meet the team

Originally started in 2005, Charlotte Designs consists of two Sarahs, one up North and one down South. They have entered the profession from completely different angles, but their skill and professionalism are very well aligned.

Between them, they have painted over 500 murals (Sarah #1 has lost count…), around the UK for a wide variety of domestic and commercial clients.

How it all started

Back in the 80’s (yes, I really am that old!), I was ragging, dragging, stencilling and woodgraining and this is where I first started to design and paint murals. However it wasn’t until I had children of my own that I realised the potential of murals, especially for children.

I started Charlotte Designs in 2005 to concentrate on making kids’ spaces fun places to be and I still believe passionately that a beautiful space they can call their own, is the most precious gift you can give a child. However, over the years, I have also realised the power of murals and the effect they have on everyone, old and young. I am now proud to be able to offer murals and other paint finishes to a wide range of clients, both commercial and domestic.

Why Charlotte Designs?

I get asked this a lot and it isn’t a very exciting story. I was advised not to call the business after me, so I decided to call it after my children. Sadly, the url for Charlotte James, my original idea wasn’t available, so I went for Charlotte Designs. Yes, I do get called Charlotte all the time, and Muriel! I don’t mind, I answer to almost anything.

Sarah Hodgkins aka Sarah #1

Owner and Lead Artist

I trained initially as an interior designer working extensively in the 1980s and 90s on a wide variety of projects from cottages to hotels. During this time, I commissioned mural artists to work on a variety of projects, so enthralled was I by watching these artists, that I decided to train myself.

Having lived all over, I am now back in Northamptonshire, with my husband, two children and mad, fluffy dog. When I am not painting, I am running, playing the piano or walking with said mad, fluffy dog. I also like a pub quiz, love watching rugby, tennis and athletics, spending time with my friends and family and am a complete history nut! I can also plough a half reasonable field, not very useful in this job, but that’s what being a farmer’s daughter does to you…

Sarah Daniels aka Sarah #2

Graduate Artist

I graduated from Bath Spa University with a degree in Textile Design for fashion and interiors, and throughout my degree, I gradually discovered a love for painting. I spent my final year focusing on quirky paintings of animals, which my tutors encouraged me to produce on an increasingly larger scale. I love the results and felt my natural progressions would be to paint murals.

Enter Sarah and Charlotte Designs, who I found on the internet. I approached her and we worked together on a large project. I learnt so much, including new skills and techniques which I took back to my studies.

As well as painting, I also enjoy swimming, travelling – anywhere and everywhere and camping when it’s not too rainy!