At Mash + Mint, we are always drawn to brands that combine thoughtful design with genuine heart and Lion & The Pear does exactly that.
Founded by textile designer Stephanie during the early months of motherhood, Lion & The Pear was born from a desire to create gender-neutral children’s wall art that feels playful, calming and timeless. Blending hand-painted illustration with subtle Scandinavian folk influences, her collections are designed not just to decorate a nursery or playroom, but to nurture imagination, storytelling and a sense of comfort.
In a world of fast interiors and mass-produced prints, Stephanie’s approach is refreshingly considered. Each design begins as an original acrylic painting before being reproduced on archival-quality paper, printed locally in the UK and made to last. For parents searching for sustainable children’s room décor, unique nursery wall art or timeless prints that can grow with their child, Lion & The Pear offers something quietly special.
We’re delighted to welcome Stephanie to Mash + Mint and share the story behind the brand, from the inspiration behind her bestselling prints to her advice on decorating a child’s room with longevity in mind.
Stephanie, can you tell us the story behind Lion & The Pear and what inspired you to start the brand?
Lion & The Pear was born during the first few months of my son’s life. As a textile designer with over a decade of experience working for other brands, I felt inspired to create something truly my own. I wanted to design gender-neutral prints for his room and the home, capturing a style that felt playful, timeless, and gently influenced by Scandinavian folk art. Most importantly, I wanted the artwork to help him feel comforted and safe in his room at bedtime - not created just for my taste, but for his sense of calm and imagination too.
Another reason for starting Lion & The Pear was that, as a freelancer, my income depended heavily on repeat clients, and maternity allowance barely covered the essentials. I found myself hesitant to disclose my pregnancy to clients - let alone that I had just had a baby - for fear of losing work. I wanted to build something of my own that could quietly support my family and continue to grow with us.
What makes Lion & The Pear prints and home décor unique compared to other children’s and home products?
My prints are unique because every piece is hand-painted and illustrated by me, inspired by my son, his interests, and the stories and imagination of childhood. I also pay close attention to emerging themes within the children’s décor world through my work in the fashion and home industries. I started this business from a desire to create original, neutral children’s artwork that feels timeless, rather than mass-produced, impersonal, or purely digital. Each piece begins as an acrylic painting and is reproduced on high-quality archival paper, so it feels as though you own the original - something that is incredibly important to me.
How do you choose the themes and illustrations for your collections, like Sibling Love or Circus Magic?
My son is my biggest influence, his hobbies, favourite foods and interests play a big part. But my Fashion textile designer work also gives me insight into themes and trends within the fashion and home industries.
Many customers are looking for sustainable and ethical home décor, how does Lion & The Pear approach sustainability?
Sustainability and ethical practice are very important to me. All of our prints are made using high-quality archival papers and inks designed to last and be cherished for years, reducing waste. We print on demand via a small-scale local UK printer, helping to minimise overproduction. I also try to offer low-carbon-emission options for returns whenever possible. My goal is to create beautiful, timeless pieces that families can live with and pass down, rather than disposable décor.
Can you walk us through the creative process behind one of your most popular prints?
My I Need You art print has continued to do really well since its launch in 2024. It was originally inspired by my son and me, and by the lyrics from Build Me Up Buttercup - a song I remember my Grandad singing: “I need you more than anyone else, darling.” Repeating around the edges to create a border. While I’ve placed it in the sibling category, it can represent any kind of relationship. For this piece, I painted the mice and the background separately and then brought them together. I wasn’t sure if the darker background would perform as well, but it really has. I also created a version with three mice after one of my lovely stockists requested it for her boys’ room - and now this version outperforms the double one!
How do you balance creating playful designs for children while keeping them stylish for the home?
I always try to imagine the type of room a print will live in and keep my customer profile in mind, creating designs that are playful enough for children but styled with my key audience in mind. I also keep an eye on trends in interiors and pop culture to make sure we stay relevant, all while maintaining that signature Lion & The Pear hand-drawn feel.
What role does storytelling play in your products, and how do you hope your prints inspire families?
Many of my series are inspired by stories and themes that children often explore - mermaids, storytelling cowboys, and more. I want my prints to become a talking point at bedtime, sparking imagination and giving children a starting point to create their own stories for the characters.
For someone decorating a child’s room for the first time, what advice would you give on choosing art and accessories?
Choose pieces that can grow with your child. I often see these perfectly poised nurseries on Pinterest and Instagram that I just know will completely change in a year or so. Think timeless. Ask yourself: would a 5-, 7-, or 10-year-old still enjoy this wallpaper or bed? Make the big purchases wisely, and then have fun with the smaller bits. This way, you can update the room as their interests change without a huge outlay - or worse, having to strip wallpaper! The art should reflect their personality- ask them what they like- get them involved with picking some pieces for their rooms.
How has winning recognition, like the Junior Design Awards, influenced the direction of Lion & The Pear?
This acknowledgement that I’m heading in the right direction has given me the confidence that I have something worth sharing. I’m now excited to collaborate with different brands, and having this recognition helps people take you a little more seriously.
What has been the most rewarding part of running your own creative business?
The most rewarding part has been seeing ideas come to life and knowing they resonate with people.
Are there any upcoming collections or collaborations that Mash + Mint customers should be excited about?
We have a couple in the pipeline that I want to keep under wraps for now, but 2026 will be a great year for Lion & The Pear in getting ourselves on the map in the interiors world.
Finally, what is your favourite Lion & The Pear piece and why does it hold a special place for you?
I had Be You Jaguar printed in A1 for my son’s room. It reminds me of the values I hope he carries with him as he grows up - to be brave, kind, and true to himself.
Stephanie’s journey is a reminder that the most meaningful brands often begin at home - rooted in personal stories, practical necessity and a deep understanding of family life. From award recognition to thoughtful sustainability choices, Lion & The Pear continues to grow while staying true to its original purpose: creating artwork that feels comforting, imaginative and enduring.
As Lion & The Pear joins Mash + Mint, we’re proud to showcase a collection of children’s art prints designed to be treasured - not just styled for a season. Whether you’re decorating a nursery, refreshing a playroom, or searching for a heartfelt gift, these pieces are made to live with your family and evolve with it.
Discover the collection online at mashandmint.co.uk and explore children’s wall art designed to inspire calm, creativity and confidence.
