Meet Nick Stringer

Behind the Seams: 37 Years of Passion, Print, and Personal Touch

as featured in R&A Magazine Marlborough

____________________________________________________

My journey with D&R began back in 1989. Having just left the horse racing industry, I took on a temporary role while searching for a permanent career path. Thirty-seven years later, I am delighted to say that “temporary” position is still going strong!

It has been a privilege to witness the evolution of a truly fascinating industry. Over the decades, fabric techniques have transformed dramatically, bringing us the incredible precision of digital printing alongside the breathtaking artistry of modern embroidery. It is an industry where no two days are ever the same. You never quite know whether the morning will bring a request to curate fabrics for a single, intimate room or a sprawling, multi-story estate—and I welcome that challenge every single day.

Navigating the World of Design

The current design landscape is particularly exciting. Today’s trends celebrate vibrant colours, richly textured linens, and exquisite trimmings. When paired with the challenge of selecting the perfect track or pole system, the creative possibilities become endless. To help our clients bring these visions to life, our in-store room sets provide the perfect canvas for inspiration.

We are incredibly fortunate to house an extensive library of fabric books, trimming folders, and pole samples. Beyond our standard collections, we pride ourselves on our ability to source unique, non-mainstream brands that set our clients’ homes apart. Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to help furnish some truly spectacular homes, from historic period properties to striking modern architecture, navigating plenty of unique architectural obstacles along the way. Of course, none of this would be possible without our loyal and wonderfully friendly customers—many of whom still fondly remember me as a young man with a bit more hair and a little less weight!

Life Beyond the Fabric

“Away from the showroom, my greatest joy is spent with family. I cherish every moment with my wife and three daughters, and we are all eagerly anticipating a brand-new chapter this coming November, when I will become a grandfather for the very first time.”

When I am not with family, you will most likely find me in my garden. I always look forward to the spectacular display of my wisterias blooming in the spring, followed by the vibrant colors of my collection of acers and agapanthus throughout the summer. There is nothing quite like sitting out there with a glass of wine in hand, peacefully deciding exactly where I can manage to squeeze in just a few more plants.