Caia Candle Founder Gaby Jones: Interiors Little Black Book

25 August 2022

Caia Candle Founder Gaby Jones: Interiors Little Black Book

During lockdown, Caia Candle’s natural, vegan and sustainable products drew in nearly 70,000 followers on Instagram – not to mention a host of A-list fans including Hailey Bieber, Matilda Djerf and Chrissy Teigen – propelling it to a million-pound valuation. Now an up-and-coming name in the interiors world, founder Gaby Jones shares the names and places she goes back to time and again…

By Sapna Rao

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

My newest interior find is my Silicone Kitchen Utensil Set. I know it sounds a little boring, but they were such a bargain and really fit my interiors style. Amazon is such an unsung hero when it comes to homeware – it’s the best place to find affordable basics.

I’m probably SMEG’s biggest fan. When I moved into my current flat, I knew I wanted to collect as many SMEG items as I could. They elevate any space and, while they might be on the pricier side, they’re an investment and the machinery lasts for years. The quality really is second to none. I currently have a baby blue citrus juicer, a baby pink four-slice toaster and a classic cream kettle.

The best interior gift I've ever received was the Ibiza Bohemia book by Assouline. It was a housewarming gift from my best friend. Assouline’s books come in so many different colours, all of which pay homage to some of my favourite places in the world. It had been on my wish list forever and receiving one from my bestie made it even more special. I’ve since purchased the Capri one – a great start to an incredibly beautiful collection one day.

WE DON'T SEE OURSELVES AS JUST ANOTHER CANDLE COMPANY – WE'RE AN INTERIORS BRAND.

The Soho Home store in Sloane Square is the most exciting place. I love the feeling I get whenever I visit – it's such an experience. Set in a 19th century chapel on the King’s Road, it truly has the feel of a Soho House with that luxury, old-as-time atmosphere. They also have a creative workshop space and a coffee shop where you can relax and take in your surroundings. There are so many Soho Home pieces on my wish list. The coupe glasses and the Renato table lamp are just two examples.

Oliver Bonas is the best high-street interiors shop. Whenever I visit, I leave with something I never knew I needed. They have the quirkiest home décor but at a really reasonable price. Right now, it has some gorgeous coffee cups, coasters and a blue ceramic bowl that’s a real Soho Home dupe. I’m also after some ethereal gold-rimmed gin glasses and a three pink heart bowl set – I just love filling my home with fun and unique pieces.

I also love Anthropologie. I could spend hours browsing the cushions, throws, candles and home décor. I bought a fruit bowl there which I love – it looks a bit like a giant shell and it’s received countless compliments.

My favourite high-street interiors buy is my pineapple stacking tumblers from Oliver Bonas. I’m obsessed. They are so fun and young – I love getting them out for guests – they always get compliments. I also bought an adorable incense holder in the shape of an Italian greyhound – just like my dog Tony – I just had to pick it up.

The coolest independent brand to know about is Pampas and Bloom. Its pampas grass has lasted me two years and I have it in every corner of my house. To me, a home needs to feel like an oasis after a busy day and pampas grass reminds me of the beach. I also use them a lot as props for Caia shoots, too.

IT'S ALSO IMPORTANT TO ADD AS MANY PERSONALISED TOUCHES AS POSSIBLE, LIKE PHOTOGRAPHS, FRIDGE MAGNETS, FUN PLANTS, COMFY BLANKETS AND WHATEVER ELSE MAKES YOU FEEL MOST AT HOME.

The best vintage stores are in Portobello. If you’re close to London, make a day of it – the market has some special pieces. I picked up a large bowl there years ago which I still have. I love that they’re one of a kind and that everything has a story.

My favourite Etsy seller is HERSEWCRAFTS. I wanted a stylish dog bed and this was where I found it. I love supporting Etsy sellers as they remind me of where I started – small businesses are the backbone of the interior world.

My favourite under-the-radar interiors brand is Caia, of course. We’re stocked in Harrods and other high-end retailers, so we don’t see ourselves as just another candle company – we’re an interiors brand. In my own home, I have our Le Derrière candles everywhere and have always been inspired by the female form. Stay tuned for three new scent releases at the end of the month…

My dining table is also my office. London living means I’m in a one-bedroom flat, so my space needs to be as multipurpose as possible. I do make the most of it and love how cosy it feels. I added a stack of Caia candles (of course) to the dining table to remind me why I do what I do. My advice for young entrepreneurs is to take a risk. It can be scary but there are big rewards. It’s not worth beating yourself up too much either – sometimes you are best off just closing your laptop and going for a walk. Then, start again with a clear mind.

My living room is my sanctuary. The aesthetic is best described as neutral with pops of colour. The bright orange Hermès throws and blankets make a real statement when people enter the room.

My bedside table essentials are a Cowshed hand cream, my most recent book – Atomic Habits by James Clear – my ThisWorks lavender spray, a gua sha tool and oil, and my charging station – another great find from Amazon!

Some of my favourite interiors accounts on Instagram include @M arciHirshleifer, @LydiaMillenHome and @FrowHome. I love the vibrancy of @MarciHirshleifer’s taste in décor. I take a lot of inspiration from her and her styling tips push me to add colourful touches here and there. Lydia Millen’s home account reminds me a lot of Soho Farmhouse and I also love @FrowHome. She has a bathroom to die for with a big gold bath. It’s straight out of the 1920s.

My advice for people decorating their first rentals or university bedrooms is to make the most of places like TKMaxx and Homesense. Not only are they affordable, they both have such hidden gems. Another one is Brand Alley. They have a range of pieces at discounted prices with new stock drops all the time. It’s also important to add as many personalised touches as possible, like photographs, fridge magnets, fun plants, comfy blankets and whatever else makes you feel most at home.

The next item on my wish list is a BE@RBRICK figure. They’re so interesting and make such a statement. They remind me of my childhood but in a grown-up way. I would also love some strom bowls for my kitchen – I’m loving cobalt blue right now. Another favourite interior trend has to be the sunset lamp. It really calms me down at the end of a stressful day.

Visit CaiaCandle.com