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We’re forever inspired by artists who dare to create works without traditional gallery spaces in mind. Textile art and ceramics are reshaping how we experience the modern home, offering objects that blur the line between functionality and fine art.

By Sophie Heatley | 02 Dec 2024

Two artists at the forefront of this movement, Heidi Lanino and Michelle House, bring unique perspectives to their craft, turning everyday items and spaces into expressions of creativity, connection, and cultural storytelling. In this interview, we bring together their insights on presenting statement pieces the artist’s way.

Heidi Lanino: “My work is meant to interact with its environment.” 

Heidi Lanino, known for her figurative drawings and paintings, describes her transition from drawing to clay as a natural evolution. “Working with clay connects me to the earth,” she explains. “It’s a material rich with history, deeply rooted in functionality and beauty.” Her ceramic plates, adorned with calligraphic lines and sgraffito designs, often depict women, birds, and foliage inspired by mythology and nature. “I want my work to celebrate the fabric of life,” she says, “transforming domestic objects into poetic vessels that merge the natural and the philosophical.”

Lanino’s process is as meditative as it is expressive. “The act of hand-building allows me to shape, draw, and paint directly into the clay, creating works imbued with texture and symbolism,” she shares. For Lanino, making a statement isn’t just about bold designs but about creating a dialogue between the piece and its surroundings. 

“My work is meant to interact with its environment,” she adds. “Arranging plates in clusters on a wall creates dynamic compositions that feel like visual poetry, telling a story that changes with the viewer’s perspective.” Her advice to collectors? “Let the pieces breathe—use neutral tones or minimal décor to allow the details to shine.”

Michelle House: “Don’t be afraid to hang colourful works on dark walls.”

For Michelle House, textiles are an opportunity to infuse spaces with vibrancy and texture. Her bold, multi-dimensional works, often layered with geometric patterns and intricate details, aim to spark a tactile and visual dialogue. “Textiles have a unique power to soften a room while adding energy,” she explains. House encourages collectors to be adventurous: “Don’t be afraid to hang colourful works on dark walls. I saw a yellow piece of mine displayed on a deep grey wall—it was striking!” 

Lanino also believes in the power of experimentation, encouraging designers to embrace creative risks. This approach was recently highlighted by a collector who paired her swirling pencil and charcoal marks with their precisely lined walls. The result was a striking visual contrast that maintained a harmonious balance, enhancing the composition without overwhelming the space.

Similarly, House emphasises the versatility of her work, noting how it adapts to different environments. “Some pieces are hung from wooden dowels to create dimension, while others are framed behind anti-reflective glass to highlight the texture of the linen. I’ve created curtains for clients before with my work! The possibilities are endless,” she says.

“Even in narrow spaces like stairwells, textiles can make a statement while dampening sound and adding warmth.” Beyond their visual appeal, House explains, textiles absorb sound, adding warmth and calm to a space—qualities that enhance their presence as both art and functional design elements.

“A statement piece isn’t just about standing out; it’s about bringing meaning to the everyday.” 

Both artists draw immense fulfilment from their commissions, which often push their creativity in unexpected ways. Lanino recalls creating ceramic pieces for hospitals and healing centres. “Knowing my work could bring comfort and familiarity to such spaces gave the process a deeper meaning,” she says. 

Similarly, House shares her experience designing textiles for a historic building. “The British Academy commission was a fascinating challenge,” she reflects. “Drawing inspiration from the architectural details, I created textiles that echoed the building’s history while complementing its grandeur.”

Their work is as much about storytelling as it is about craftsmanship. Lanino sees her plates and vessels as “reflections of cultural storytelling,” while House considers her textiles “artworks that live and breathe within a space.” Together, they illustrate why ceramics and textiles are becoming the new statement pieces for modern interiors. As Lanino puts it, “These aren’t just objects—they’re an invitation to connect with beauty and meaning in everyday life.” And House agrees: “A well-placed textile or ceramic can transform a room, creating an atmosphere that feels both grounded and alive.”

Statement Pieces for Modern Interiors 

Whether it’s a single bold plate on a table or a series of textiles adorning a stairwell, the power of a statement piece lies in its ability to transform a space—and invite conversation. As Lanino aptly concludes, “A statement piece isn’t just about standing out; it’s about bringing meaning to the everyday.” 

Make a statement at home with our Statement Pieces Collection, full of works that inspire conversation and leave a lasting impression.