About Thistle & Wild Design

Hi, I’m Rebecca. Thistle & Wild Design is an Interior Design studio based in Manchester. I also work in regular collaboration with RKA Architectural Design Studio as their Interiors Specialist on residential projects in Scotland, London and Leeds.

My approach is to work collaboratively with you to create a home that reflects what you love and how you want to live & this always begins with a relaxed consultation.

I create considered & detailed designs which are intrinsic to creating a home which is a true reflection of those who live there and is as individual as you are.

I believe the design of our home, and the things we touch, see and surround ourselves with can have an uplifting and positive affect on how we feel and live in our homes.

The elements which we choose to surround ourselves with; walls washed in the perfect colour, the warmth which comes from tactile textures from exposed brick to natural linens, colours woven into fabrics, original floorboards, a chalky smooth encaustic tiled floor or the comforting softness of a thick rug combined with great spatial design and natural light cumulate in the most wonderful feeling of home.

Spatial design, that is the re-configuration or re-purposing of space, and the consideration of how these spaces work for you & the needs of your family, the floor plan if you like, is perhaps the most impactful change you can make to your home without extending. This is an area of interior design that I am passionate about as it not only revolutionises the way you, and your family live but it positively affects your happiness and wellbeing, and what is more important than that.

The path which led me to Interior Design came from an inherent love and interest in architecture and materials, an eye for detail and a desire to share with others the impact that great design has on our daily life.

After graduating from university in Fine Art Painting I worked nationally and internationally with sculptor and installation artist Susie MacMurray. Following this incredible experience, I moved back to Italy to work for the British Council at the International Venice Biennale (Art) and later at the Architecture Venice Biennale in the British Pavilion. Moving back to the UK I worked professionally for 10 years commissioning artists and curating contemporary art exhibitions in galleries and site specific installations in historic buildings and their grounds.

After having my second child I started my own fabric design business in 2015; Thistle & Wild Collections. Thistle & Wild Interior Design launched in 2019 and I have had the privilege of working on over 40 client projects to date.

All my professional roles have required high level creativity and delivery, a visual, creative and problem-solving approach, collaboration, curation, attention to detail and excellent project and budget management.

I pride myself on giving outstanding service to clients and ensuring the client feels inspired, supported, confident and excited about the design process.

If you’d love to work together or are interested to know more, please get in touch & I look forward to welcoming you,

Rebecca Alexander
Creative Director