What does home mean to you?
Is it a smell or a taste? Maybe a colour…
Following the success of last year’s HOME live brief, we’re back with our latest product launch, a unique collection of tea towels and napkins.
HOME is a live brief for students and graduates with no former product design experience, designed to take them from idea to production, making them feel at home with what it is to run a product-based business or launch a product. Many challenges and barriers prevent makers from being able to explore commercial products, HOME was created to provide a safe space for experimentation and development with no financial risk to the participants.
Working with Jordan & Russel, founders of interior design studio 2LG, students and graduates took part in a 6-week programme of talks, workshops and financial support to create products ready for market. The final result is a limited-edition collection of 13 tea towels and 3 sets of napkins, all inspired by the theme of home.
The Inspiration Behind the Collection
The theme of the project, “What Does Home Mean to You?” has sparked a wide array of interpretations, each as unique as the artists themselves. For Adriana Tabuence, a student from Spain studying MA Material Futures at Central Saint Martins (CSM), home is about the warmth of gathering around a table with loved ones. “In Spain, we spend a lot of time sitting around the table together, enjoying playful interactions,” says Adriana. Her designs are interactive, colourful, and fun—bringing a touch of Spanish hospitality to your dining experience.
HOME Brief Napkins by Adriana Tabuenca
HOME Brief Tea Towel by Ella Richardson
Each piece in this collection is the result of a thoughtful and collaborative design process. The students were encouraged to explore their creativity freely while also learning about the practical aspects of product development. “The weekly sessions allowed me to organize my thoughts and manage my time effectively,” says Adriana. “But I also had the freedom to explore the project at my own pace.”
This balance between structure and creativity was crucial for all participants. “It’s exciting to work on something that will be manufactured and sold,” says Ella Richardson, a student at Camberwell College of Arts. Her designs are inspired by the vibrant markets of Brixton, her local area, and she relished the opportunity to create a product that could sit within her own brand in the future.
Why This Project Matters
For many students, this project offered a chance to step out of their comfort zones and try something new. “I’ve always been interested in producing my own products but didn’t know where to start,” says Erica Luk, who included elements of her cultural background in her designs to convey warmth and comfort. Similarly, Skye Baker, a graduate of MA Illustration at Camberwell, saw this as a way to translate her playful, abstract illustrations into tangible homeware products.
The project also provided invaluable insights into the business side of design. “I’ve learned a lot about pricing and the importance of market research,” says Mia Cornell, an illustration student from the USA. For students like Mia, who are more used to working on conceptual or digital projects, this experience has been both educational and empowering.
This exclusive homeware collection is not just about aesthetics; it’s about bringing stories, cultures, and personal expressions into your home. Each tea towel and napkin is a piece of art, designed with care and crafted to last. Whether you’re drawn to the playful shapes inspired by Skye’s kitchen photography or the cute cartoons on Erica’s tea towel, there’s something in this collection that will resonate with everyone.
HOME Brief Tea Towel by Skye Baker
HOME Brief Tea Towel by Mia Cornell
HOME Brief Tea Towel by Erica Luk
By purchasing these products, you’re not only supporting the next generation of designers but also bringing a piece of their world into yours. Each item tells a story—of family, culture, and the many different meanings of “home.”
We invite you to explore this unique collection, now available exclusively through not just a shop. These pieces are perfect for adding a touch of creativity and culture to your home, or as thoughtful gifts that carry a deeper meaning. Don’t miss the chance to own a piece of this limited-edition collection, crafted by some of the most talented emerging designers at UAL.