John Robshaw Talks His Collection For Crate & Kids - Exclusive Interview

Artist and designer John Robshaw is known for his saturated and highly patterned textiles. His aesthetic is recognizable for its joyful curation of mixed prints and lush color via bedding, decorative pillows, and furniture that feels simultaneously considered and casual.

In his recent collaboration with Crate & Kids, Robshaw brings a sense of artful play to a collection he relayed he hopes will be well-used and well-loved. The pieces include sheets, pillows, quilts, stroller blankets, and area rugs, all in Robshaw's signature global motifs and juicy color. In conjunction with Crate & Barrel's increasing focus on responsible design, much of the bedding and accessories are made with organic fibers — an additional reason to festoon the bed and room in layers.  

From a rural corner of New England, where Robshaw lives and works, to India, where he finds vast inspiration, to the imaginative spaces where children reside, the collection is a celebratory fusion. We asked Robshaw to share what propelled him to create for the toughest critics and arbiters of self-expression around. His young daughter was one motivation; his inclination to lend beauty to everyday, usable objects was another. He shared more about the John Robshaw for Crate & Kids collaboration in an exclusive interview with House Digest.

The inspiration for your textiles comes from India and a traditional block-printing technique. We would assume pieces made in this way are precious and decorative — too beautiful to use. However, the products in your Crate & Kids collection are functional, and the majority of them are machine washable. Why is it important for you to transform these artistic elements into a usable item and something that we interact with daily?

I love pieces that celebrate color, pattern, and travel. Transforming these designs into items kids can engage with and not get too dirty — items that hold up and help brighten spaces, all while hopefully keeping mom and dad from panicking over the wear and tear from too many pillow fights — is something I like being a part of. It's neat to think about how JRT [John Robshaw Textiles] can be part of someone's childhood memories. I'm proud to be here for that.

This is your first baby and kids collection for a major retailer. You've stated that your daughter, Regina, and her wide-eyed observation of everything around her was one of the biggest inspirations. Is that what finally pushed you to create a line for children? Did you approach it differently than usual? What do you think are the most important things in a kids' space?

I've designed pieces for kids here and there, but after having my daughter Regina, I definitely started thinking about kids' pieces and spaces differently. Seeing the wonder in her eyes when we add something new to her room made me realize how fun and almost magical designing pieces for kids can be.

Sustainability is a key component in the resulting products, with organic fibers as a feature. How did that aspect factor into the collection for you?

I wanted to use the best possible material for products that children will be using.

Which piece was the most fun to create and why? Which piece was the most technically difficult, and which product do you foresee will be most enticing to consumers?

I had a lot of fun creating the Maya Elephant Rug, and it was neat to see people's reactions to it in the office! It's a cool statement piece for a kid's room. The idea behind the rug was to create something that brought the elephant to life, almost as if he's walking through the streets of India. The Aashi Camel and Munar Elephant throw pillows are also good company for the rug and tie the whole room together with this idea of each piece playing together. I like the playfulness of it all tied together.

You're an inveterate traveler, and you've said that you want your products to make us feel as if we've been globetrotting along with you. Vibrant colors and motifs reminiscent of certain traditions are more recognizable, but are there any influences or features that might not be as noticeable?

I see textiles as an art — the weaves, colors, and textures always fascinate and inspire me. The artisans I meet on my travels embody all these amazing fabric-making traditions, and I feel the collection is a reflection on these experiences.

Have you seen a shift in the way people are decorating?

People value comfortability and function and are really paying attention to how their spaces make them feel.

Do you think we are retreating or expanding into our spaces?

Over the past few years, the way we see our spaces has shifted. We now spend more time at home and seek to create living spaces that reflect a side of each of us yet remain comfortable and whimsical. Children's rooms and spaces are no different — they should be comfortable and playful, a place where little ones are excited to retreat and relax.

You're known for using layers and a combination of patterns to create an individual story, so you must be happy to see the growing trend toward maximalism. Why do you think it's taking hold?

People have become more comfortable with self-expression. They want to show off their own unique style through their homes, no matter how colorful and bold it might be.

In your 1800s-built home in Litchfield County, Connecticut, you've rebelled in a sense away from quintessential old American home décor. But what you've created feels authentic, welcoming, and cozy — the ultimate descriptions for an old home. How do we try something unconventional for our own spaces? What is the best room or piece to break the rules with?

Don't worry so much about what's "trending"; start bringing in unique pieces that feel true to your style. The living room is a great place to "break the rules." I like bringing in pieces that traditionally are made for other rooms. A buffet table, for example, is technically a dining room piece but can be used in so many other spaces throughout the home.

How can we incorporate patterns, bright colors, and bold textiles into our homes? In kids' rooms particularly, where it can already be a little messy, how is it done without the space feeling busy or crowded?

I'm a true maximalist. More is more, and the fun thing about kids' rooms is there are no limitations. Kids are drawn to colors and prints, so mixing textiles in unexpected ways is fun for them and brings an exciting element to their bedrooms. Also, it keeps their eyes moving and their imaginations running!

Do you see more creative partnerships in your future? Would you like to share any projects that you're excited about?

I am a big fan of trying new things and collaborating with cool artists or brands to see things through a different lens, and it's really rewarding to be able to grow and evolve as an artist and a business owner myself. What's that saying — "Life is a journey, not a destination"? I'm always up for a fun adventure and seeing where it takes me next.

Find the John Robshaw for Crate & Kids collection on the Crate & Barrel website. 

This interview was edited for clarity.