Meet The Designer
Aleshia Sharpe

What is your background? 

I graduated design school with a Diploma of Interior Design in 2017 and worked as a consultant at THYNK for two years. I left to run Oracle Homes Colour Studio and recently returned to the group as a Senior Designer. 

What made you want to get into interior design?

I studied graphic design first and after building my own home I knew exactly what I was meant to be doing. To design and create an atmosphere of beauty in a space you can relax or entertain brings me so much happiness. Through colour, patterns, and texture, you can be as creative as your imagination allows.  

What do you love about your job?

For me it’s easy to design things I like but the challenge of creating someone else’s dream is what gets my creative mind racing and is very exciting. Stepping outside of my safe zone and making conservative choices, and creating something magic is so satisfying. 

What tile designs really get your heart racing?

I love tiles with texture! This to me is almost as important as how it looks. It should feel interesting.  

Tell us about your favourite selection?

One that comes to mind is a country lodge a client was building with Montgomery. They wanted it raw with large format concrete tiles and black finishes. Open fireplace with grey culture stone. The bathrooms were full height tiling in a dark charcoal stone tile with dark timber vanities.  Was so luxurious I could just imagine curling up with a red wine next to the fire.  

What’s the most common question you get asked during a selection?

Do you get bored of selecting tiles all day? My answer is absolutely not. There are endless designs you can create with tiles. Out of every item you select for a new home – paint, handles, doors, vanities – tiles are the most exciting and most creative item in a house. You can turn a plain kitchen or bathroom into something amazing through texture/colour/pattern.   

What product trends are you seeing when it comes to tile and flooring?

Texture and natural fibres/colours are winning people’s hearts. Things that feel cosy and homey are so beautiful and calming.  

What colour trends are you seeing when it comes to tile and flooring?

Oak floors paired with chunky textured wool carpets in neutral colours are my favourite combination.  

If you could makeover your own kitchen, what would it look like?

I like plain flush doors in soft whites with a statement stone benchtop and a vertical stack skinny subway tile or kit kat mosaic.