Flitting between her studio and the tile showroom sometimes with tea in hand, and always with a smile, is Sonya forever on the go but  happy to stop and talk tiles with any and everyone!! Sonya loves nothing more than sharing her passion for tiles, design, colour and travel – so here is a little insight into her world, thoughts and processes!

 

WHAT INSPIRES YOU AND HOW DO YOU REMAIN INSPIRED?

I have always drawn a lot of my inspiration from my travels and what is happening in my home. My children…. are my greatest inspirations! I love it when they are at home and they are all creative and all constantly creating. They keep me inspired.

HOW DO YOU CULTIVATE THE MOOD OF A NEW TILE DESIGN? WHAT IS YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?

Starting a new tile design is not something I just sit down and do. I usually need a spark to be ignited with something I see and then the process starts. There has to be a moment of YES! and nothing happens until that moment happens. When it strikes it is pen to paper ( which involves many scribbles) and then with the help of my graphic designer, it is converted into a computerised format.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ROOM TO TILE?

My favourite room to tile would probably be the bathroom. The bathroom is such an important room in the home. Walking into a beautiful bathroom makes you feel good. It’s the place you groom yourself and get yourself ready for the day, a place of self-care. Whenever I book a hotel, Air BNB, or guest house the bathroom is one of the deciding factors in which property I choose. Space definitely affects your senses and although a bathroom may be considered a practical necessity in a home, I truly believe a bathroom that’s enticing and captivating really does nurture your soul…. especially if there is a nice bath!!!

IF YOU COULD PICK JUST ONE, WHICH OF YOUR AMAZING TILES IS THE BEST CURRENT FAVE TILE? 

At the moment, my favourite tile is the beautiful Antique Fuego Tile. It is just so extraordinary and is almost 100 years old. I love thinking about the stories this tile must hold and all the people who have walked over it… magic! I love its fiery red and deep blue design; it’s bold but in the most understated, elegant way!!