A Lifelong Passion for Design
For as long as I can remember, I have been drawn to colour, pattern, design and interiors. I’ve always believed that walls should be more than just a backdrop; they should tell a story, evoke emotion, and express personality. That belief led me to create Whistling Thorn Designs, a brand dedicated to designing bold and vibrant luxury wallpaper that transforms spaces into works of art.
Meet the Founder
I’m Georgina, founder of Whistling Thorn Designs, and I live in East Devon with my husband Mick, our two teenage girls, and two dogs — Shire, our yellow lab (pronounced Shi-ree, named after the main river in Malawi) and Oggie, our mischievous Jack Russell pup.
A Life Filled with Adventure and Inspiration
As a family, we have lived in Malawi, Kenya, and the UK, and Shire too. Both my husband and I spent our childhood in Africa—me in Zimbabwe and Mick in Malawi. Our journey has taken us to some incredible places: from living in a tent on a game reserve (pre-kids) to residing on a tea estate in Malawi and an avocado and macadamia farm in Kenya.
My Creative Journey
I have a degree in Graphic Design with a specialty in Illustration, though my career took many fascinating detours before leading me back to my creative roots. I've had a variety of unique jobs, from working with art dealers handling 17th-century Dutch paintings (where I even bought a painting at auction in my first week!) to managing a remote safari camp in Malawi, where the nearest grocery store was a four-hour drive away. At times, I would even be flown to the nearest town in a small plane to shop for supplies.
A Love for Art and Expression
Drawing and painting have always been a constant in my life. My paternal grandmother kept the most beautiful sketchbook diaries, and we would often sit at the kitchen table painting together. A family friend, an artist, helped bring my wacky childhood ideas to life, further fuelling my passion for creativity. Over the years, I’ve had the honour of exhibiting a print at the National Print Exhibition at the Mall Galleries in London and painting a life-size fiberglass lion for the Born Free Foundation in Nairobi.
Finding Home in East Devon
We moved back to the UK in 2020 to be closer to family, initially settling in the East Midlands before making East Devon our home. Being surrounded by nature and open spaces brings me endless inspiration—rolling green hills and coastal views are never far away..
The Birth of Whistling Thorn Designs
I’ve always thrived in the company of fellow creatives. Even in the middle of the tea fields in Malawi, we would gather for ‘Artie Farties’— a weekly creativity session filled with art, food, and wine. That passion for artistic collaboration and expression stayed with me, and in 2021, I finally brought Whistling Thorn Designs to life. The idea had been simmering for years, and I used lockdown period in Kenya and the 100-day project, to draw and paint using our tropical garden and the farm as inspiration.
Why Wallpaper?
Sometimes I wonder too! While in Kenya, I spent a lot of time designing stage sets for my daughters' school productions. The thrill of working on a large scale stuck with me, and I realised how powerful a statement wall can be in shaping an entire space.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
I’m learning to silence imposter syndrome—a struggle I know so many creatives face. But at the heart of it all, my mission is clear: to create bold, vibrant luxury wallpaper that tells a story, evokes emotion, and turns interiors into breathtaking works of art.
Join the Journey
Thank you for being part of this journey. I can’t wait to share more inspiration, design ideas, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into my creative world. Whether you’re redesigning a single room or an entire space, remember: your walls are your canvas—make them unforgettable.