The Basket Room

09/10/2026

06/10/2026

One question I get asked a lot is, “How did you get into this?!” It goes back twenty years, and so here is the first part of my story as a founder of an interiors homeware brand!

Twenty years ago at the young age of 22, I went on a trip of a lifetime. It was the Summer of 2006 and I was studying fashion at university.

As a 50th birthday gift to my Dad, I spent the last instalment of my student loan on two flights to South Africa! He was born in Zimbabwe in the 1950s (Rhodesia) and moved to England when he was 5 years old. This was the first time he had returned to Africa and the closet to Zimbabwe (near the border at Victoria Falls!). It was my first time on African soil. We travelled overland in a large group whom we became very good friends with. From South Africa to Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and Kenya.

To say it was a trip of a lifetime is an understatement. I became absorbed and so intrigued with the different cultures, the textiles, traditions and way of life. I was inspired to research the impact of globalisation and its effects on the African fashion & textile industry. This became the focus of my dissertation and inspired me to create my final womenswear collection from organic cotton, h**p and bamboo.

Sharing this time with my Dad was one of the most special summers of my life. To learn more about his childhood, the continent he was born and create lifelong memories.

Those five weeks exploring six countries had a profound impact on my life and led me to where I am today. Africa, she’s given me so much I will forever be grateful for and I hope, one day soon, I can share this with my own son 🌞

Holly x

06/10/2026

Twenty years ago at the young age of 22, I went on a trip of a lifetime. It was the Summer of 2006 and I was studying fashion at university.

As a 50th birthday gift to my Dad, I spent the last instalment of my student loan on two flights to South Africa! He was born in Zimbabwe in the 1950s (Rhodesia) and moved to England when he was 5 years old. This was the first time he had returned to Africa and the closet to Zimbabwe (near the border at Victoria Falls!). It was my first time on African soil. We travelled overland in a large group whom we became very good friends with. From South Africa to Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and Kenya.

To say it was a trip of a lifetime is an understatement. I became absorbed and so intrigued with the different cultures, the textiles, traditions and way of life. I was inspired to research the impact of globalisation and its effects on the African fashion & textile industry. This became the focus of my dissertation and inspired me to create my final womenswear collection from organic cotton, h**p and bamboo.

Sharing this time with my Dad was one of the most special summers of my life. To learn more about his childhood, the continent he was born and create lifelong memories.

Those five weeks exploring six countries had a profound impact on my life and led me to where I am today. Africa, she’s given me so much I will forever be grateful for and I hope, one day soon, I can share this with my own son 🌞

Holly x

Founder story, small brand, business owner, travel, Africa, fashion, crafts

29/09/2026

Hello! I’m Holly, founder of The Basket Room, an ethical interiors brand bringing you stylish storage with a story.

Twelve years ago I began sourcing and partnering with female weaving cooperatives in rural Kenya. Today, we supply high street brands and indie shops all over the world. From Lush to Loaf, Daylesford and more!

My life as a female business owner is one full of creativity. With a background in fashion design and art I love the variety my job brings. I can be designing baskets and basket bags one day and be styling a photoshoot the next, visiting stockists and creating marketing campaigns. I have a beautiful son, who is five, we Home Ed and so the juggle is real but always an adventure.

If you’re new here, welcome! If you love colourful, handcrafted interiors and brands with a purpose you’re in the right place!

I hope you enjoy following us and seeing more behind our artisan basket brand.

Happy Mabon 🍂

Holly x

28/09/2026

This was my 13th Summer at The Basket Room; I recall the first one like it was yesterday! We’ve been on quite an adventure the past few months, from our debut at Chelsea Barracks Fair to opening our beautiful new showroom in Chipping Norton and launching your favourite bag collection to date!

It hasn’t gone without many challenges and hurdles to overcome. Running a small biz at present is like treading water. We thank you for being with us for another season, and are so very grateful for every basket order.

As we circle into Autumn with a renewed sense of magic, we look forward to seeing you over the coming months. We’ve a basket tour beginning with this Saturday followed by Farmer’s Market on 17th October.

Our showroom is open every Saturday 10am-2pm and during the weekdays 10-5.

Happy Mabon 🍂

Holly x

28/09/2026

If you don’t know my name by now, it’s Holly! 🤣
You might know me as the “Basket Lady” because for the past 12 years I’ve been at the helm of this one and only creative and crazy basket business.

Sometimes it feels my whole being is baskets, but there’s much more to me than what I do here as a designer, marketeer and entrepreneur. My biggest love is my son Aubrey, and being a mum has been the most beautiful adventure and journey. I love the sea, nature, following the moon’s cycle, art, yoga, travel and textiles.

As a small biz owner, life can be quite a juggle! I have to remind myself to slow down, take time out for walks and exercise. I often keep going and then crash. So here’s a little more about me, and I hope to get to know you all a bit more too!

If there’s anything you’d like to ask me, pop a hello below.

Happy Mabon 🍂

Holly x

28/08/2026

Come visit us!

"This is something I have always dreamed of"🤩

19/08/2026

They’re back...⁠
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Heka, Cheka and Gari. They sold out during our collection launch, pre-orders have been picked and packed and there’s a few left in each design. Could one be yours?!

The bold striped shopper, available in regular (featured) and large. Short leather handles and two internal pockets.

The rainbow checked bucket bag, featuring a long removable cross body strap. Lined with cotton and a finished with a plaited hand held strap.

Emma shows how the bag can be worn using the long strap!

The blue cross body bag, an ideal size for your phone, keys and essentials.

All designs handcrafted in Kenya by artisan weavers and skilled leather workers.

18/08/2026

Have you visited our showroom yet?⁠
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We’ve been open in Chipping Norton for a little while now, and we’re very happy to say we’re loving shop life.⁠
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Our showroom is a place to see The Basket Room properly in person: to get a feel for the scale and texture of our baskets, browse the collections, and discover pieces you might have missed online.⁠
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The space brings together some of our favourite things too, from vintage furniture and reclaimed materials to our handwoven baskets and homewares, with a few details inspired by the landscapes and places where many of our pieces are made.⁠
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So if you’re in or around Chipping Norton, come and have a look.⁠
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The Basket Room Showroom⁠
Unit 9 Worcester Road Trading Park⁠
Chipping Norton⁠
Oxfordshire OX7 5XW⁠
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Monday–Friday, 10am–5pm⁠
Saturday, 10am–2pm⁠
Sunday, closed⁠
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No appointment necessary.⁠
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We’d love to see you.⁠
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Holly x