Maria of Sugar & Spice Furnishings is a longtime Cabbages & Roses collaborator and one of our very earliest champions. Armed with a meticulous eye for detail, a measuring tape, a sewing machine and little else besides her prodigious skill, she has been quietly transforming homes with beautiful, bespoke soft furnishings for over two decades – from handmade curtains and blinds to frilled laundry baskets and classic eiderdowns. 

We couldn’t be more delighted that Maria now leads our bespoke made-to-measure service, guiding customers through every step of creating something deeply personal and enduring. We delved into her process over a pot of tea – from time frames to her top tips for choosing the perfect fabric.

 

For those who may not know you yet, can you tell us a little about Sugar & Spice Furnishings and what you do?

At Sugar & Spice, we’ve been creating bespoke soft furnishings for over 21 years. While our main focus is on made-to-measure curtains and blinds, we also love designing and making accessories that help bring a home together—both practically and beautifully.

From the beginning, I’ve always been passionate about supporting British designers. Cabbages & Roses was one of the first I worked with, the relaxed, floral linens instantly resonated with me, and I’ve loved working with them ever since.

How did your collaboration with Cabbages & Roses come about?

After meeting Christina a few times, we began making home accessories for the brand, cushions, washbags, bags, tablecloths, and napkins. That naturally evolved into creating curtains and accessories for Christina and Kate’s homes, as well as for photo shoots.

 

Can you walk us through the process—from choosing fabrics to receiving the finished piece?

We primarily work through bespoke mail order, so location is never a barrier. We’re very familiar with the Cabbages & Roses fabric range and ship across the UK, Europe, the USA, and Canada.

It usually begins with an email or call where we help select fabrics based on things like paint colours and the overall feel of the room. Clients send us photos of their windows, and we guide them through the measuring process. From there, we send fabric samples and discuss everything from curtain headings and linings to poles, tracks, and pelmets.

Once all the details are confirmed, we take a deposit and schedule the order. We send photos once everything is made, and ship the finished pieces after final payment. We also offer in-home consultations for local clients.

 

What kind of items can customers have made through this service? Are there particular pieces you're most excited about?

We make curtains, blinds, pelmets, cushions, lampshades, eiderdowns, and other home accessories. While I love making curtains, I have a soft spot for the eiderdowns and our frilled laundry baskets. It’s always exciting when a client asks for something new we love the creative challenge and helping bring their ideas to life.

 

How much creative input can customers have when designing their bespoke pieces?

As much or as little as they like! Some clients come to us with sketches and clear ideas, and we’re happy to bring those visions to life. If someone has something in mind but isn’t sure how to achieve it, we’re always here to help guide the process.

What are your tips for choosing the right fabric or print for cushions, lampshades, or other soft furnishings?

Every client is different, and the key is to really listen. We take time to understand the look they want to achieve and make suggestions based on that vision, as well as the practical elements of the space.

 

How long does the typical order take from start to finish?

It depends on the item. For smaller accessories like cushions, we allow up to 28 days for delivery—often less if the fabric is in stock. For curtains and blinds, the lead time is usually around six weeks from order placement, though it varies based on the size of the project and our current schedule.

What sort of guidance or consultations do you offer for customers who aren’t quite sure where to start?

If you’re not sure where to begin, just get in touch via email or phone. We’ll tailor the consultation to your needs—there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. With over 20 years of experience, I can help guide clients toward the right decisions for their space and style.

 

Finally, what’s your favourite Cabbages & Roses fabric to work with—and why?

Hatley and Bees are timeless Cabbages & Roses classics and always in demand. But one of my personal favourites is Constance Multi—especially when we had it specially printed on white linen.

 

 

With a thoughtful, hands-on approach and years of experience, Maria brings Cabbages & Roses fabrics to life through beautifully made, considered pieces. Each one is crafted with care and attention to detail.

If you have a project in mind, you can get in touch with Maria here.