BRISTOLWORKS
and shops where the logo is built into the pattern. The most exciting commission we had was from Jo Loves, Jo Malone’s shop in London. We created a bespoke design for her shop in Mayfair a couple of years ago. Did you notice any positive effects for Blossom & Brush after winning the Bristol Life Awards 2019, Homes & Interiors category?
Absolutely. We got many more orders from across Bristol and were invited to loads of interesting networking events for interior designers and creatives. It was wonderful to be recognised for designing something completely new. Without meaning to, we’d solved a problem and were able to find a simple way to help other’s with homes like ours.
Full bloom
What do you love about being a Bristol-based business?
People are bursting with ideas and willing to try new things and support small businesses. It’s the type of city where street art is welcomed and celebrated. In many ways, the films are part of Bristol’s look.
Bristol Life Award 2019 winner Rhiannon Southwell of Blossom & Brush explains how a business grew out of a creative solution to a problem
W
e moved to a Victorian terrace in Bishopston in 2013,” begins Rhiannon. “While the house has a small front garden, our large bay window looks out onto the street. “We’d be sitting in the front room feeling a little on show. We decided it was time to get some privacy, but net curtains were too twee, blinds were ugly and shutters would cut out too much light. “I decided to hand-paint a pattern on the window to obscure the view. It did the trick. People couldn’t see in, but we still had plenty of light. “Soon enough, neighbours were knocking on the door, asking where we got the design. I explained, and began to get commissions to paint other windows. After a while, there wasn’t enough time in the day to do it by hand, so I redrew the designs on my computer and found a supplier who could print window film.”
back to the UK, I started designing for Next, and then we moved to London where most of my work was for Monsoon and M&S. I still design for fashion brands now. Creating prints for a dress is actually very similar to a window; you need to consider the composition and repeat of the design very carefully. I love being able to put my designs on different products.
What were you dong before you launched Blossom & Brush?
What’s unique or special about your range?
Having studied textile design at university, my first job was as a womenswear print designer for H&M in Stockholm. I lived there for a fantastic year in 2002 and loved the Scandinavian style. When I moved
Give us a brief overview of the designs you offer
There are 12 designs in the range. Most are inspired by nature, and feature flowers, leaves and woodland creatures. I think this comes from my childhood in a remote part of Snowdonia. As a little girl I loved seeing wild animals and collecting everything from acorns and pine cones to different leaves and flowers. Other designs are inspired by my work in fashion. There are block prints, laces and one that’s reminiscent of Polish paper cut art.
Each piece of window film has a design that’s specifically resized to fit the pane of glass it goes on. That means you get a perfect fit that never cuts off part of the repeat. No two are alike. We also take commissions,
so if you want something completely different, we can do it. That’s the beauty of applying print design skills to the home.
Have trends changed since Blossom & Brush started out?
How do your window films work?
They’re very simple. The film arrives rolled in a tube. All you have to do is lay it out one a flat surface, gently peel off the backing, spray water on to wet the adhesive and then carefully raise it to the inside of the window pane. It will easily stick on and then you have time to place it and squeeze out any air bubbles before it dries. The film’s semipermanent, meaning it’s durable and can be cleaned like a normal window, but you can peel it off if needed. Which designs have been the most popular?
The ‘folk’ design is definitely a favourite. It was the original pattern I painted on the windows at home. It features flowers, leaves, rabbits and birds. It’s a traditional woodland style a little reminiscent of the arts and crafts movement. Pretty, but not twee. Perfect for a Victorian terrace. What are some of the most interesting commissions you’ve had?
I’ve done all sorts. It’s mainly personalised designs for homes, but we also do our fair share of cafés
The designs are timeless and inspired by nature and historic or ethnic images. Just as Victorian and Georgian houses will always remain popular, there will always be an interest in art that will fit them. Having said that, we have continued to innovate and introduce new patterns. Being a fashion print designer means I’m always working a year ahead of the current trends. This means we can work in subtle elements that keep the range up to date. We’ve noticed you’re a dab hand at interior design. Can you leave us with a design tip or two to give our houses a bit of a spring awakening?
It’s all about subtlety and careful consideration. Too often people think they have to be really daring rather than thinking about how a room will come together. Don’t let one element become too overpowering, but a common theme is essential. Don’t be afraid of mixing and matching prints, but there must be a clear link. It might be a colour, a style or even just a scale. A tiny floral will look odd next to large, bold, modern shapes. For more: www.blossomandbrush.com
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