Celebrating Creativity and Care This International Women’s Day

As International Women’s Day approaches, it is a moment to celebrate women shaping industries with creativity, vision and care. Karen McCully, an experienced designer of home textiles, exemplifies this spirit. Since 2001, she has been designing the pieces we live closest to: the sheets we sink into at night, the towels we reach for every day and the fabrics that quietly shape our daily rituals.

From Art to Textiles

Karen’s journey began with an Art and Design Foundation Diploma, exploring fine art, photography and design before discovering a natural pull towards textiles. The textile module felt like home immediately. She went on to specialise with a BA in Textile Surface Pattern, where she developed a love for colour storytelling, print, weaving and the ways fabric interacts with everyday life.

Her career began as a Design Assistant for a bedlinen manufacturer, translating ideas from sketchbook to store. Progressing to Senior Designer allowed her to sharpen her creative voice and lead collections with confidence. Later, as a Bed and Bath Brand Designer, she shaped seasonal direction and cohesive brand stories, reinforcing her passion for creating products that are both considered and comforting.

Designing for Daily Life

Today, at Trident Group, Karen continues to design across bed and bath, with a focus on innovation, sustainability and meaningful colour narratives. Her work begins with palette and mood, exploring seasonal hues, softened naturals and grounded tones inspired by landscape and light.

As the seasons move towards Spring, fresh bedding and towels take on an emotional significance. They offer a reset after winter’s hibernation, creating balance through material lightness and quiet luxury. For Karen, textiles should support daily rituals rather than overwhelm them, enhancing the moments we often take for granted.

Purpose and People

Over the years, Karen has learned that the best design is purposeful as well as beautiful. Understanding how people live, sleep, wash and unwind has shaped her belief that textiles should feel considered, comforting and made to last. She values craftsmanship, honest materials and products that improve everyday life.

Equally important is the people dimension of success. Karen believes strong relationships with colleagues and customers are more influential than any job title. Leading with empathy, showing gratitude and protecting creative energy are central to how she works. She recognises the importance of supporting others while ensuring her own well-being.

International Women’s Day and Lifting Others

For Karen, International Women’s Day is about more than celebrating achievements. It is a moment to create space for the next generation of women to grow, thrive and succeed. Lifting each other, championing peers and making room for creativity to flourish are values she carries into every aspect of her work.

A Home That Feels Alive

At the core of Karen’s design philosophy is an attention to detail, texture and pattern. Her textiles are crafted to transform everyday rituals into something special, whether that is sliding into fresh sheets, wrapping oneself in a soft towel or simply enjoying a home that feels both alive and restful.

By blending innovation, colour and empathy, Karen McCully demonstrates that home textiles are not just decorative items. They are everyday companions, designed with purpose, care and an understanding of how life is truly lived.