Posh Trading Company, established in 2015 by acclaimed interior designer Sarah Ward offers a striking array of home accessories, furniture, and gifts.

Drawing inspiration from Ward’s upbringing in the Far East and a steadfast dedication to exceptional design, the company embarked on a journey to transform living spaces into bastions of luxury, sophistication, and innovation. Whether adorned with traditional high gloss or a velvety matte finish lacquer, every handmade piece radiates an aura of timeless elegance. In 2024, the company took home a Luxury Lifestyle Awards for Best Luxury Table & Homeware in England.

We had the honor of interviewing Sarah herself, to find out more about her renowned company’s interesting story.

Luxury Lifestyle Awards: Can you share the inspiration behind founding Posh Trading Company, and how has your background in interior design influenced the company’s ethos and product offerings?

SW: The inspiration came from a trip to Vietnam and the fascination with the lacquerware artisans and how they work.  The detail and expertise are fantastic.

As an Interior Designer of 35 years, I have a keen eye for detail and am constantly thinking of new ideas and the best ways to combine textures and colors. In terms of offerings, it is useful to have such vast experience in the knowledge of what people like and in particular those from different cultures and how they tend to prefer some tone over others.  We use this knowledge when deciding on the range.

LLA: Could you elaborate on the craftsmanship behind your products, particularly the intricate process of gilding, and how it sets your brand apart in the luxury homeware market?

SW: Our pieces are handcrafted by skilled artisans whose skills have been passed down through generations. The technique of gilding involves the leaf being hand applied piece by piece making each mat truly unique. Following the application of the silver leaf, eleven layers of clear lacquer are then applied. Each layer is hand-polished, taking several days to achieve the luxurious and lustrous end finish.

The colours are carefully considered and the quality is superb. That is what sets us apart.

LLA: Your collaboration with MUSE Design brings together Eastern and Western aesthetics in your furniture collection. Could you discuss how this fusion of styles enhances the uniqueness of Posh Trading Company’s offerings?

SW: What we love about Muse designs are the contemporary elegant shapes so artfully created with fabulous natural materials.  The elegance of both ranges works very harmoniously.

LLA: Posh Trading Company aims to transform homes into havens of luxury and sophistication. How do you ensure that each piece in your collection reflects this vision while also catering to a diverse range of tastes and styles?

SW: We have tried and tested partners based in Vietnam and trust them to help us with product production.

LLA: The concept of luxury has evolved over time. How does Posh Trading Company define luxury in the context of modern living, and how do you stay ahead of evolving trends while maintaining a timeless appeal?

SW: Luxury is most definitely personal, as what is appealing and comfortable to one is different to another. But what is clear is that glamour and luxury go hand in hand. Owing to being out and about we are always aligned with trends, which are good to be aware of. But creating timeless design is a skill and that is what stands the test of time and what we strive to create.

LLA: Your collections extend beyond tableware to encompass various aspects of home decor, including bathroom accessories and workspace essentials. Could you speak to the importance of creating cohesive collections that cater to different areas of the home?

SW: The ranges make it easy for customers, and they allow a similar thread in terms of the connection and flow within a home or hotel.

LLA: Posh Trading Company’s products are sought after by boutique hotels, fine dining establishments, luxury yachts, and private homes. How do you ensure that your offerings remain relevant and adaptable to different settings and clientele?

SW:  By remaining aware that different people like different things and need options to make things look nice.  They have a choice of finish, color, size, and shape.

Thank you for your time today, Sarah!

Visit the company’s website to find out more about their must-have home décor collections: https://www.poshtradingcompany.com/