Shifting Tastes, Decorating, & Diving Into Creative Projects in London

Settling in, discovering new sources of inspiration, and a glimpse into how I became the designer I am today

Feb 20, 2025

Hi everyone,

I realized on Friday that I’ve already been in London for two weeks, and it’s hard to believe it’s been that long. Lately, I’ve felt super inspired by decorating my space—something about starting from scratch has been scratching all the right parts of my brain. From a design standpoint, there’s no shortage of inspiring things happening around me. People-watching on the Tube, admiring the architecture, and soaking in my new environment have all been incredibly refreshing. It makes me wonder why more people don’t just pick up and move to another country (despite it being incredibly difficult and expensive).

Sneak peak at my new home Pinterest board – see more here.

What’s strange is that, along with the move and all the other big changes (like starting a new studio and finding a place to live), I’ve noticed a shift in my taste—especially in what I’m drawn to when decorating. I usually lean toward modern decor, but lately, I’ve been drawn to the charm of cozy English countryside style. I’m craving real wood pieces, rich colors, layered textures, and inviting patterns—anything that brings warmth and comfort. With the chilly weather here, creating a cozy atmosphere feels more appealing than ever, so I’m fully embracing it! I also hope to collect special pieces during our travels to display throughout our new home, adding a personal touch to every corner. Stay tuned!

When I haven’t been decorating or shopping, I’ve been working on my submissions for Secret 7”. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s a project where creative minds from around the world reinterpret seven different tracks, producing 700 one-of-a-kind vinyl sleeve designs. These are showcased in a free exhibition before being auctioned off in support of War Child. One thing I love about it is the anonymity—both artists and musicians remain unknown until a sleeve is purchased. So, although I’m working on my submissions now, you won’t actually see what I’ve put together until around June. But if I’ve peeked your interest… here’s a mood board I put together for some of my ideas. And if you're a creative looking for a fun project, I highly recommend participating! The submission deadline is February 28th.

Mood board for album cover design submissions for Secret 7”

I first discovered Secret 7” last year while searching for inspiration for album cover designs—something I love working on in my free time. I was so excited to stumble upon this project and even had a piece displayed last year. It was such a cool opportunity and an amazing way to connect with creatives around the world.

Quick little backstory

My passion for music and album cover design actually started back in elementary school. I was convinced I’d start my own label called Rocky Ledge, and, naturally, my friends and I would be the first band signed. If only I’d been gifted with any musical talent, lol. Luckily, I found another way to express myself within the world of music—through album art.

First-ever album cover designed by a very young Bailey (keep your judgments to yourself, lol).

Maybe it’s time for a redesign? Tucking that away in my mental idea Rolodex.

One of my favorite ways to spend a day is wandering the aisles of local record shops. Flipping through decades of iconic design work is, in my opinion, the best way to spark inspiration. There’s nothing like seeing what came before you and discovering fresh perspectives to incorporate into your own work.

This sparked inspiration not just for my music-related projects but for work across other industries, too. You’d be surprised at what ideas strike when you least expect them.

THE MOODBOARD ⬇

If you're familiar with the band Tennis, you know they never miss when it comes to album design and merchandise. It's always stunning, and their latest album, Face Down in the Garden, is no exception. The typography, the colors, the photography, the tangled chain necklace—seriously, come on. It's so visually striking and powerful. I can't WAIT to get my hands on this album.

The photography they've been using to tease the album is also stunning. I’d love to chat with the art director to hear all of the juicy details behind the inspiration for this. Here’s their instagram if you want to get a closer look.

Note to Tennis… please ship to the UK for a cheaper fee. Please please please!

I’m finally exploring Are.na—a place to save content, create collections over time, and connect ideas, either privately or with others. This is definitely a space for people who love diving into rabbit holes and finding endless inspiration. Once I get the hang of it, I’ll share more.

One of my favorite reads this week is an article by Elizabeth Goodspeed, focusing on what happens when we treat the past like a stock library. Copyright comes up a lot in the creative world, and this is a great reminder of that. I also love how Goodspeed goes in-depth into the difference between referencing the past and using public domain imagery, and how nowadays “designers are stripping it for parts.” Highly recommend giving it a read, and if you have comments or want to discuss it further, leave a comment!