When dreaming up the design for our new Gift Cards, we wanted to create something that reflected who we are and the spaces we represent; spaces to retreat to, each beautifully designed with thoughtful detail. We wanted something unique and carefully considered, inspired by restful escapes that are a tonic for the soul. So we were delighted to work with illustrator Natalia Bagniewska, whose joyful, playful designs felt like the perfect match.
To draw inspiration from a quintessential Kip experience, we sent Natalia into the countryside for an overnight stay in one of our most-popular cabins. We caught up with her on her return, so read on to meet her and find out how she got on.
- Tell us about yourself — how did you get started as an illustrator?
I retrained as a graphic designer about 8 years ago; I always thought I had something like design/art in me, but hadn’t studied it at university. I always loved to draw and was naturally attracted to briefs involving illustration once I had retrained, and I haven’t looked back since! Honestly I feel so lucky, there is so much I love about what I do, I wouldn’t know where to start. Working with creative people, flexibility, interpreting briefs and turning them into something creative and playful… the list goes on. I am super lucky.
- Who or what inspires you?
So much! Artists like Hockney, Matisse, Picasso and Betty Woodman. Polish graphic design and mid-century film posters from Poland play a huge role in my creativity, as do children’s books and movies. Nature is endlessly inspiring, as is travel — that’s why working with Kip was such a natural collaboration. I also love fruit and vegetables; I find going to food markets endlessly inspiring.
- How would you describe your artistic style?
I would say my work is playful, colourful, joyous, a little folky and often naive!
- What appealed to you about Kip’s ethos? How important do you find it to escape into nature?
I find getting away and spending time in a new environment, especially one so grounded and surrounded by nature is incredibly inspiring and invigorating. I love Kip Hideaways for this reason, and the beautiful interiors and attention to detail help me really unwind and get into that creative headspace needed to make good work.
- You stayed at one of the Huts at the Lodge in Essex — how was your trip? Any highlights?
My stay was magical. I felt completely cocooned in nature, which I loved. I loved being by the lake and going for an (icy!) swim, then jumping in the sauna afterwards. It was such a treat. I also loved the interiors of the cabin, which were so thoughtful and sweet.
- Did your stay help inform your design? What did you want your design to capture?
Definitely! I really wanted to capture that magic — it felt to me like the cabin and the area around it was almost sparkling and glowing. I really wanted to somehow capture that feeling in the illustrations.
- Which Kip hideaways do you have your eye on? Where would you want to go with a Kip Gift Card?
Honestly, it would be hard to choose! Each one is so special, and caters to different needs. I love being in the forest and any type of outdoor bathing, so perhaps the cabins at Swallowtail Hill. Our new, limited edition Kip Gift Cards, illustrated by Natalia Bagniewska, are available from £50 and up and can be used to book any of the hideaways in the Kip collection. You can shop them here .
