An Interview with Rach, from Tinker & Tallulah

Les Interviews / February 05, 2025

An Interview with Rachel and Liam from Tinker & Tallulah

At Maison Flâneur, we love makers who blend craftsmanship with personality—Tinker & Tallulah is just that. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Rach and Liam, their journey began in 2021 with a home renovation and an obsession with the fringed lampshades of Sir Frank’s Bar at Beaverbrook Hotel. When they couldn’t find the perfect ones, they made their own—and a business was born.

From swishy fringes to bold pleats and playful patterns, every Tinker & Tallulah lampshade is handcrafted in their Nottinghamshire studio, bringing vintage glamour and joy to any space.

We caught up with Rach and Liam to chat about their journey, the power of lighting, and why a lampshade is never just a finishing touch.

By Marie Winckler

Your journey started with a love for Art Deco elegance and a Sunday Times inspiration. How did that single photo spark the idea for Tinker & Tallulah?

It was one of those lightbulb moments - literally! We saw this impossibly glamorous fringed lampshade in a Sunday Times feature on Sir Frank’s Bar at the Beaverbrook Hotel, and we had to have it. But we couldn’t find anything similar, so we decided to make our own. What started as a DIY experiment quickly became a passion, then a business - one that celebrates bold design, playful elegance, and British craftsmanship.

Three images that define you and your style, what would they be, and why?

A 1920s cocktail bar at golden hour - a little Art Deco, a little eccentric, but always inviting.

A perfectly swishy fringed dress - we’re seeing fringe everywhere on the catwalk right now and it’s going to be huge in interiors in 2025.

An old-school tailor’s studio - craftsmanship, attention to detail, and British heritage are at the heart of everything we do.

If Tinker & Tallulah were a lamp, what kind of light would it cast - soft and romantic, bold and dramatic, or something entirely unique?

It would be soft but striking, like candlelight in a grand old hotel - warm, welcoming, and full of character. The kind of cosy glow that makes you never want to leave.

Every home has its own personality. What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone to find the perfect lampshade for their space?

Think of your lampshade as the jewellery of a room - it should complement the space but also bring a little magic. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns, colours or shapes. A great shade doesn’t just blend in; it elevates everything around it.

Hand-binding and stitching is such a meticulous process. What’s the most surprising or challenging part of making a Tinker & Tallulah lampshade by hand?

Patience. Every stitch, pleat and fringe placement has to be just right - it’s an art as much as a craft. But it’s all worth it when you see the finished piece glowing for the first time. That’s when all the painstaking details come together to create something truly unique.

If you could create a dream lampshade exclusively for Maison Flâneur, what would it look like - and what room would you picture it in?

A rich, pleated silk shade in deep burgundy - something that feels like it belongs in a Parisian apartment with parquet floors, vintage armchairs and candlelit dinner parties. It would sit in the perfect reading corner, casting a luxurious glow over well-loved books and a glass of champagne.

What’s your perfect playlist for a cozy night under one of your lamps?

It has to be British jazz quintet, Ezra Collective. We dare anyone not to dance whilst listening to ‘God Gave Me Feet For Dancing!’ It’s all about setting the mood for good vibes, good conversation, and of course, a little swish.

Which other makers or designers are inspiring you right now, and why?

We love interior designers who blend tradition with modernity like Martin Brudnizki and Beata Heuman. They have a fearless approach to colour, texture, and pattern making interiors feel layered, memorable and full of life.

What’s next for Tinker and Tallulah? Any exciting projects or collaborations you can share?

We’re expanding our bespoke trade offering, working on a special artist collaboration, and bringing new shapes into the mix. Our mission is to keep lighting playful, personal, and beautifully crafted - so expect more unexpected designs and plenty of fringe!

Can you share your top 8 favourite pieces from Maison Flâneur and how you’d style them alongside your lampshades?

Absolutely! We'd pick:

Felix Slipper Chair - the perfect pairing for our Burgundy & Berry Stripy Shade.

Pink Pigna Lamp Base - one for the pink lovers, our Peggy Shade is the icing on the cake.

Pimlico Bamboo Side Table - a chic side table for a cocktail and our Raspberry shade.

Bow Coupes - artisanal but make it pretty, just like our Raspberry & Rose Stripy Shade.

Tulip Kisses Blanket - who doesn’t love tulips? Match the throw with our Golden Lily shade.

Wave Rattan Mirror - our Lucile lampshade looks even better when their glow is reflected.

Suminagashi Spring Wallpaper - we love mixing prints for an eclectic, layered feel. We’d go for our Cosmopolitan Shade.

Le Zèbre Print - zebra print is having a huge moment in 2025 and our Zebra Shade is hugely popular.

Wave Rattan Mirror (Large)

£330.00

Bow Champagne Coupe Pink

£25.47

Le Zèbre | Wall Art Print

from £55.00

Pimlico Bamboo Side Table

£700.00

Suminagashi 'Spring' - A Hand Printed Wallpaper

from £2.50

Tulip Kisses Blanket

£199.00

Pink Pigna Lamp base

£360.00

Felix Slipper Chair, Fig

£1,620.00

The Eden Hall Poolside.

A Guide To Nottinghamshire

Where’s your favourite coffee shop for a perfect morning brew?

Public is a must-visit for coffee lovers in Nottingham's iconic Lace Market. Not only is the space beautiful but they make the most incredible Nutella croissants.

Which second-hand store is a hidden treasure trove for unique finds?

Treasure hunters travel from across the world to visit Newark's Antiques & Collectors Fair – the largest event of its kind in Europe! Our top tip is to get there early as there are 2,500 stands to rummage through.

Where’s the best spot for a hearty breakfast or brunch?

It has to be Eden Hall. Start the day with a hearty breakfast then spend the day doing nothing but relaxing. With thermal pools, saunas, and Elemis treatments, it’s the perfect way to recharge in style.

Which pub has the best atmosphere and a pint you can’t resist?

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem - no trip to Nottingham is complete without a visit to a historic cave! Said to be England’s oldest inn, built in 1189, it’s got the perfect mix of charm, good beer and a few ghost stories for good measure.

If someone’s visiting Nottinghamshire for the first time, what’s a must-visit spot?

Newstead Abbey - the former home of Lord Byron, it’s a stunning historic estate with beautiful gardens, wild deer roaming the grounds, and a sense of old-world magic.

Is there a secret spot in Nottinghamshire that only locals seem to know about?

Sherwood Pines - a peaceful escape in North Notts with hidden trails, a resident Gruffalo and the kind of tranquility that feels miles away from everyday life. Perfect for a quiet wander or a moment of inspiration.