Designer Sheila Bridges is coming off of a pretty monumental week. Between being named to theAD100and seeing a major renovation project featured in the latest issue ofDomino,she also reissued a limited-edition collaboration withSonosand launched her exclusive collaboration with direct-to-consumer furniture brandThe Inside.
The collaboration marks the first time that Sheila's Harlem Toile de Jouy pattern—a reimagining of traditional French toiles that has been featured in the Studio Museum in Harlem and is part of the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian's permanent collection—will be applied to reasonably priced furniture pieces. Stated in a press release from the brand, “The pattern, which lampoons some of the stereotypes commonly associated with African Americans, ultimately celebrates their complex history and rich culture, which has often been appropriated.”
“To me, Harlem Toile de Jouy is iconic: It’s one of the most important textile designs of the 21st century,” elaborated The Inside cofounder and creative director Danielle Walish. “It forces us to question iconography and the meaning behind it, all while retaining the charming appeal that toile has given the decorating community for centuries.”
Sheila has led her own celebrated interior design practice since 1994 and designed the Harlem Toile pattern over a decade ago. The partnership withThe Insideis also the debut of the design in five new colorways.
“These are colors that I personally love and live with in my own home,” Sheila said. “The Tuxedo colorway is a classic—in my mind toile is the new black and black is always in style—simply meaning they are both timeless.”
Nearly a decade in the making, and thanks to a meeting that happened “completely by chance” with Danielle, the collaboration means more fans of Sheila’s work can bring it to their own homes.
“I have always wanted to see my Harlem Toile de Jouy design on furniture that was affordable,” Sheila said. “So when Danielle reached out about collaborating to bring this vision to life, it just made sense.”
The pieces range in price from $49 for athrow pillowto $1,899 for athree-seat sofaand include ottomans, a scalloped screen, and bed frames. Like all of The Inside’s products, the pieces are made to order in a matter of a few weeks.
“It’s been extremely exciting to see the pieces materialize—especially since I now have several in my own homes. I’ve received a lot of messages from folks onInstagramwho have bought pillows, screens, and benches which is super exciting,” Shelia shares. No stranger to accolades, she has taken the past few days in stride and is feeling great. “It has been an incredible week,” she said. “Isn’t it always satisfying to see all of your efforts and ideas finally come to fruition?”
