Designer Picks: Personal Favorites from Scottie Collins, Our Resident Creative Manager
Great bedding design is a core pillar of Saturday Linens and all of our sister brands at HiEnd Accents. Every detail, from the materials chosen to the prints and patterns, is intentionally considered in the creation of our bedding. And the creative mastermind behind it all? Meet Scottie Collins, our resident Creative Manager, whose extensive professional experience and passion for textile design drive his work.
To gain insight into his creative expertise, catch him in person at the VRD Summit on April 10-12 at High Point, Congdon Yards. He will discuss the art of hospitality bedding, covering essential buzzwords and tips for creating beautiful vacation rental bedding ensembles through layering.
In the meantime, we spoke with Scottie to give you an intimate peek into his design journey–from creative origins and career milestones to his own personal Saturday Linens favorites.
Can you tell us about your journey as a designer? What initially inspired you to pursue that career and how did you get started?
I've always had an inherent love for craftsmanship and creativity. I believe this stems from my upbringing, surrounded by artisans and makers. My father's passion for woodworking and my mother's expertise in gardening instilled in me a deep appreciation for the beauty that can be created with one's hands.
From a young age, I was drawn to the world of textiles, learning quilting and sewing techniques from my grandmother. This early exposure ignited a lifelong passion for creating with fabrics and exploring the possibilities of design.
Despite the unconventional nature of my career path, I’ve been nurtured by the unwavering support of my spouse and family. Their encouragement from the outset has kept my passion alive.
What pivotal moments in your career have propelled you as a designer?
In 2005, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Kate Spade and Jack Spade on a project to design scarves for their fall collection. This experience was a pivotal moment in my career. It allowed me to translate my creative vision into tangible products for a renowned brand. The success of this collaboration opened doors to further opportunities in the industry.
Overall, my journey as a designer has been guided by a combination of personal passion, familial influence, and opportunities to collaborate with esteemed brands. Each experience has shaped my unique approach to design and fuels my ongoing commitment to craftsmanship and innovation.
How do you go about finding inspiration for your designs?
I find inspiration by constantly observing the world around me. Whether I'm antique shopping, exploring nature, or simply taking a walk, I keep my eyes open for patterns, prints, and intriguing details. It's amazing how even the smallest observation can ignite a burst of creativity. For instance, I recently stumbled upon color inspiration while walking my uni-ocular dog and noticed the striking hues of a rusted and repainted truck parked nearby.
Are there any particular artists, designers, or movements that have influenced your design aesthetic?
Functionality is the primary influence on my design aesthetic. It’s the basis and purpose of bedding. My process starts with selecting the right fibers, and then developing yarns and weave structures. This allows the design to naturally evolve. Additionally, I draw inspiration from the eclectic lifestyles of people, which informs the diversity in my designs.
Among all the facets of design, what drew you specifically to home textile design?
I began my career in the fashion industry, but I eventually found myself feeling disillusioned with its relentless pursuit of the next fleeting trend. However, my deep-seated passion for textile design led me to explore home decor. When I joined a major brand in this field, I discovered a newfound stride–one that not only propelled the growth of the brands I worked with, but also kept my passion and excitement at an all-time high for years.
I particularly love designing for bedrooms, which I consider the most important room in a home. It’s a representation of some of our customers' most significant buying decisions.
You’re speaking at the VRD Summit on the topic: Pillow Talk: Mastering the Art of Hospitality Bedding Design. Can you share how you balance functionality and aesthetics in hospitality bedding design?
In hospitality bedding design, functionality is paramount. When developing our brand Saturday Linens, we prioritized function as the foundation of everything we created. By collaborating closely with designers from the vacation rental industry, we ensured that our offerings not only encompassed various aesthetics but also maintained a delicate balance between form and function.
Can you tell us more about Saturday Linens? What design inspirations or concepts did you draw upon when developing this hospitality line?
At Saturday Linens, we aim to re-create that relaxed, leisurely Saturday morning feeling every day. We aspire to be the go-to source for vacation rental owners, offering quality bedding sets that blend guest comfort with cost-effective wholesale pricing and commercial durability.
Who is the ideal customer for Saturday Linens?
Well, everyone! But we think our products are particularly well-suited for boutique hotel owners, vacation rental properties and hospitality businesses that want to craft unique and memorable guest experiences.
What are your favorites among the Saturday Linens collection? Walk us through them and what you like about each one.
One of my personal favorites from the Saturday Linens collection is our down alternative inserts. We've engineered these inserts with comfort in mind, using a fiber fill that sets them apart from others on the market. In fact, I've replaced all the inserts in my own home with these because of their exceptional quality and comfort.
Another standout addition to our collection is our end-of-bed runners, which we're introducing alongside coordinating pillow shams. These runners offer a cost-effective way for designers to elevate the look of beds—adding a touch of style and sophistication, without breaking budget.
Saturday Linens was designed to seamlessly complement our sister lines, including HiEnd Accents, Paseo Road, and Indigo Hill. Each of these lines offers a diverse range of styles and aesthetics, and we've worked diligently to ensure that Saturday Linens easily integrates with them. This cross-pollination allows rental owners and designers to achieve their goals: to provide a comfortable and stylish stay for their clients, regardless of the aesthetic they're aiming for.
Catch Scottie Collins and the HiEnd Accents team at the VRD Summit this April 10-12 at High Points, Congdon Yards.