Sarah Sherman Samuel’s Son Helped Design Her Latest Collection for Lulu and Georgia
His take on animal print may just be the next It pattern.
Published Apr 25, 2023 1:30 AM
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If you’re a parent, we bet you’re used to your home doubling as a revolving art gallery for your kids’ latest masterpieces; designer Sarah Sherman Samuel can relate. She has dedicated an entire wall (and part of a ceiling) to taping up her two young children’s crafts and creations. And while it might be tempting to recycle random scribbles and doodles, Samuel counters they may just become an unexpected source of inspiration someday. Case in point: She recently reimagined two tigers drawn by her son, Archie (then 6 years old), as the star print for her latest collection with Lulu and Georgia.
The jungle cat sketch is one of six new patterns that launch on the retailer’s site today. Adorning wallpaper, curtains, pillows, and fabric by the yard, the collection focuses on textiles and tabletop (and an expansion of wallpaper and best-selling furniture) with easy layering in mind. “You can have it be as minimalist or as maximalist as you want,” Samuel says. And that includes Archie’s take on animal print.
Not sure how to best make use of the fabrics? Follow the designer’s lead. “We’re having a sofa built with the white tiger,” reveals Samuel, adding that the earthy, saturated palette still feels neutral enough to not come off as loud or overwhelming. “It does kind of feel like a classic.” And while the Michigan-based creator is game to get behind the bold sofa trend, there’s always the subtle check or painterly stripe to turn to. Or if you, like Samuel, struggle to style a bed, add the new 54-inch-long bolster to your cart (it’s her hack for getting a clean look without having to fuss with your shams or duvet).
Sarah Sherman Samuel for Lulu and Georgia
Family was the driving force behind the rest of the exclusive collection, too. All of the dinnerware, in fact, is a nod to a Corningware bowl she remembers her grandmother owning (and claiming as her own whenever she was there). “It was a simple white bowl with a little flat handle. As a kid, I thought it was so cool. I was like, ‘Why don’t all bowls have handles?’ So I just went and put handles on all of our dishes,” she says, laughing. “They’ve been our everyday dinnerware for months now…and everyone likes the extra grip that comes in handy when you’re carrying it from the island to the dining table.”
Samuel considers mealtime a “sacred ritual” in her household and knows plenty other families do, too. Her serving staples—including cane storage baskets you can stock with silverware (or pantry snacks) and a green marble cutting board that is big enough to fit everyone’s favorite slices of cheese—could easily elevate the table and the conversations happening around it. “Knowing I’ll be a part of that and people’s homes in that way is really special,” she says.
But just as special will be finally unveiling to Archie his tigers on virtual shelves. “He’s been counting down the days till the launch,” Samuel shares. “I can’t wait to show him all the photos and see it out in the world.”
Shop Sarah Sherman Samuel’s full collection for Lulu and Georgia here.