'Summer Stripes' - In Conversation with Charlotte of CC Rhubarb
To mark our launch, we’re diving into the world of hand-painted furniture with an eye-catching introduction to Summer Stripes. And who better to kick things off than Charlotte, the creative mind behind CC Rhubarb, a studio known for its whimsical, hand-painted antique furniture — especially those unmistakable stripes. Charlotte breathes new life into forgotten pieces, turning them into joyful, characterful staples that feel both nostalgic and fresh. We sat down with her to chat about how it all began, what inspires her signature stripes, and where she sees CC Rhubarb heading next.
Q: Tell us a little about your background. What led you to start CC Rhubarb?
A: I’ve always been completely obsessed with stripes - like, I’m not joking, most of my wardrobe and home is stripey. It’s become a running joke with my friends and family. I’m a graphic designer by trade, and I also design kids’ clothes over at @studiolittle, so I’ve always loved colour, painting, and anything hands-on. When I moved back to the UK and ended up living near my mum, who runs an antique business, she really opened my eyes to the world of antiques. One day, we were chatting, and she said, “Why don’t you try painting a striped piece?” And that was it! I gave it a go and completely fell in love with the process. It just grew naturally from there.
Q: How do you go about sourcing your pieces? Are there certain qualities or eras you gravitate toward?
A: I absolutely adore old antique pine chests of drawers - the ones with solid dovetail joints and bun feet (like the Green & White Striped Chest of Drawers). When I spot one on Marketplace, I squeal! Honestly, those details make my heart skip. I always try to keep the dovetail joints visible because they’re such a beautiful piece of craftsmanship - they deserve to be seen, not covered up with paint. I usually find pieces on Marketplace, but I also love hunting at antique fairs when I can. There’s something so satisfying about rescuing a piece with great bones and giving it a new life.
Q: Your stripes have become something of a signature. How did that idea come about? What’s your process like, from sourcing to painting?
A: It started with that first suggestion from my mum - I was a bit braver with colour back then! My very first piece was painted in Setting Plaster with stripes in Farrow & Ball’s Red Earth, and then I did another in Breakfast Room Green with white stripes. Christina Kimeze, the amazing London-based artist, actually bought both of those, which was such a pinch-me moment!
Then a lovely customer in Devon asked me to recreate the Somerset Stripe wallpaper by Annika Reed on a chest of drawers. That commission really kicked things off - since then, I’ve done four more pieces inspired by that look. It seemed to really resonate with people, and it’s become one of my most requested styles. One of those Somerset Stripe-inspired pieces even ended up being featured on Channel 4 for Vinterior, with a voiceover by Bill Nighy - such a pinch-me moment!
At first, I used Frogtape to get crisp lines, but it used to peel off the paint, and it drove me mad. So now I just freehand everything. I actually prefer the softer, more organic look it gives - and over time, my hand has gotten pretty steady!
Q: Where have your pieces ended up? Have there been any particularly memorable commissions or homes?
A: The Vinterior shoot was definitely a standout moment - it felt surreal seeing my work on screen with Bill Nighy’s voice in the background! Having Christina Kimeze buy not one but two of my pieces was such a confidence boost, and I’ll never forget delivering five pieces in person to my lovely customer in Devon. She welcomed me into her beautiful home, and it was really special to see exactly where everything would live. That kind of connection makes it all feel so personal and meaningful.
I also had one of my pieces in the front window of my cute little local shop, The Stores in Hambledon, for a month or so - I absolutely loved seeing how they styled it. It was such a lovely moment walking past and seeing it sitting proudly in the window!
Q: What’s been the biggest challenge in running CC and Rhubarb so far?
A: Honestly? Space! My living room doubles as my studio, and while it’s cosy, it’s definitely not ideal. And don’t get me started on trying to fit furniture into my Tiguan - although my little boy loves getting to sit in the front when we’re out on a delivery! I dream of having a proper studio space where I can paint and photograph pieces without tripping over toys or moving the sofa.
Q: Are there any other product categories you’re excited to explore in the future?
A: Absolutely! I’d love to branch into other types of furniture - maybe chairs, tables, or mirrors. Someone recently asked me to do a dressing table, which I think would be so sweet. I also have ideas for painting flowers or other motifs onto pieces - still playful, still full of character, just with a little twist!
Q: How do you see CC and Rhubarb evolving in the next couple of years?
A: I’d love to do a pop-up shop - maybe bring CC and Rhubarb to life in a space people can step into and experience in real life. I’m also really interested in doing collaborations and limited-edition collections. I’d love to explore painting beyond stripes, too - maybe florals or other playful elements that still feel true to the brand. Every new piece feels like a little canvas, and I get so much joy from painting it to fit perfectly into someone’s home.
Q: What does handmade or artisanal mean to you personally?
A: For me, handmade means heart-made. It’s about turning everyday, utilitarian pieces into joyful works of art. I love that each chest of drawers or bedside table can be completely transformed with colour and pattern, made to suit someone’s space, their style, and their story. No two are ever the same, and that’s the magic. In a world full of mass production, there’s something really special about owning something that was made slowly, thoughtfully, and just for you.
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Charlotte’s work reminds us that even the most practical of objects — a chest of drawers, a bedside table — can become joyful expressions of individuality. Eschewing fleeting trends, each piece from CC Rhubarb is a reimagined classic — playful, characterful, and built to last. These are future heirlooms: not just furniture, but enduring companions you’ll love for a lifetime. In a world of mass production, CC Rhubarb’s lovingly striped creations are a refreshing celebration of colour, character, and craftsmanship.
View the full CC Rhubarb collection here.