I recently had the pleasure of working on a unique commission for interior designer Michele Haynes, founder of Haynes Interiors. The brief was to gild a selection of real acorns to be suspended in a cluster above a striking artwork by British textile artist Louise Heighes.

Louise’s hand‑cut leather piece, crafted in an oak leaf design, was to be installed on a wall with a small tear in the wallpaper just above it. The acorn bunch served a dual purpose — to conceal the imperfection and to complement the natural forms of the artwork.

I used 24‑carat gold leaf on real, dried acorns, with varied coverage: some were fully gilded for a bold gleam, while others were only partially gilded to retain a more organic feel. Louise then tied the acorns together using fine strips of the same leather from her artwork, creating a seamless connection between the elements.

It was a joy to contribute to such a thoughtful and layered interior, and I’m happy to say both Michele and her client were delighted with the result of our collaboration.

At Webb & Gray, we specialize in blending sustainability with luxury, providing our clients with unique, design-led pieces crafted from pre-owned furniture and utilizing top-quality materials. If you’re looking for furniture and homewares for your own sustainable luxury interior you can browse our ready to buy collection visit our shop or to start a conversation about a commission please contact us.