2 March 2019

Tile Giant's Victoria Bath Collection

2 March 2019

Paid Collaboration with Tile Giant

I was recently asked to design moodboards for Tile Giant’s new collection that has been inspired by Manchester’s Victoria Baths. This is an institution in Manchester and I was keen to get involved with the fabulous new range. All tiles are Edwardian in style with traditional undertones but the vibrant colours make them ideal for any modern day home.

First up I chose the Crackle Bevel Vintage Green tile because I felt it was the most iconic representation of Victoria Baths. The vivid green tiles cover the changing rooms and the stairways in the 1906 building, making them the perfect tile for a bathroom moodboard.

Victoria Baths, picture via Trip Advisor

Inspired by this Divine Savages image below, I went with a nod towards Art Deco with the Crackle Bevel Vintage Green metro tile. Combining with a statement wallpaper like this Gatsby Gold Geometric Metallic Wallpaper from B&Q and adding accents of brass accessories that pop against the deep greens, it would look perfect in a small bathroom or cloakroom.

The tile would also work equally well as a kitchen backsplash as seen here in this gorgeous Devol Kitchen showroom. That is why I added in Farrow & Ball’s Sulking Room Pink to my moodboard because the pink instantly gives a fresher feel to the scheme.

Don’t forget the bee print which is symbolic of Manchester history, past and present!

Bathroom flatlay using Crackle Bevel Vintage Green tile

Next up I chose the Crackle Bevel Mustard tile because of my love of all things linked to the current New Neutral trend. You can read all about the trend here in my previous blog post. I decided to use this in a kitchen environment with lots of rich wood tones and hand painted ceramics. Think warm and spicy colours - this colour palette is definitely enjoying a moment in the spotlight this year and I am fully embracing it.

Victoria Baths, Manchester. Photo via INews

Lastly I chose to style the Victoria Baths Terrazzo Floor tile in line with the Maximalist trend of 2019. This is all about embracing your personality and clashing prints and colours. I picked up a lot of wallpaper samples on my travels whilst prop shopping and was pleasantly surprised at how well this Trellis Navy Metallic Wallpaper went with the terrazzo. Picking up on the terracotta tones of the tile, adding in pots and candles bring the scheme to life. Farrow & Ball’s Preference Red also adds another dimension to the moodboard and can be used in small doses to create that “purposeful clash”.

I also added in a Lowry postcard which I think works perfectly here as another nod to the Manchester heritage.

I hope this has inspired you to go and check out the collection at Tile Giant - there are loads more gorgeous colours and designs in this range.

Joanne Thelwell

4 February 2019

New Trend Alert : Spiced Amber

Joanne Thelwell

4 February 2019

2019 has started with the most loveliest of colour palettes in the interior world. The Amber, Umber & Ginger tones remind me of spices and earthly vibes which can keep us grounded in times of uncertainty. Inspired by the new look Homes & Gardens magazine, I thought I’d share with you some inspiring images I have found along the way as well as ideas to bring this trend into your own homes.

**First up, can we talk about Spiced Honey?**

When Dulux first released their colour of the year, I’ll be honest I was extremely nervous. I thought we’d all be suddenly thrown into a world of beige and clients would be forever requesting beige kitchens and bathrooms. But the more I see imagery of this colour, the more I have fallen in love with it. It’s the “New Neutral”. More interesting that white and warmer than grey, Spiced Honey creates a real Earthly colour palette especially when combined with auburns and oranges.

Dulux says “Spiced Honey is a warm amber tone, inspired by the beauty and versatility of honey itself. Spiced Honey can be soothing or calming, cosy or vibrant, depending on the palette you pair it with.”

Textiles are a really easy way to incorporate the colours in the bedroom. Bedding, cushions and throws can all mix well together.

H&M - Washed linen duvet cover set - Light Brown

The Future Kept - British Made Herringbone Throw Ochre

Wooden kitchens are massive right now but if you can’t afford a brand new Nordiska Kök kitchen, maybe one day - a girl can keep dreaming, here are some accessories which can do just the trick incorporating all the spiced tones into your space.

For the ultimate shelfie styling, accessories are key. Mix and match vases, candles and jar to add in the Spiced Amber tones.

Amber Brown Glass Apothecary Jars from Kuishi Home

PF Candle Company - Amber & Moss Soy Candle

I hope you love this trend just as much as I do and I can’t wait to see more of it as the year progresses.

Disclaimer: Not of these links are sponsored, gifted or affiliated. Just products that I love or lust after!

Joanne Thelwell

18 November 2018

Christmas with John Lewis

Joanne Thelwell

18 November 2018

I was recently invited by my local John Lewis store in Cheadle to come and see their brand new Christmas collection for 2018. I know, I know - it’s probably slightly too early to be talking about the looming big day but I was really impressed by some of the themes this year and I couldn’t wait to share my favourites.

One of my favourite memories from Christmas as a child was going to the local garden centre with my Dad and brother and getting to pick a new decoration for the tree. They used to have donkeys in the stable and a Santa’s grotto and it was magical.

Over the years the tree decoration box grew and grew, and my Mum still decorates her tree with all the baubles we chose from those years. I love going round and being reminded of all the memories behind each and every decoration. I strongly believe that’s what a Christmas tree should be. It should be full of memories and love and moments that bring happiness. It shouldn’t just be about colour co-ordination and themes, although they are just as great too.

This year I think John Lewis have recreated the magic of picking decorations and there really is something for everyone. The clever merchandising of colour co-ordination on the shop floor means you can still achieve a certain colour look but judging by the current trends, it’s time to embrace the quirky and the kitsch.

I’m torn between two themes as my favourites but I think the Jet Collection just wins. The jet black and silvers are the base for this futuristic collection. It’s fun and striking with flying saucers and astronauts in snow globes sitting alongside glitter and marble designs.

This collection would be my brother’s dream as kid! And I actually love it as a 32 year old grown woman! I chose a marble bauble to take home with me but I’m definitely going back for the snow globe!

Emerald Christmas Collection by John Lewis

Next up is the gorgeous jeweled tones of Emerald. Think peacock feathers and tropical animals - it’s a lovely collection which would look great on any tree. I also loved how John Lewis styled the tree with succulents amongst the baubles - it’s a really fresh take on a traditional tree.

And I can’t not mention the fabulously kitsch Sapphire theme which encompasses everything “Under the Sea”. It’s an amazing combination of the Little Mermaid and Finding Nemo! I absolutely love it!

There’s even a tree that’s made out of coral to keep the water theme going and I can see this being a big hit. It’s just so different from anything that’s been before and I think it’s utterly brilliant!

Amazing Octopus Christmas Decoration by John Lewis

There are lots of other collections too so there will be something for everyone. Get down to John Lewis and let your inner child go wild!