fabric, and that passion drives everything we do. Our designs are created in-house by our talented team – often inspired by art, culture and nature from around the world. Then our specialist weavers bring those ideas to life using only the finest materials and techniques. Silk has always been at the heart of what we do, but we’re constantly evolving – introducing other textures like linen and wallcoverings to complement our collections. Whether it’s a soft neutral, a bold burst of colour, or something beautifully detailed and decorative, every James Hare fabric is crafted with care and creativity.

Your collections always manage to feel both timeless and fresh. What inspires your latest range, and how do you approach developing new designs?

Thank you—timeless yet fresh is exactly what we strive for. Our latest collection, Orangery, is inspired by the elegant symmetry and soft natural beauty of plants found in traditional glasshouses and garden rooms. It’s a celebration of flowers and foliage, translated into textiles that feel both serene and structured. When developing new designs, we always begin with inspiration, whether that’s a historic reference, a texture found in nature or a moment of interior storytelling. From there, it’s about curating materials, tones and patterns that speak to our values: inspiring creativity, refining every detail and elevating interiors through thoughtful design. With Orangery, we have created a collection that feels airy, composed and deeply textural rooted in heritage but ready for contemporary spaces.

We’re especially fond of Orange Grove (it features heavily in our Summer Edit)—it’s bold, joyful, and full of character. How did that design come to life?

We’re so pleased you love Orange Grove—it truly captures the essence of the Orangery collection. The design was inspired by the vibrant energy of sun-drenched citrus trees often found in classic orangeries. We wanted to create something that felt painterly and expressive, yet still elegant enough to work in refined interiors.

The motif started as a hand-drawn sketch, layered with colour and texture to bring the leaves and fruit to life. We played with scale and placement to ensure it made a bold statement, while keeping the palette versatile and sophisticated. Orange Grove is all about happiness and creativity—designed to lift a room and bring a sense of joy, whether used for curtains, cushions or a focal piece of upholstery. It’s a reminder that fabric can tell a story and transform a space.

Texture and tone are clearly at the heart of everything you do. How important is fabric feel when designing for interiors, and how should our customers think about using your materials at home?

Fabric feel is everything – it’s what brings depth, warmth and personality to a space. At James Hare, we believe texture and tone are just as important as colour and pattern when it comes to creating a scheme. Whether it’s the soft shimmer of silk, the dry handle of linen or the delicate nature of embroidery, each fabric is chosen to add a layer of sensory richness to an interior.

When designing for the home, we encourage customers to think about how they want a room to feel calm, luxurious, uplifting and then consider which textures can help tell that story. Our collections are made to be mixed and layered, from flowing sheers to structured upholstery fabrics, all designed with both beauty and practicality in mind. Ultimately, fabric should not only look good, but feel right, elevating everyday spaces through detail, quality and thoughtful design.

James Hare is rooted in British design but feels completely at home in modern spaces. How do you strike that balance between heritage and contemporary style?

It’s a balance we are proud of and one that feels very natural to us. Our heritage gives us a deep understanding of craftsmanship, quality and timeless design, but we are equally driven by a desire to evolve and inspire. Every collection starts with a respect for the past, whether that’s in a traditional weaving technique or a classic motif and then we reinterpret it through a contemporary lens.

We think of it as modern British elegance, refined, considered and quietly confident. Our colour palettes are often dusky and tonal, our patterns curated rather than trend-led, and our materials chosen as much for their feel and performance as for their beauty. The result is fabric that works seamlessly in both classic and modern interiors - bringing history forward, without ever feeling old fashioned.