Sandersons Signs Major Deal with Designers Guild


Secures global licensing rights for wallpapers, fabrics and paint

Designers Guild has shaped the interiors market from the 1970s onwards
Designers Guild has shaped the interiors market from the 1970s onwards

September 26, 2026

Sanderson Design Group has announced a landmark 10-year licensing agreement that will see it take over the global design, manufacture and sale of Designers Guild wallpapers, fabrics and paint — a move that marks a significant new chapter for the Chiswick-based company

The agreement gives Sanderson Design Group sole worldwide rights to develop and distribute these core product categories under the Designers Guild brand. For a company long recognised for its portfolio of heritage and luxury interiors brands, the addition of Designers Guild represents both a strategic expansion and a creative opportunity.

Founded by Tricia Guild, whose bold, painterly aesthetic reshaped the interiors market from the 1970s onwards, Designers Guild has become synonymous with expressive colour, artistic pattern and a distinctive design identity. Its influence on modern interiors is profound, and its archive — spanning decades of innovation — remains one of the richest in the industry.

Under the new licensing arrangement, Sanderson Design Group will steward the next phase of the brand’s development. The company plans to draw on Designers Guild’s extensive archive while creating new collections for a global audience. Existing best-sellers will be replenished immediately, with an initial stock package due to appear shortly on the trade site.

The partnership also aligns with Sanderson Design Group’s manufacturing strengths. Designers Guild wallpapers, fabrics and paint will be produced through the Group’s established network, including its Anstey site in Loughborough, Standfast & Barracks in Lancaster, and a wider group of specialist supplier partners. Distribution will run through the Group’s international channels, reaching interior designers, wholesale partners and digital customers worldwide.

The agreement follows Dunelm Group PLC’s acquisition of Designers Guild in April 2025, after which Dunelm focused on preserving and developing the brand’s future.

Lisa Montague, Chief Executive Officer of Sanderson Design Group, said the partnership reflects both the strength of Designers Guild and the transformation within her own organisation.

“As an internationally recognised brand with exceptional design heritage and a distinctive creative identity, Designers Guild makes an excellent addition to our portfolio of brands and a clear strategic fit with our business,” she said.

She added that the agreement demonstrates the Group’s progress in becoming a more resilient, international platform with the design expertise and manufacturing capability to support major interiors brands. “As the market continues to evolve and consolidate, we believe this positions the Group strongly to take advantage of opportunities as they arise.”

Looking ahead, she said the ambition is to honour Designers Guild’s creative legacy while expanding its reach: “We look forward to leading the next chapter for Designers Guild and presenting collections that remain true to the brand’s design heritage, delighting its established fan base as well as introducing new customers. Through our international network, we will extend its reach with customers around the world and unlock the global potential of the brand.”

 

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