Nelléne Art & Design

07/09/2026

Most people think paying for custom artwork means they automatically own the copyright.

In reality… it doesn’t.

I’ve written a new blog post breaking down what rights you actually get when commissioning custom design work and how to make sure agreements are fair for both artists/ designers and manufacturers.

If you work with textiles, wallpaper, or product development, this one’s worth a read.

https://www.nellene.com/blog/customdesignrights

10/08/2026

Print vs Woven Textiles: Designers, We Need to Talk

This past year I’ve gone deep into textile design for interiors. Honestly, it’s blown my mind how many possibilities we aren’t using.

Interior designers have WAY more creative freedom than we realise.

Most of us were never taught that we can:

- Customise colourways
- Change the scale of a pattern
- Choose fibres for durability
- Create woven textures from scratch
- Design a custom fabric specifically for ONE project

Print design is amazing for small projects, fast deadlines, and bold patterns.

Woven textiles open a whole new world. fibre selection, texture, jacquards, long-term performance are perfect for commercial spaces.

But here’s the problem:
Most designers don’t know these options exist.

No one told me that choosing the wrong fibre can shorten a product’s life by YEARS.
No one explained how custom textiles can reduce waste.
No one showed me how designing your own fabric can elevate an entire interior.

Now I’m passionate about bridging that gap - helping designers choose the right textile approach and unlock possibilities that make interiors last longer and look better.

Interior designers, I want to hear from you:

👉 Have you ever customised a textile for a project?
👉 Or is this still totally new territory?

If you find this subject intriguing, you can read my blog post here: https://www.nellene.com/blog/sz6gzxr3vvs8n3npp843uv1yzree07

04/08/2026

Hallo!

Every week I share current studio news, progress on art and design projects and free business building resources I have found helpful.

I would love for you to join the weekly Studio newsletter called Layer by Layer.

The newsletter #29 will be sent tomorrow.

Follow this link:
https://nellene-interior-surface-design-studio.kit.com/

30/07/2026

My creative studio is 1 year old today.

Thanks for sharing this journey with me.

11/06/2026

11/06/2026

A little slice of old‑world charm from my studio today. My red Peonie Chinoiserie half‑drop trailing floral pattern, designed to feel like it wandered out of a heritage manor and into the modern home.
Hand‑drawn blossoms, winding stems, and soft, story‑filled movement come together in a repeat that feels both timeless and quietly luxurious.

I love how this design settles into classic residential spaces. Think warm wood trims, heirloom furniture, and interiors that hold generations of memory. It brings a gentle sense of history, but still feels fresh enough for contemporary homes that crave character.

Perfect for heritage‑style wallpaper, bespoke upholstery, traditional interiors, and old‑world inspired home décor.

11/06/2026

Bärbel Dressler - Surface Pattern Designer, Educator & Pattern Historian shared her knowledge and passion for heritage patterns in a workshop a few weeks ago.

Because of her kindness, I was able to follow along and create this beautiful half drop trailing floral pattern.

There’s something timeless about blue florals, the way they wander, trail, and bloom across a surface like a quiet garden unfolding. Indigo Garden Trail grew from simple hand illustrations and became a flowing Indian‑floral inspired print, full of movement, heritage, and that soft, story‑rich elegance chintz is known for.

Perfect for cottagecore homes, coastal interiors, and makers who love classic blue‑and‑white botanicals, this pattern brings a calm, collected beauty to fabric, wallpaper, and home décor projects.

If you’re dreaming up quilts, dresses, cushions, or a feature wall that feels both nostalgic and fresh, this one is for you.

18/05/2026

A trailing dance of petals, stems, and tiny winged visitors, my finished floral pattern for the Trailing Floral challenge.

I wanted this one to feel like a slow wander through a garden path… soft reds, warm greens, and butterflies drifting between the blooms.
A little moment of wonder, now stitched into repeat. Thank you for a wonderful challenge. I learned so much. Bärbel Dressler - Surface Pattern Designer, Educator & Pattern Historian

12/05/2026

Unboxing joy from across the world.

My Kindly Woven Studio Intensive workbook just arrived from USA and I’m SO excited to continue my 8 week journey on this course.

This feels like the start of something big: new skills, new confidence, new creative magic.

Cheering on everyone who’s learning something new this season.