In the vibrant world of interior design, where individuality and artistry meet functionality, Emma Britton stands out as a pioneering independent glass designer. Having launched her distinctive business in 2010 with the support of an Enterprise grant for East Midland’s graduates, Emma has redefined how we perceive glass within our living spaces. Her journey began after earning a degree in printed textiles from Loughborough University and gaining invaluable experience in the glass industry. This unique fusion of textile design and glass expertise sparked an innovative idea: to apply intricate patterns to glass splashbacks, much like fabric or wallpaper, to create breathtakingly fresh and personalized design elements. This approach has led to a collection of glass art that not only serves a practical purpose but also elevates any kitchen or bathroom into a focal point of artistic expression. We delve into Emma’s world to uncover the passion, precision, and creativity behind her stunning work.
The Art of Laminated Glass: A Journey from Concept to Creation
The visual impact of Emma Britton’s designs is undeniable, often characterized by a bold interplay of colour and pattern that instantly captures attention. These bespoke splashbacks are more than just functional surfaces; they are carefully crafted pieces of art designed to be the centrepiece of any modern kitchen or sophisticated bathroom. We spoke with Emma to understand the intricate process that brings these stunning designs to life, from initial concept to the final installation.
Emma explains that her collections seamlessly blend very striking designs with softer, more subtle patterns, ensuring there’s a perfect fit for diverse tastes and interior aesthetics, all while maintaining a cohesive collection concept. What truly sets her work apart is the deeply personal and handcrafted approach: “All my designs are hand-painted,” she shares, highlighting the bespoke nature of each piece.
Her unique selling proposition (USP) stems directly from her unconventional background. “My background is in printed textiles, and then I worked in the glass industry, which is where my USP comes from,” Emma elaborates. This dual expertise allows her to approach glass design with a fresh perspective, treating it as a canvas for intricate patterns. Unlike conventional methods, Emma specialises in laminated glass design, a technique that encapsulates the hand-painted artwork within layers of glass. “The designs are inside the glass, which gives a depth to them; I think that’s why they are so popular,” she notes. This layering creates a mesmerizing three-dimensional effect, adding a richness and vibrancy that simple surface printing cannot achieve. Printing directly onto glass, she feels, often results in a “flat” appearance, lacking the luminous quality and visual depth that defines her signature style.
Laminating glass is a highly specialised and somewhat scientific process. It involves bonding multiple layers of glass together with an interlayer, typically specified by architects as a safety glass due to its enhanced strength and integrity. This method also provides the perfect medium for encapsulating decorative elements. “It’s taken me a while to perfect it,” Emma admits, underscoring the dedication required to master this craft. Even with years of experience, working with new materials within the glass still presents exciting challenges. As a small business owner, Emma cherishes the freedom to “explore and experiment in a way that glass factories don’t have the time to do,” pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in decorative glass. Reflecting on her educational journey, she humorously adds, “I wish I’d tried harder at science and maths at school, so essential for running my business, but I always preferred art!” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the blend of artistic vision and technical precision that defines her innovative approach to glass design.
From Bespoke Splashbacks to Accessible Homewares: Expanding the Emma Britton Brand
One of the brilliant aspects of Emma Britton’s brand evolution is the expansion of her unique designs into home textiles and glassware, making her distinctive aesthetic more accessible to a broader audience. While her groundbreaking splashbacks were the initial innovation, establishing her reputation as a formidable glass designer, the development of a wider product range has been a strategic and organic growth for her business. Emma confirms, “Yes absolutely, I had this idea eight years ago to put floral patterns on glass and it was a completely new idea. Things developed from there.”
Early in her entrepreneurial journey, Emma made a crucial observation. Her customers adored their bespoke splashbacks, but once installed, their direct need for her services diminished, save for a few with multiple homes or unique glass coffee table commissions. This insight spurred the diversification of her product offerings. “Homewares gave me an opportunity to build a range, so that I don’t always have to find new customers,” she explains. This move allowed her to cultivate a loyal customer base and offer continuous engagement through smaller, more accessible items. While Emma’s core passion remains “in glass splashbacks and a range built around decorative glass and the kitchen and bathroom,” she is keen to maintain her specialism. “I’m not going to start doing cushions and lampshades as I like my specialism,” she asserts, reinforcing her commitment to her niche. However, opportunities to design for other brands have proven invaluable, allowing her “signature florals” to reach an even wider audience and expand the Emma Britton aesthetic far beyond her immediate offerings, ensuring her unique artistry continues to captivate design enthusiasts.
The Heart of the Collection: Emma’s Personal Picks and Bestsellers
When asked to choose a personal favourite from her extensive portfolio of stunning designs, Emma finds it a truly challenging question. Her deep connection to each piece, especially her bespoke commissions, makes it impossible to pick just one. “I am proudest of my commissions,” she states, highlighting the significant thought and close relationships formed with customers during these unique projects. Every design holds a special place, appreciated for different reasons, reflecting the diverse narratives and inspirations behind them.
However, when it comes to popularity and market success, there are clear frontrunners. For a long time, ‘Watercolour in Grey’ from her elegant Maple Collection held the undisputed title of best seller, and it continues to be incredibly popular, admired for its subtle sophistication and versatile appeal. Yet, the design landscape is ever-evolving, and Emma is always innovating. Since the launch of her breathtaking GLASSHOUSE collection in the summer, a new design has been making waves: ‘Willow & Red Admiral’. This vibrant and captivating pattern is rapidly gaining traction, giving ‘Watercolour in Grey’ a formidable run for its money. Emma finds this dynamic aspect of design fascinating: “I like that about design, when you create something you often have no idea whether it will be a best seller or a total flop!” This candid reflection speaks to the intuitive, often unpredictable nature of creative success, and the thrill of seeing which designs resonate most with her audience.
Inspired by Suburbia: The Retro Charm of Emma Britton’s Aesthetic
Emma Britton’s bio playfully hints at “suburbia” as a key source of inspiration, and indeed, her products often evoke a charming “retro fifties feel.” This distinctive aesthetic is not a conscious choice but rather a deeply ingrained appreciation for a particular era of design. Emma delves into what specifically appeals to her about this period: “I think it’s sub-conscious but I really like retro homewares like Mason Cache and Pyrex.” These iconic brands and their timeless designs embody a certain warmth and practicality that resonates deeply with her creative vision.
She finds particular delight in the modern kitchens of the fifties, describing them as “right up my street.” These spaces, often painted in cool, inviting colours and adorned with durable Formica tops, represented a blend of innovation and homely comfort. Emma’s design philosophy challenges the prevailing notion that kitchens must be sterile and purely utilitarian. Instead, she believes they should be an integral part of the home’s overall aesthetic, full of personality and charm. “Kitchens should be like the rest of the home, they don’t need to be sterile and bland,” she asserts. This belief informs her approach to splashback design, transforming what might otherwise be a functional surface into a vibrant and expressive art piece that contributes to the inviting atmosphere of a well-loved home, echoing the comfort and style of mid-century domesticity.
Crafting Your Dream Splashback: The Emma Britton Bespoke Experience
For those envisioning a truly unique centrepiece for their kitchen or bathroom, commissioning a bespoke splashback from Emma Britton is an exciting journey. The process is collaborative and tailored, ensuring the final piece perfectly reflects individual tastes and integrates seamlessly into its intended environment. Emma outlines the straightforward steps involved:
It all begins with a conversation. “Have a chat on the phone, talk about budget and then arrange for me to visit you or you come to my studio,” Emma explains. This initial consultation is crucial for understanding the client’s vision, discussing financial considerations, and establishing a rapport. Whether Emma visits the client’s home or they come to her studio, the goal is to explore samples together, openly discussing preferences, “likes and dislikes.” This interactive session allows Emma to gauge the client’s aesthetic and the specific nuances of the space.
Following this, Emma dedicates time to conceptualisation. “I then go away and put some design ideas together,” she says. These initial concepts are presented to the client, and upon their approval, the exciting creation process officially begins. It’s important for clients to understand the timeline involved for a bespoke piece. “The process will definitely take at least eight weeks, dependent on how busy I am and if you’ve finished your kitchen or not!” Emma clarifies. This duration accounts for the intricate hand-painting, the delicate lamination process, and the bespoke nature of the work.
A fundamental aspect of Emma’s bespoke service is her commitment to truly understanding the installation environment. “For bespoke commissions, I think it is so important to visit the space I am designing for,” she stresses. This hands-on approach ensures that the decorative splashback isn’t just a beautiful pattern on glass, but “a piece of fitted furniture that must work with everything else in the room.” This holistic view guarantees that the design harmonises with existing decor, lighting, and architectural features, creating a cohesive and stunning result. For those opting for designs from her existing collections, the process is swifter, typically taking “three weeks to make and are made to your sizes,” offering a quicker turnaround without compromising on quality or aesthetic appeal.
Navigating the Entrepreneurial Landscape: Challenges and Strategic Growth
Running an independent glass designer business, while creatively fulfilling, comes with its unique set of challenges. Emma Britton candidly shares that one of the most significant hurdles she faces is “Time to develop new ranges and products.” As a self-employed entrepreneur, she wears many hats, from designer and artist to marketer and administrator. This multi-faceted role often means that she is primarily “working in the business,” focused on day-to-day operations and fulfilling existing orders.
The real difficulty lies in carving out dedicated time for “working on development” – the crucial creative space needed to conceptualise and bring new products and collections to life. Emma highlights this strategic necessity: “I have to carve out time to design new products in my schedule, I blocked out three weeks to design the GLASSHOUSE Collection for example.” This proactive scheduling is essential for innovation and keeping her brand fresh and exciting in a competitive market.
Having established her business over several years, Emma has gleaned invaluable wisdom regarding sustainable growth. Her advice to fellow small business owners is profound: “Now the business has been established for a while I am all for paying people with skills to bring in their expertise and would recommend this to any small business, you can’t be good at everything.” This philosophy of strategic delegation has been transformative. By engaging skilled professionals such as a bookkeeper for financial management, a photographer to capture the beauty of her work, a PR specialist for brand visibility, and expert glass fitters for seamless installation, Emma can focus her energy on what she does best: design. This collaborative approach not only optimises efficiency but also ensures that every aspect of her business operates at a high professional standard, allowing the Emma Britton brand to flourish.
Looking Ahead: Exciting Ventures and New Horizons for Emma Britton Designs
The journey of Emma Britton Designs is one of continuous evolution and exciting new ventures. With a firm foundation built on innovative artistry and dedicated craftsmanship, Emma is constantly exploring fresh avenues for her distinctive glasswork. Looking to the future, she shares her immense excitement: “Going forwards, I am super excited to be exhibiting at the Chelsea Flower Show in May 2019!” This prestigious event provides an unparalleled platform to showcase her nature-inspired designs to a global audience of design enthusiasts and horticultural connoisseurs, further solidifying her reputation.
In addition to major exhibitions, Emma is committed to expanding her product offerings. She has “also just launched a new Meadow design in my glassware range, which is available now.” This latest addition reflects her ongoing creative output and commitment to providing customers with fresh and captivating pieces for their homes. Each new design, whether a striking splashback or an elegant piece of glassware, reinforces Emma’s unique ability to merge the beauty of nature with the durability and artistry of glass. Her dedication to innovation and her passion for design ensure that Emma Britton Designs will continue to be a leading name in bespoke and decorative glass for years to come.
To immerse yourself further in the world of independent glass designer Emma Britton and explore her exquisite array of products, from breathtaking bespoke splashbacks to charming homeware accessories, visit her official website at www.emmabritton.net. Prices for bespoke splashbacks are tailored to size and specific design requirements, reflecting the unique artistry and customisation involved. For those looking to add a touch of Emma’s distinctive style to their home, prices for her charming homeware accessories start at an accessible £10, offering a piece of designer elegance for every budget.
Images: all images (c) Emma Britton 2018.