Talk to anyone in the North Norfolk coastal area about who made their hand-made, quality curtains, blinds and upholstery and the name Phillippa Kirby is never more than a moment away from tripping off the lips.

She is, as they say, “the (wo)man…”

Phillippa Kirby Soft Furnishings started in 2013 – run from a purpose-designed studio workshop and fabric showroom sitting adjacent to her beautifully renovated farmhouse in the village of Hindringham, a few clicks south of Stiffkey, tucked inland from the Norfolk heritage coast.

It’s the perfect set-up to allow her exacting clients the space to explore her wide range of high end soft furnishing options.

Over the years Phillippa has undertaken private work not only for some of the finest houses in North Norfolk, but also a wide range of Norfolk properties – from the designer modern and traditional flint and pantile, to the most charming “bolt hole” holiday cottages.

And commercially Phillippa undertakes work for some of the leading hotels along the Hunstanton to Cromer coastal road.

An average commission will often include curtains, perhaps some blinds and maybe upholstery of a favoured furniture item so it can “fit-in” with the overall new design effect.

“Right from the beginning I wanted to offer a highly personalised service. I always make a visit to a client’s home to fully appreciate their requirements and to take-in their decorative style.  I’m then able to offer the opportunity for them to visit my fabric studio and to spend time with me choosing exactly the right fabrics to meet their vision.

“This is something my clients really appreciate. They know that days when big department stores had fabric showrooms have long gone – and that the process of choosing the right fabric makes such a difference to achieving a really satisfying result.”

Phillippa’s delightful barn studio holds a wide range of fabric sample books from nearly all the leading fabric suppliers including: Colefax & Fowler, Fermoie, Christopher Farr, GP&J Baker, Sarah Hardaker and Rapture & Wright – among others. It’s a terrific treasure trove of texture. A plethora of pattern. A kaleidoscope of colour.

“I know the fabrics that most often meet the “Norfolk Style” and I’m able to offer a range which meets varied colour preferences and importantly a client’s budget”.

The hand-process of making bespoke curtains or blinds usually takes around six to ten weeks after order confirmation. During this process Phillippa often makes a further visit to the client to look at the practical considerations of fitting the curtains or blinds.

“Often my clients will choose new curtain poles either to upgrade or to give a new look. Here again I’m able to advise and supply the type of fitting that best suits the overall design concept and for the curtains to hang and glide easily. I only use the finest quality fittings when making blinds. That ensures the best and smoothest operation,” she says.

On the big day of fitting, those practical considerations come into their own. Fixing new curtain poles into the walls of a 18th century farmhouse with crumbling masonry, or a new build with a metal lintel can be a challenge as can be a renovation when there is a huge insulation void behind the plasterboard!

Fortunately, Phillippa has an experienced practical building background and can ensure fittings are finished to the highest standards.

“I’m lucky that I inherited a strong practical side from my engineer father who built bridges and oversaw major construction projects. I spent hours with him in his home workshop as a youngster. After joining the family business and later running the show, I became involved with the upkeep of the company building. I also looked after the family’s property portfolio, supervising all the renovation and decoration work.

“When I sold that business, I started a tooling company which eventually grew to become a major supplier to the building, plumbing and heating trade outlets such as Screwfix, Toolstation and Plumbase with major clients including British Gas.”

Like many of us, Phillippa loves the process of renovating or upgrading the homes she has lived in – and of course when completed, immersing herself in the interior design especially the choice of the curtains, throws, cushions etc. all the touches that really turn the house into a home.

“I project managed the renovation of our Lutyen style house in Billingshurst, West Sussex which became the family home for many years – and oversaw the top to bottom renovation of our Norfolk home. So fortunately, I’m as happy up a ladder with a screwdriver or drill in my hand as choosing fabrics or sitting behind a sewing machine!”

Phillippa and her artist and photographer husband, Chris decided to sell the tooling business and leave Sussex for a new life in Norfolk fifteen years ago.

Like many who take this journey, they rented accommodation initially – whilst they looked for the property that they would fall in love with.

That process took them over a year – but of course that was before Flint Homes were on the Norfolk property scene!

Both had been visiting Norfolk for many years – gaining a deep appreciation for North Norfolk and its big skies, skeins of geese, its charming flint wall and terracotta pantile roofed houses, its wonderful wildlife, the lack of traffic, it’s lovely towns, villages and country estates.

Having a long interest in practical craft and design, Phillippa was drawn to working in a much smaller way and from home if possible. She studied for a year at the prestigious West Dean College in Sussex – learning furniture restoration and went on to study at The National Design Academy in Nottingham. It was there that Phillippa learned to cut and sew fabrics and to make curtains to the highest industry standards – and gaining a diploma.

And from this high end training, the high end soft furnishing business sprung…

“Really, I’m a home girl; enjoying cooking, gardening and simply walking my Corgi, Mazie. After being involved in so-called serious businesses for much of my life, it was very much a Norfolk life-style decision to run a small, personalised business operating within the area where I live.”

(So relatable to so many who move to live here, including Flint Homes…)

“I pinch myself every day I’m here, especially when travelling to a client’s property. For many years now, I’ve had the opportunity of meeting some lovely people in their very charming homes. It’s always a pleasure to receive their approving comments after completing their project, and many I still bump into in places like Holt, Holkham or Burnham Market. Several have become good friends.”

Find out more about Phillippa’s business on her website.

Flintview faves

Pub… The Chequers in Binham is our “local” – a great community pub which my husband especially loves. The Red Lion in Stiffkey for its ambiance and food, especially in winter when the log fire’s going.

Café… well if have to say I’m a regular (often after visiting clients) at the Two Magpies, either in Blakeney, Holt or Wells.

Beach… Holkham Gap – at any time, but especially in Winter to look for the Shorelarks.

Landmark… It has to be Holkham Hall – I pay for the annual car parking disk each year – as I visit the park, the walled garden, the pinewoods or beach so many times – walking our Corgi Mazie.

Market town… Holt – so many good shops, eateries and art galleries.

Village… Blakeney, I walk the dog around the saltmarsh often, love the high tides there especially.

Shop… Made Holt – I enjoy the arty feel and the great selection of items made by local artists and makers.

Walk… there’s so many to choose from: maybe Morston – go West on the coast path for a while then head North on a wild path across the saltmarsh, then back round to the harbour. Just know the tide times!

Estate Agent…  Sowerby’s of course, Bedfords such nice people and I have a soft spot for Spaldings.

Secret Norfolk… When I go and visit clients in the Brancaster area, I sometimes head up to Barrow Common with its impressive views over the sea and coastline for a quick walk; not many people seem to know it.

Favourite fabrics… I love the hand block-printed fabrics that I supply – and I’m lucky to have some I made as curtains in my own home.

Thanks for your time & insight Phillippa: A pleasure…

Stay tuned for our next Flintervew coming soon & please do share the link with your friends & family.