Owl Design 打造伦敦公寓的极简风格

Sophie van Winden and Simone Gordon met while studying interior architecture at London’s Ravensbourne University. ‘We were immediately drawn to each other as we had a similar style,’ says van Winden. ‘It was a male-dominated, glass-box-heavy course and we had a softer, far more decorative aesthetic, but that environment helped us to see the bigger picture, focusing on silhouettes rather than lots of pattern and print.’

Both women were drawn to design from an early age: Gordon made cushions with her mother and sold them at craft fairs, while van Winden’s pattern-loving parents ran flooring chain First Floor. After graduating, the pair pursued separate careers, but always wanted to work together.

‘Realising that we both felt we could offer something different, we took the plunge,’ says Gordon. Owl Design was formed in 2014, and today has an enviable portfolio of stylish residential projects.

A monochrome scheme is given some graphic edge in Owl Design’s Hackney project Veronica Rodriguez

What is the Owl Design style?

The studio’s interiors feature fluid, organic shapes, with a strategic use of pattern and cocooning colour. ‘When we started out we wanted to inject a sense of fun and light-heartedness that we weren’t seeing elsewhere in the interiors world,’ says van Winden. ‘Our philosophy is that your home should make you smile,’ adds Gordon.

‘We often describe our style as minimal maximalism: we love bold silhouettes, but without too much clutter. Our focus is on selecting fewer pieces, chosen for their sculptural shapes, and letting them sing.’ The duo cite the Memphis movement and the Bauhaus as key inspirations, as well as the curvaceous style of Antoni Gaudí; these references are reinvented with a focus on sustainability, from recycled furniture and fabrics to eco paints.

What are Owl Design’s recent projects?

A bright party pad in central London for ‘a well-known singer’, which had the fun brief that the interior should be more striking than the (spectacular) views. ‘It was his second home, so it gave us the chance to try out bolder ideas,’ says Gordon. Filled with playful shapes, the 1970s-inspired design featured in ELLE Decoration’s November 2021 issue.

David Bowie’s otherworldly brilliance was an influence for this Owl Design London apartment Rachael Smith

Owl Design also transformed an apartment in a former chapel in Margate for van Winden herself. Boasting loft-style high ceilings and steel columns, it has colourful door arches, Spanish-style tiling and a distinctive palette of chalk and shell-pink shades borrowed from the surrounding coastline. ‘I wanted to evoke that feeling of being on holiday every time you step inside,’ says van Winden.

What are they working on next?

A London show apartment for the real-estate developer Ghelamco, in a low-energy design. Built using cutting-edge sustainable construction methods, it features locally sourced art, upcycled vintage furniture and recycled fabrics, and has a fun, bold aesthetic. The studio is also creating an extension to an Edwardian family home, having previously designed a kitchen and loft conversion for the owners. ‘It’s lovely to see a home grow over time,’ says Gordon.

Owl Design

They say… ‘Drawing on a love of nature and craftsmanship, we work with fresh colour combinations, organic shapes, graphic patterns and natural materials to create interiors that instinctively feel good.’ owldesign.co.uk

How to create uplifting interiors that will bring cheer every day

Owl Design share the practical tips that will help you design a happier home

Playful shapes and curves add softness to a space and somehow make you feel happy. They also create a sense of flow that puts you at ease. We designed a wavy-edged headboard for an Edwardian home in Essex – it enhances the room’s feminine feel. Elsewhere, the curved sofa we designed for a London apartment gives the impression of movement.

Maximise the natural light coming into your home, but also layer lighting. Nothing is gloomier than a dark home! For the best effect, invest in plenty of eye-level options and cleverly concealed designs. For our Chiswick project, we mixed various table and floor lamps throughout; they look great when switched off but also enable the client to customise the mood.

A signature Owl Design bold wallpaper choice in its London party-pad project Owl Design

Play with scale to evoke memories from childhood. An oversized headboard, chair or even just a cushion can have the desired effect. This can also be applied to pattern: for us, mixing two patterns is reminiscent of childhood bedrooms, and can add a fun spin to an otherwise serious look.

Add bold colour to architectural features. It can make a joyful statement without overpowering a space. In our Margate project in a former chapel, we painted bold blue arches around the doors for impact. Alternatively, paint exposed beams or cupboard interiors in a contrasting hue. We once used a bright coral shade for the interior of a drinks cabinet – it fills the room with happiness every time it’s opened.