Karen Kench
Artist / Designer / Maker
I’m Karen Kench, the sole human behind Kettle of Fish Designs. My workplace colleague is a lurcher called Murphy, but his lack of opposable thumbs means he’s not much help, except for company.
I’m a lover of interesting interiors, informal gardens and unusual stuff. My home is a true reflection of my interests, passions and quirks and contains the many things I have collected over a lifetime.
I specialise in bespoke fabrics and wall art and have developed a innovative technique for printing images directly onto plaster. My work has been used by stylists and interior designers who are sourcing original, beautifully made items for show homes, window dressing and magazine shoots.
As an artist and maker, my work has found a home in a variety of prestigious properties managed by Kip Hideaways who are known for their discerning taste and commitment to providing extraordinary accommodation. Seeing my creations within these distinctive properties fills me with a sense of accomplishment and stands as a testament to the craftsmanship, dedication, and passion that I invest in my work. Kip Hideaways' properties embody a harmony between aesthetics and functionality and my creations sit perfectly within their surroundings, enhancing the allure of each place.
My work also features on the deVOL website and in their beautiful Book of Kitchens, thanks to a shared customer base. The deVOL brand is synonymous with elegance, quality, and timeless design, making it a real honour to be associated with their exceptional work.
Through Kip Hideaways and deVOL, my work has found its way into the lives of many individuals seeking inspiration and beauty for their homes. Through Kettle of Fish Designs, I would love to help you achieve that too. I specialise in making beautiful, bespoke items for interiors. Many of my designs are unique items and all are made by hand with real attention to detail.
Originally from the city of Sheffield, I now live and work in the small town of Yarm in north-east England.
Kettle of Fish Designs came about as a result of my own long searches for things that truly represented my style and taste in jewellery and interiors.
I usually had a picture in my head of what I wanted, but couldn’t find anything out there that was quite right. I know what I like, but don’t always know why. My tastes are eclectic and quirky…..and detail is critical, especially if that detail is the story and patina of age.
I began by making jewellery using found items, handmade felt and printed images…..people started to ask me where I got them from and it all grew from there.
I moved on to making framed prints, upcycling old glass paperweights and making candle plates and coasters….and then a whole lot more.
I made my first lampshades for the Festival of Thrift in 2015, initially upcycling old shades with vintage fabrics and hand printed elements.
My background is in Fine Art and I think this gives me a different approach to ‘design’ and certainly influences my use of some unusual materials and techniques.
My interest and studies in Fine Art have led me to create a series of 'ReMastered’ works, using the most incredible images and details from the wonderful collections of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, amongst others, to use for interior design projects. These images have been reproduced in stunning detail, with all the brush marks in the paint, cracks on a canvas and blemishes on paper that give a real authenticity and character to my prints.
“Utterly exquisite - what a talented and original lady.”
“Just gorgeous! Unique, quality item!”
An important part of my work ethos is sustainability. I reuse and recycle as much as I possibly can and love turning everyday and discarded items into something useful, beautiful and unique. This chimes well with my everyday lifestyle, of being a collector (some might say hoarder!) and my ethos of never really throwing anything away because it might just ‘come in’ one day!
I like to look sideways at things, seeking out original ideas and possibilities, trying to find a new purpose for something ordinary.
small offcuts of lampshade backing become candle shades or provide a stiffener for prints
curtain rings are made into small frames
fabric offcuts are reused for small prints, or buttons and brooches
an old cake tin makes the perfect wall sconce
most of my packaging is recycled / reused
