Say hello to Helene Blanche!

Alabaster – Proud Dealer of Helene Blanche

Alabaster is proud to be Norway's only retailer of Helene Blanche, a brand that has become very popular in a short time. We are lucky to collaborate with this inspiring designer, and in today's newsletter we have sat down for a chat with her.

We asked Helene five questions about her background, the brand, and the inspiration behind her work. Read on to get to know Helene Blanche better!

"Helene, can you tell us a little about yourself, the brand and the story?"

My love for textiles began in childhood. Born in Denmark and raised by a Norwegian mother and a Swedish father, I have always felt a deep connection to my Scandinavian heritage. As the eldest of four sisters, I grew up in a large family surrounded by creativity and craftsmanship. Our mother, a skilled knitter, sewed our clothes by hand, and from a young age I was fascinated by knitting and traditional crafts—a passion that created a lasting connection to the art of textiles.

This interest led me to study knitwear design at Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design in London. In addition to textiles, I have always been drawn to fashion, haute couture, history and craftsmanship—fascinated by the art that brings these elements to life.

In 2008, my husband Jannik and I founded our brand with the ambition to create textiles and wallpapers with a Scandinavian soul and a timeless, classic essence.

"What is your interior design philosophy, and how do you decorate?"

I believe that colors, textures, and patterns tell beautiful and fascinating stories about who we are and how we live. A wallpapered room or a decorative patterned textile can transform a space, adding depth and character. Patterns can stimulate our senses, elevate creativity, and increase our well-being, making everyday life more beautiful and inspiring—something I think Alabaster reflects.

I love layering and combining different fabrics, patterns and materials to create depth and personality in a space. Our own home reflects this philosophy, where a bohemian essence is mixed with simplicity, vintage charm and decorative elements. Here you will find sumptuous fabrics, intricate patterns and deep, rich colours combined with glossy surfaces, vintage treasures and Art Deco furniture that add a touch of old-world glamour.

That's why it's incredibly fun to see our collection in Alabaster's store, where our patterns are in harmony with beautiful interiors and carefully curated designs.

"What are your top 3 HB patterns?"

Our most beloved patterns are Drop, Needlepoint Stripe and my new collection Vera's Stripe. I am personally instinctively drawn to simplicity – the beauty of a line, a brushstroke and materials with textures, organic sequences and shapes. It is from this fascination that I have developed my style as a textile designer.

Stripes are my favorite starting point when building a pattern. A stripe can be a continuous line, hand-painted or dotted. A neat stripe is always stylish and timeless in decor, whether it's on sumptuous textiles or decorative wallpaper. All patterns are first sketched and painted with a soft and uneven rhythm to emphasize a perfect, imperfect feel.

"How do Danes (or your other international customers) decorate with your patterns compared to Norwegians?"

Danes are naturally drawn to bright colors, minimalist designs and high-quality craftsmanship, with a penchant for a refined and understated aesthetic. When decorating with our patterns, they often embrace simplicity and let minimalist designs like Drop and Needlepoint Stripe take center stage.

Norwegians, along with many of our international clients, tend to incorporate richer and more vibrant colors, creating interiors that feel playful and inviting—often inspired by heritage and tradition.

It is always inspiring and an honor to see how our customers interpret and integrate the patterns into their spaces, each bringing their own unique cultural approach to the designs. At the same time, it has been exciting, inspiring and fun to see how Alabaster has contributed to increasing popularity and strengthening awareness of the brand.

“What inspires you?”

I love big libraries and can spend a whole day immersing myself in them. This includes studying archival design, flipping through old Vogue magazines and delving into the history of textiles. In Copenhagen, my favourite library is the Danish Design Museum. It is absolutely exceptional and I have been visiting it since I was in my early twenties, dreaming about fashion, style and textile design.

I also really appreciate visiting art galleries around the world, experiencing beautiful exhibitions, and traveling to explore new places to feel the energy and spirit of the areas.

Similarly, I find great inspiration in my collaboration with Alabaster. Seeing how our patterns are integrated into their store, surrounded by carefully selected design treasures, adds a new dimension to my work and reminds me why I love to create.