Rochelle Thwaites goes beyond trends to create spaces that last a lifetime
SOME designers follow trends, others like Rochelle Thwaites break them. With an effortless ability to move between elegant interiors and luxe leather accessories, this multidisciplinary creative designs not just for the eye, but for the soul. Every project she touches, be it a chic living room or a statement leather piece, feels like it’s been designed not just to be seen, but to be felt.
“I’ve always been fascinated by how a space can influence how you feel,” she said. “We’re all searching for happier, more positive environments, and I want to help create that.”
It’s this people-first mindset that shapes her work, where functionality leads and beauty follows.
Thwaites’s aesthetic is best described as eclectic with a side of nostalgia. She’s a pro at mixing vintage and modern, finding harmony in contrasts.
“I’m not tied to a single design style,” she said. “I can see beauty in all aspects of design, but I do love blending vintage charm with modern flair.”
Her upbringing deeply colours her approach, especially her mission to make spaces comfortable. She remembers growing up in homes where the living room was off-limits unless guests were over, and the fine china and crystals only saw the light of day once a year.
“That didn’t reflect comfort to me,” she laughed. “Now, I make it a point to design spaces that feel welcoming every single day.”
From colour palettes to textures, the natural world guides her choices. Yet despite a deep love for organic beauty, she remains conscious of current trends, though not driven by them.
“I aim to create timeless spaces,” she said. “Trends can sometimes box you in and limit your true expression.”
Still, some current movements resonate with her values, like the rise of sustainability and handcrafted statement pieces. Conversely, she’d love to see less of the “safe” choices dominating Jamaican interiors. “There’s been a noticeable shift toward grey and neutral tones, but Jamaica is known for vibrancy,” she said. “I’d love to see richer, bolder hues that reflect more of our culture and who we are.”
She encourages homeowners to be patient and intentional when curating their space. “Don’t buy something just to fill a gap. Wait until you find something you absolutely love; your home should be your sanctuary, it should reflect you.”
Recently, Thwaites brought this philosophy to life in a collaboration with Kohler, designing two stunning suites for their showroom. Suite 3 took its cue from the Artifacts freestanding bathtub, channelling a sleek New York loft vibe. Think multi-dimensional wood mosaic walls, iridescent glass tiles, and warm bronze accents from the Central Park West faucet and Harken cabinetry. The effect is moody, sophisticated, and completely swoon-worthy.
Suite 4 tells a different story; she leaned into a more traditional Jamaican influence, tapping into the architectural elegance of the old great house. The Jacquard cabinet anchors the room, perched above classic black-and-white checkered floors. Smooth marble-look porcelain tiles balance out the bold mosaic wall, while the Artifacts Howlite faucet and pedestal fixtures bring a layer of refined detailing. A statement tropical wallpaper ties the concept together with a modern nod to island life.
The goal across both suites was to capture the “wow” factor without losing timelessness. “I think the two rooms really show my versatility,” she reflected. “Suite 3 is more modern and Suite 4 is more traditional, but both represent my love for classic design.”
It’s that balance, modern and traditional, bold and timeless that defines Rochelle Thwaites’ work. From interiors to leather goods, her creations speak to the way people truly live, bringing comfort, character, and a touch of daring to every space she touches.
