Birdie Fortescue’s eponymous interiors haven is the result of a journey that started in London in the late 1980s. Drawing on her experience as an interior designer and antiques dealer, Birdie Fortescue offers a personally curated and designed collection of unique homeware, antiques and contemporary art. Working with craftspeople and specialist artisans who she has met on her travels in Europe, Africa and India, her designs are interpreted into collections of bed and table linens, tableware, lighting, rugs and decorative accessories.
In 2014 Birdie found an old warehouse in Burnham Market, Norfolk; as a premises, it was much larger than she’d intended. Having space to spare, Birdie decided to transform the whole into an interiors destination where antique furniture could sit alongside homeware and art. The shop soon attracted a loyal following and, with the business continuing to grow, the company moved to its current premises in Fakenham in September 2018. This location is now home to the head office including a design studio and warehouse, whilst the showroom and store is in the charming town of Holt.
The homeware collections continue to expand with Birdie and her team constantly exploring new materials and methods. Whether taking inspiration from foreign countries, design periods from the past or even ideas closer to home, each piece has been designed with future heritage in mind and will be cherished for years to come.
Globally-inspired designs for homeware and soft furnishings are all created in-house at the Norfolk studio. The process starts with collections of photographs, scraps of fabric and objects from Birdie’s travels. Initial inspiration is taken from these trips and roughly sketched and re-drafted multiple times before arriving at the final design. Drawings are then painted by hand or coloured digitally by the in-house design team and are reimagined by artisans and makers in India, Morocco, Turkey, into a range of cushions, lighting, table linens and more.
Seasonal and exclusive homeware collections, including rugs, cushions, lighting, home accessories, tableware, furniture and table linens. We also offer made-to-order furniture pieces, art and antiques.
"Birdie’s signature style is to create cohesive, calm and harmonious interiors, through soft colour palettes and layers of complementary patterns, designs and textures."
"Alongside the online store and retail shops, Birdie offers an interior design consultancy service. Whether you’re looking for interior inspiration or a complete design project, Birdie and her experienced team are always thrilled to share their knowledge of interiors and antiques.
After leaving Colefax, she gained a reputation as a specialist antique dealer in continental antiques exhibiting at fairs both in London and the States. Throughout her career, Birdie has undertaken both residential and commercial work in the UK and abroad. With her knowledge of antiques, she can easily source and purchase furniture and art for her clients."
