Pearl Lowe Skipped Standard Subway Tiles for a Curved Art Deco Backsplash That Dapples Light Beautifully – It's Unlike Any Other
Using an antiqued mirror finish and unexpected geometry, the designer's spectacular London kitchen redesign is a study in unique beauty
When Pearl Lowe was renovating her dusty-pink Notting Hill kitchen, her vision was clear: She wanted a space built on classic materials that would only refine gracefully over the years – and Fired Earth's tiles fit the spec.
Specifically, the revered fashion and textile designer (celebrated for her signature ‘faded glamour’ and maximalist style) chose their Deco Glass Bell Silver Mosaic tiles to design a mirrored kitchen backsplash – thus bringing the same distinctive style to her newly redesigned space.
To complement her marble-topped butcher's table, antique lighting, lace panels, and the quartz countertop, Pearl incorporated the mirrored tiles that are, wonderfully, a far cry from conventional kitchen tiles.
As Peal explores in her book, Faded Glamour in the City: Romantic Interiors for Urban Living (available at Amazon), the kitchen is a deeply personal space – one that reflects her history, aesthetic sensibility and enduring appreciation for beauty.
The tiles play an integral role in this narrative, echoing the room’s layered textures, from the aforementioned lace-paneled windows to the detailing beneath the counters and behind the glazed kitchen cabinet doors.
However, their antiqued mirrored finish is arguably their most beautiful element. They're designed to catch the sunlight, accentuating these softer elements and lending further depth and character to her space.
'I wanted to create a kitchen that brought a sense of softness and romance to a space that is, by nature, highly functional. The moment I saw these Fired Earth tiles, I knew they were exactly what I had been looking for. I love their elegant detailing and the way they reflect light so delicately,' Pearl says.
'Fired Earth’s commitment to timeless materials that add richness to interiors and become even more beautiful with age is something I deeply admire and very much aligns with my own approach to design.'
The curved geometry of such tiles finds a perfect home in Pearl's Parisian bistro-style home. However, you don't need such a romantic space to follow her example. I've listed some of my favorite ways to introduce a similar allure, along with mirrored accessories that are easily introducible in any kitchen.
With its polished silver finish and softly rounded silhouette, this metal tray doubles as both decor and catchall. Positioned on a countertop, it keeps frequently used items neatly contained while brightening your kitchen.
Defined by their sculptural silhouette and refined craftsmanship, these 1940s mirrors capture the enduring elegance of Art Deco design that's so prevalent in Pearl's home. Their distinctive quatrefoil shape introduces a strong architectural presence that's impossible to resist.
Antiqued mirrors have a unique ability to soften a space. Their aged surface brings texture and a lived-in quality, while still helping to bounce light around a room. Lining the back of a cupboard, alcove, or display cabinet with antiqued glass creates a layered look that feels both elegant and inviting
I'm drawn to the way the antiqued finish lends a sense of history, while the clean-lined frame brings a contemporary edge. Together, they create a layered, collected look that feels both sophisticated and inviting – an ideal addition to a kitchen scheme.
This tray channels tropical elegance through its playful scalloped edges and bamboo-effect detailing. Lightweight yet robust, the melamine construction makes it ideal for everything from garden lunches to late night parties in your kitchen.
Decorative storage needn't be purely functional. This mirrored box doubles as a statement accessory, lending sparkle and dimension to kitchen countertops while discreetly concealing everyday clutter.
In a design landscape often dominated by more clinical minimalism, Pearl's Art Deco haven encourages us to look beyond the conventional. By prioritizing materials that enrich an interior and age gracefully, she has ensured her kitchen will look just as beautiful 100 years from now. In fact, it may look even more so – time will surely tell.
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