Even if you haven’t heard her (frankly, fabulous) name yet, you’ll recognise a piece of Tatiana Alida Carrelet’s artwork in a flash. During lockdown, her vibrant drawings of everything from cocktails to croissants started selling in their droves as we sought fun ways to dress up the walls we were getting bored of staring at.

Since then, Carrelet has taken the fashion and interiors worlds by storm, with her irreverent style attracting collaborations with the likes of Victoria Beckham, Miu Miu and Cartier. She’s released her own line of ceramics (including that butter dish) and has plans to make a foray into stationery soon, too.

She’s one of the year’s major tastemakers, which is why Stylist asked her to collaborate with us for an exclusive digital cover on the drink of the moment: the martini. It’s also why we can’t stop poring over her Instagram, where she shares snippets of her creative pursuits and her beautiful home, with its floral wallpaper, sweet-shop brights and gingham prints.

Both Carrelet’s art and her space scream joy in a way that’s uniquely her. So we asked for her tips on small ways we can bring our personalities into our own homes and create a living space that reflects the things we love. 

Carrelet’s mantra? If you only have one piece of art in your house, make sure it’s right next to your front door. “Choose something that really makes you smile and feels like it represents the vibe of your home, and it will have such an impact as soon as people walk through the door,” she says. “It’s all about setting the scene and welcoming people in, yourself included.” 

“I absolutely love having fresh flowers in my house, but I don’t think you have to go mad. Having a few bud vases around a room can really lift it: you can find them for a couple of quid on eBay or in a charity shop and then you only need to buy one beautiful stem for each,” Carrelet says. 

She recommends the beauty and drama of single dahlias, which are in season throughout autumn, but come winter you could try sprigs of berries or poinsettia. 

“I honestly think there are few investments as smart as a piece of art you love. It doesn’t necessarily need to break the bank, but buying a piece that will last forever and makes you feel something is always a great idea,” says Carrelet. 

“I often say, as well, when you see artworks in charity shops and car boot sales, look at the frames. Even if you hate what’s inside them, a beautiful frame is hard to find so grab it and mount something new inside it later.” 

“I often think that worrying too much about a theme or an aesthetic takes the fun out of a space,” says Carrelet. She recommends noting down colour combinations that you’re drawn to and incorporating them throughout your home, but not feeling wedded to them. Her personal favourite? “I love turquoise and brown together. It makes me feel calm, which is what I want when I’m at home.” 

We all love a candle, but for anyone who wants to give their space an instantly recognisable smell that stands the test of time, Carrelet recommends a scented palet. “I have a Cypress Botanical Palet from Carrière Frères hanging behind my front door, and whenever anyone comes in they comment on the smell,” she says. “It’s lasted a year already, so it’s well worth the £42 price tag.” 

“It’s less common than it used to be, but I think it’s always really nice to have a few framed pictures of yourself and your loved ones around,” says Carrelet. “It’s easier than ever to order prints of photos you like directly from your phone, and I think it’s important to be surrounded by memories of happy times and photographs that make you feel good. What’s more joyful than that?”

Images: Tatiana Alida