From the sea breeze of Cornwall’s coastline to the comforting texture of a luxury throw, The Cornish Surfer is a brand built on emotion, escapism, and elegant design.
Founded by Anouska during a moment of reflection on a crowded commuter train, this coastal-inspired brand brings together surf culture, slow luxury, and sustainable values, inviting you to enjoy the simple pleasures of seaside living, no matter where you are.
We dive into the story behind The Cornish Surfer, discovering what fuels Anouska’s creativity, how her designs are shaped by the Cornish landscape, and what’s next for this bold, feel-good homeware brand.
Can you take us back to where it all began? What inspired you to launch The Cornish Surfer, and what personal experiences shaped the brand’s coastal identity?
The Cornish Surfer was born on a packed commuter train heading into London. A moment of clarity amid the chaos of the daily grind. It came from a desire to escape the rat race, to slow down, and to embrace a better quality of life. I asked myself: What truly makes me happy? The answer was simple, coffee and the calming presence of the coast, and surrounding myself with beautiful, ‘feel good’ luxurious homewares that brings comfort and joy into my everyday life.
I wanted to share that ‘emotional connection’ with others. To offer a way to experience the coast no matter where they are. That’s how the idea of creating luxury coastal souvenirs was formed. There’s nothing quite like a day spent by the sea: breathing in the salty air, curling up under a warm blanket by the fire, and sipping tea from a beautifully crafted fine bone china mug. So I designed a signature wave, inspired by the ocean. My solace. I brought to life across a range of everyday products I love to use by the sea. Now, others can take a piece of the coastal lifestyle home with them, wherever in the world they may be.
How does the spirit of Cornwall and your love of the ocean influence your designs, from luxury blankets to surf-styled mugs?
Everything I design reflects the movement of the ocean, for a sense of slow luxury living.
Your products have a distinct blend of coastal charm and luxury, how do you balance laid-back surf culture with high-end design?
The Cornish Surfer creates bold, fresh, and modern homewares inspired by the coast, blending the relaxed spirit of surf culture with premium, sustainable materials to deliver a feel-good, slow luxury - evoking a surf-inspired lifestyle without being a surf brand.
What makes The Cornish Surfer products unique, and how do you ensure quality and craftsmanship in every piece you design?
The Cornish Surfer’s unique fusion of bold, modern coastal design with a deep commitment to slow luxury and sustainability - paired with a tactile, feel-good product experience that emotionally connects customers to mindful, elegant coastal living.
Your blankets and throws are bestsellers, what makes them such beloved home accessories and what goes into creating them?
Every product is designed to create an emotional connection through feel-good quality, ensuring luxury without compromise. I use only premium, sustainable materials to deliver a sense of slow luxury that gives customers confidence in their purchase. My design philosophy is rooted in evoking a slower, more mindful way of living - with attention to detail, feel, and finish always at the forefront.
Sustainability is increasingly important to customers, how does The Cornish Surfer approach eco-conscious design and ethical production?
At The Cornish Surfer, sustainability is at the heart of our design process. We carefully select premium, sustainable materials to ensure our products are as kind to the planet as they are luxurious. Our approach to slow luxury means we prioritise quality and longevity over fast trends, creating timeless designs that are made to last. We work closely with ethical producers who share our values, so every piece not only looks and feels good, but does good too.
What’s the story behind your signature logo and branding? Does the wave emblem hold a special meaning for you personally?
The wave emblem is more than just a logo - it represents my deep connection to the ocean and the sense of freedom I find living by the coast. Its bold yet fluid form reflects both strength and calm, perfectly capturing the balance I strive for in the brand: powerful, purposeful design with a laid-back spirit. It’s a mark of identity, energy, and the emotional pull of the sea - and a true reflection of my husband's personality: playful, yet deeply connected to the ocean’s pull.
You’re a female founder in a niche lifestyle space, what challenges or highlights have shaped your journey as a creative entrepreneur?
Being a female founder in a niche lifestyle space has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. One of the biggest hurdles has been managing quality control and sourcing - finding the right partners who share my standards hasn’t always been easy. I’ve learned that persistence is key to getting where you want to be, and that rejection is part of the journey. Instead of letting it knock me back, I’ve used it to fuel my determination. Balancing creativity with the realities of running a business has pushed me to grow in ways I never expected, and building something that truly reflects my values has been the most fulfilling part of it all.
Which product are you most proud of, the one that captures the heart of The Cornish Surfer ethos?
It’s hard to choose, but the blankets truly capture the heart of The Cornish Surfer. After a busy day balancing work and family life, nothing beats snuggling up on the sofa, wrapped from head to toe in the softest, most comforting blanket. They bring warmth and balance to any mood, and the signature stitch with its premium finish always applies a smug look to my face - a quiet sense of achievement and success. To me, they embody thoughtful design, emotional connection, and slow, feel-good luxury.
How do you envision your products fitting into customer’s homes, are there styling tips or favourite ways people use them?
I see our products as cool, laid-back yet bold pieces that bring a real wow factor to any space. They’re true statement pieces that effortlessly lift a bedroom, living room, or outdoor area with a mix of coastal calm and daring, edgy colours. Whether layered over a sofa or draped at the foot of a bed, they add texture and style while keeping things relaxed and welcoming. My favourite styling tip is to blend bold, brave hues with natural tones and varied textures for a look that’s fresh, timeless, and full of personality - perfect for slowing down and truly enjoying your surroundings.
How do you stay creatively inspired? Do the changing Cornish seasons, beaches, or surfing culture play a part in your design process?
Staying creatively inspired comes naturally when you live by the beach - especially the same one where I grew up, in a small fishing village on the southeast coast of Cornwall. The beaches stretch for miles each way, and my beach is my safe space. It’s where I walk my daughter to school every morning and recharge with the energy of the sea. The ever-changing Cornish seasons, the waves, and the surf culture all play a part in my design process, but above all, my colours and designs come from this happy place that grounds and inspires me every day.
What’s next for The Cornish Surfer, are there new collections, collaborations, or dreams you’re excited to bring to life?
As a designer, I have an extensive list of new products I’m excited to bring to life. However, with a focus on sustainable sourcing, maintaining healthy margins, and producing in small batches, I must be deliberate and strategic about each launch. That said, I introduce a few new collections and on-trend colours each year, so there’s always something fresh on the horizon. Since we produce in limited quantities, I encourage you to keep a close eye on what’s coming - we wouldn’t want you to miss out. While I can’t share too much just yet, I’m looking forward to surprising you soon.
Whether you're dreaming of lazy days by the sea or seeking timeless pieces that bring warmth and intention to your home, The Cornish Surfer captures that emotional connection between nature, comfort, and modern living. With every design, Anouska invites you to slow down and savour life’s softer moments.
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