Meet the Creatives: with Product Designer Tabitha Bargh

We are delighted to be joined by product designer Tabitha Bargh for our Meet the Creatives post this month.

Tabitha creates stunning lighting using cardboard, conjuring exquisite pieces from this seemingly mundane material. Her products are a testament to her vision and craftsmanship, as well as a commitment to sustainability. Lighting is a great way to add a focal point to a room, bringing the eye upward, and creating a mood and atmosphere to a space. We have written here about how to choose the best restaurant lighting for your business, and Tabitha’s work is a great source of inspiration, whether you are looking to revamp your home or a retail or restaurant interior.

We love how the carefully arranged integral corrugated slats in the lampshades let out just the right amount of light, creating a gentle, warm glow. The organic nature of the material also adds texture and interest to each piece. They would work brilliantly within many interior designs, from a mid-century modern restaurant to an industrial-inspired coffee shop. Ideal for a beautiful point of interest that is also subtle and understated.

Read on to discover Tabitha’s own inspiration, and to find out more about her work.

 

 

Can you tell us what you do, and how you came to be doing it?

I am a product designer and I make a range of lighting made entirely from cardboard.
I became fascinated with cardboard when I was studying at art college, that interest didn’t go away and in 2006 I decided I wanted to create something unexpected from the material.

Where do you draw inspiration from, and what do you do if you ever feel creatively stuck?

My initial inspiration often comes from looking at different types of materials, I love wandering around hardware and stationary shops. When I’m designing my inspiration is simplicity and shape, I really enjoy creating designs that have a clean finish.

When I get stuck I have found that walking away from the problem and giving it some space is the best thing to do. The solution then appears at an unexpected time or location, often when I’m in the supermarket!

What are the most exciting developments in terms of interiors that you see coming up in the future?

I haven’t seen anything dramatically different happening in the interiors world but that could be me not having a finger on the pulse. What I find most exciting at the moment is the increasing interest and value people are seeing in handcrafted products and furniture for their homes.

What do you most love about your job?

A lot, from the cycle to the studio along Brighton seafront to getting to do what I love every day. Particular moments for me are seeing an idea become a reality for the first time, and the moments I spend lost in the process of making one of my lampshades.

What are your most treasured household objects?

I have a couple of family pieces which are very special, but my most treasured household object is a simple Alessi bowl that was a gift about 15 years ago. It was the first designer piece I owned and was discontinued years ago so has become even more precious!

What are the main challenges you face in your professional life, and how do you try to overcome them?

Working for yourself means you are facing all challenges alone, which can be hard. I make sure I talk to other business owners regularly and I am lucky enough to be in a studio surrounded by other amazing creatives who are always ready to listen and help.

If you could visit any house / building in the world, where would you go?

I’d really like to stay at the coastguard house in Dungeness. It is right by the sea with incredible views, and I’m very drawn to the sparse, industrial landscape of the Dungeness beach.