It’s always a pleasure to find out more about our clients and the exciting ways they choose to use style our runners in their homes, it’s interesting to discover what drew them to Roger Oates in the first place and what excites them in general about interior design.

Today we meet Eileen Wada Willett, a Japanese Canadian, who grew up on the west coast of Canada, in Vancouver.  She has found herself living in London with her husband, and generously opens her home to us to explore.

Eileen has worked in fashion for most of her life, starting as a fashion illustrator before joining Nicole Farhi. When her children came along she began creating hand-made bags from a studio in her home. Over the years this has grown into her company Wada Bags selling not only bags but scarves, hats, gloves.

As you will read, Eileen has a long history with Roger Oates, spanning almost 20 years. We are so pleased she chose to update her staircases with Shetland Sudbury Light Grey, a great way of modernising, and the the perfect finishing touch to an already stylish home.

Thank you for speaking with us Eileen.

Describe your house, where is it, who lives there, how long have you lived there?

We have lived in our house for over 20 years. It is a high-ceilinged, five-floored, semi-detached Victorian house that backs onto a park with lovely green views – a huge plus in central London. Most importantly, it is plenty big enough for whenever children and friends are around.

Which is your favourite room in your house?

Our first floor sitting room. Filled with plenty of books, paintings, comfortable sofas and a fireplace.

Can you describe your design style?

I am from the west coast of Canada and secretly a bit of a hippy – is ‘sophisticated hippy’ allowed?

Who are your design icons/influencers?

I started off as a fashion illustrator and still turn to iconic illustrators for style inspiration – all time favourites are Paul Iribe and Christian Berard, Antonio Lopez, Gruau and more recently David Downton.

Favourite designer – fashion or interiors?

Dries Van Noten – incredibly beautiful, thoughtful design and embellishment coupled to a pragmatic business head. A quiet genius.

Favourite shop?

Fenwick – my central London oasis

How long have you owned a Roger Oates runner?

Almost twenty years. It was the first item I really coveted when we began to renovate. I have finally, and rather wistfully traded our original in for a new model, which I also love.

Why did you choose a Roger Oates runner;  who chose it/had the final say?

Our original runner was green, red, black and putty; I was attracted by the gorgeous colours, the simple, beautiful design and the excellent quality.

The colours of Shetland Sudbury Light Grey (link) are strongly reminiscent, of the colours in gorgeous cowichan sweaters; hand made by the First Nation people of Vancouver Island, it holds a nostalgic beauty for me.

It was definitely my choice, and I brooked no dissent.

What’s the best compliment you have had about your runner?

My favourite has to be the comment from one of our sons who was determined to hate the new runner – he had grown up with the old one – but on seeing it simply said, ‘actually, it’s quite nice.’