Catherine Wilman learned about great design from an early age. Her father John Wilman was one of the leading wallpaper designers in the UK before recently retiring and inspired the young ‘Kate’ to get involved in design. John would often talk to Catherine about his work as he laid out his latest ideas on the floor of their Cheshire home. She was also inspired by her mother's ideas during a six-year renovation of the family's old farmhouse.

Observing the builders, stonemasons and other craftsmen working on the project showed Catherine how a neglected space can be transformed into a beautiful country home.

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Catherine would often accompany her father to work at Coloroll. He had a large design team and it was exciting for her to see how the designs went from an idea to a manufactured product selling around the world.​​

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When Catherine gained a BA (Hons) Degree in Interior Design and Architecture in London, it was a natural progression for her to join her father at the family business, as a junior designer. She quickly worked her way up to be in charge of organising the company’s exhibitions in the UK and Europe.