Interview of Emily Daborn from the Good Life Home

Les Interviews / February 27, 2025

Interview of Emily Daborn from the Good Life Home

Print designer and artist Emily Daborn, founder of The Good Life Home, has a gift for turning everyday moments into art. Her still-life illustrations feel like visual diaries—snapshots of places, objects, and memories that hold personal meaning. In this interview, Emily shares her creative process, love for vintage finds, and how she mixes mediums to keep her work fresh. She also reveals her dream collaboration and why a simple card game holds a special place in her heart. Step into Emily’s world, where storytelling and nostalgia bring art to life.

By Marie Winckler

Your work captures the beauty of the everyday in such a charming way. What draws you to illustrating still life moments?

I love painting and designing from personal experiences - memories from places that make me happy. I’m not great at writing, I prefer things to be visual, so I guess illustrating still life moments is like a diary to me!

Your background in print design spans fashion, homeware, and stationery. How has working across these industries shaped your artistic style?

It has definitely given my handwriting versatility. I love the challenge of working in different mediums to create and translate the feel of a mood for a particular product. Some collections are more ethereal and painted in watercolour, and others are more bold and painted in acrylics. To be honest I would get bored working in the same medium all the time so I think working across different industries has kept me on my toes learning and being experimental.

Emily painting "Vino O Clock" in France

What’s a particular moment or scene from your own life that has inspired one of your illustrations?

My first collection was based on a very special place in France with very fond memories being with special people and every print tells a story about our time while we were there .. Market visits, Playing Shithead and drinking vino. Every collection I design has a personnel connection or memory.

Your work has such a nostalgic warmth to it. Do you have any artistic influences or inspirations that have shaped your style?

I grew up around Vintage and second hand homewares. My mum used to collect vintage textiles and has a massive collection of handpainted ceramics amongst other items!. I used to go with her to flea markets and charity shops and found it the norm to source things this way. It was definitely where my love of print and pattern began!

The wallpaper in New Park Manor Hotel

You love collaborating with other creatives and interior designers—what would your dream collaboration look like?

My favourite collaboration so far was designing a whimsical wallpaper for New Park Manor Hotel with interior designers Studio Jill, so I would say a dream collaboration would be to design an entire collection of wallpapers and textiles. And I would also love to design the print for a capsule collection - maybe kaftans and pyjamas.

If you could design a perfect gallery wall for a home, what pieces would you include, and how would you arrange them?

More is more! I find mixing it up is perfect. Old and new, both art and frames. Find the pieces you love and lay them out on the floor and play around with composition before committing to the wall. Often there might be a theme, colour or subject matter. It doesn’t really matter as long as it’s what you love and you can always change things around. The alternative is to go big! - The bigger the better! If you only have one wall in your space, pick one piece and go as big as you can afford for the size of the wall, and make a statement. Either way, I try and create as much impact as I can.

What advice would you give to someone looking to bring more personality and storytelling into their home through art?

It’s all about personnel connection. Whether a piece sparks memories from experiences and dreams, or the colour just makes you feel happy. For me, I love mixing things up - Old and New, Print and Pattern, Ceramics and Photography. I have a lot of kids' artwork on my walls at home which have tons of personality! Artwork on canvas next to a kids doodle in a vintage frame creates character and depth.

Which artists or makers are inspiring you right now?

There are so many incredible artists and makers, I’m really inspired by independent creatives, particularly ceramists - I love the tactile element. I could get lost in Milton Avery’s paintings… I love the colours! This might seem like a cliche but I love Picasso - his work and style was so varie

Shop

Emily's Edit

Anar Rattan Pendant Shade (Large Teak)

£265.00

Giant Radicchio Serving Bowls

from £89.00

Diamonds Matchbox

£165.00

Anar Rattan Pendant Shade (Large Natural)

£245.00

Glug Glug Jug in Green

£72.00

Sirene Tablecloth

£360.00

Seafood Clam Sell Lamp - Lemons & Prawns

£325.00

Marble Chess Table

£186.80

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A Guide To London

What does a typical creative morning look like for you in London?

Probably start with visiting a gallery. I’m not very good at reading anything in an exhibition. I quite like to photo bomb my head with bursts of inspiration and colour so I’m not there for long. I love walking or jumping on a bus as you see so much more of London. The tube is amazing to save time, but you see so much more when walking around.

Which second-hand or vintage shop do you swear by for unique art and home finds?

Definitely Kempton Market!. Go early when it opens to find the best buys. Don’t forget your torch in winter! The Traders are amazing and they work so hard to find these treasures.

Where’s your go-to spot in London for inspiration?

I love wandering around the V&A. Calm and full of inspiration. I often go to the Library there to research print ideas as well.

If someone is visiting London for the first time, which art or design destination is a must-visit?

Lamp London is like a colourful sweetshop of homewares. Anya Hindmarch’s Anya Village - ever evolving concept store that’s so brilliant and fun. 8 Holland Street, Design store and Gallery Leighton House is an amazing treasure trove full of paintings, sculpture and lots of print and pattern inspo of tiles.

Is there a hidden gem in London that only locals seem to know about?

I don’t think it’s particularly hidden but The Conversatory at the Barbican is like a little oasis in London. All those incredible lush plants against the raw concrete backdrop is magical.