O&A London project – the Family Home is featured by the 25 Beautiful Homes Magazine, November issue, 2022.
It may be the height of luxury but this house designed by Anna Agapova and Oleg Klodt is also geared to family life.
Photographer: Mikhail Loskutov
Styled by Natalia Varnikova
Press enquiries: alla@oa-london.com
O&A London project – an Art Collector’s Apartment is featured by Homes & Interiors, October issue, 2022.
In a Living Room Case Study O&A London’s team shares secrets how to make art become a part of the home and not turn the apartment into a gallery.
Photographer: Sergey Ananiev
Styled by Natalia Varnikova
Press enquiries: alla@oa-london.com
O&A London new residential project — apartment in Thomas Earle House is featured in Homes & Gardens Magazine.
Photographer: Anders Gramer
Stylist: Natalia Varnikova
Read the article
Published by Lucy Searle
O&A London project office in Kensington is featured by HIVE Magazine, August issue, 2022.
When it comes to office design, it’s usually efficiency and cost controls that are the watchwords. But for this office in Knightsbridge, O&A London, had quite the opposite brief. Here, art was to be a central focus. Oleg Klodt and Anna Agapova developed bespoke lighting design piece for a reception desk.
Photographer: Mikhail Loskutov
Styled by Natalia Varnikova
Press enquiries: alla@oa-london.com
O&A London new residential project “Holiday Home” is featured by 25 Beautiful Homes, July issue, 2022.
Photographer: Simon Upton
Styled by Elena Tikhonova
Read more about the project
WOW!house is Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour’s first-ever designer showhouse. 20 acclaimed interior designers created a space in partnership with renowned makers and international design brands. A rich palette of styles, colours, patterns, textures, craftsmanship, art and objects. Each designer expresses personal aesthetic and design philosophy from timeless elegance to dramatic, globe-trotting fantasy and romance.
O&A team visited WOW!house and found inspiration in the exceptional work of designers brought together under one roof for the first time.
MAMOU-MANI
Trend – bio technologies
Mamou-Mani used a unique cutting-edge architectural practice and fabrication facility FabPub to create the WOW!house’s facade. The aeriform wall of circular mandalas embellishes the entrance creating the interplay of light and shadow. The pattern was generated parametrically. Each mandala was 3D-printed in bioplastic, made from mix of fermented sugar and wood. It is not just a designed façade it is a symbol of the circular economy.
SHALINI MISRA / ENTRANCE FOYER
Trend – recycled materials
Shalini Misra created a fantasy entrance foyer that leads you to the house. She combined artisanal techniques, recycled materials, forms and designed a combination of authentic images. The space showcases exuberant, experimental, and bold design. We are absolutely in love with the central vase by Maarten Vrolijk, Vessel Gallery!
LINDA BORONKAY / PIERRE FREY SALON
Trend – ancient Egypt
Linda Boronkay draw inspiration from the past and used the opulent AMENHOTEP Genoa velvet from Pierre Frey’s MERVEILLES D’EGYPTE collection. We have already wrote about this collection and African Spirit Trend in our London Design Week 2022 Review. The designer mixed ancient Egypt with contemporary forms and finishes and presented a luxury room that is as inspiring as it is unexpected. The space tells us mystery stories with cinematic moments. The furniture contrasts elegantly with the gorgeous patterns of Maison Pierre Frey.
EMMA BURNS AND PHILIP HOOPER / COLEFAX AND FOWLER DRAWING ROOM
Trend – timeless elegance
Emma and Philip lean into the darkness and explore the depths of color to create the best background to art. The designers created space that acknowledges the past but focuses on the future. Enveloping comfort of traditional upholstery, mixed with antique pieces, traditional curtain design and art works perfectly together creating a harmonious environment.
FREDDY VAN ZEVENBERGEN / DINING ROOM
Trend – rich colours
Freddy created the vibrant dining room, both as a transitional space and as a place for warm welcoming. The key point is comfort – high-sided dining chairs, generously scaled sofa, subdued lighting and rich colour palette. It’s a new way to design a dining room – emotional and full of passion.
PAOLO MOSCHINO AND PHILIP VERGEYLEN / DRAWING ROOM
Trend – playful interiors
Paolo and Philop seized the opportunity designing the playful drawing room with a mixture of antiques and contemporary furniture. Designers created a classic room with some art and a touch of humour. Fresh, clean, and delicate colour palette! Antiques and oriental art add drama to the room.
RAYMAN BOOZER / PRINCIPAL BEDROOM
Trend – romantic and sexy
Rayman Boozer chose romantic and sexy shades for principal bedroom. The film The Pillow Book became a sensual inspiration for the designer who used silk, velvets and lush sateen bedding.
BRANDON SCHUBERT / MORRIS & CO. COURTYARD BEDROOM
Trend – pattern clash
Brandon Schubert used more pattern and colour to create drama and visual excitement. The colour of turning leaves on the walls and deep green curtains on the bed and windows are the winning combination for the courtyard bedroom.
JORDAN CLUROE AND RUSSELL WHITEHEAD (2LG Studio) / HOUSE OF ROHL BATHROOM
Trend – joyful escapism
The creative duo invites us to a journey to paradise created with design tools: tropical plants, blue seas, jungle-backed beaches. The freestanding “Amiata” bath promises pure pleasure in hot, scented waters. Their signature style gives us a joyful escapist with playful use pendant light seemingly made from lines of freshly squeezed toothpaste.
JOANNA PLANT / TISSUS D’HÉLÈNE BEDROOM
Trend – floral prints
Joanna impressed with celebration of floral prints in her bedroom filled with sunshine. We felt atmosphere of a beautiful garden in a summer day with bloom on the walls, bed and over the curtains. A yellow canopy over the bed harmonizes a visual composition.
TURNER POCOCK / JULIAN CHICHESTER LIBRARY
Trend – home libraries
The Turner Pocock studio created the library in partnership with the furniture company Julian Chichester. The atmosphere of the home library awakes our imagination and reminds about classic English novels where gentlemen smoked a pipe planning the future sailing around the world. Dark oak bookcase, leather upholstery of chairs with reclining backs and a coffee table feed the soul and invites to dive into reading.
UNITED IN DESIGN / DE LE CUONA LIVING ROOM
Trend – sustainable living
The charity project “United in Design” created a room in collaboration with de Le Cuona. Sustainable living is an entire value of this creative duo. Upon entering the room we explore the connection with the nature in every detail – bespoke furniture, fabrics, furnishings and a living wall in the center of this composition. Artworks by Emma Zhang express a pure nature and harmony.
RUI RIBEIRO / DRAWING ROOM
Trend – artful living
Rui designed a space full of art and textures. Oak, linen, patinated brass, horsehair and uneven stucco create a tempting atmosphere of artful living. Restful and calming shades of earthy colour palette infuse the room with warmth.
RITA KONIG / GP & J BAKER MORNING ROOM
Trend – ferns
Rita has created a green, fresh morning room that invites you to sit down and forget about everything with a friend. The designer offers ferns as a new trend for visual reprieve. You feel comfort and calm wherever you look – walls, windows, artworks, antique furniture or a fascinating objet trouvé.
KIT KEMP AND MINNIE KEMP OF KIT KEMP DESIGN STUDIO / DAY ROOM
Trend – fabric ceiling
The Kemps presented composition of thrilling patterns, curtains and mannequins with the same floral print, breathtaking fabric ceiling and rows of colorful hats. An original workshop evokes our imagination and inspires.
DUNCAN CAMPBELL AND CHARLOTTE REY / SCHUMACHER GARDEN ROOM
Trend – eclectic mix
Duncan and Charlotte created the garden room full of deep green shades, chic texture and eclectic style. Natural elements go together with art deco daybed, photographic artwork by Jason Schulman and alluring textile from Schumacher.
Text: Anna Agapova and O&A London design team
Imagine the house of your dreams.
If you have already decided to create your ideal interior to live in, here are some pointers to bear in mind.
It’s easy to make large and costly mistakes. There are plenty of renovation horror stories, but many of these problems can be avoided if you plan carefully and use the right equipment to make your dream come true.
Transparency between O&A London and its’ clients is our core value. We know we have to earn your trust, and we love being honest and open when sharing our experience & knowledge with you.
Here are some of our exclusive insider tips to avoid common mistakes that can ruin your project.
TIP NO. 1 — DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE BUDGET
Renovations can sometimes cost more than anticipated. We recommend adding an extra 7-10% to your budget as contingency. In this way you are better prepared for any surprises. Remember, renovations rarely go entirely as planned. Having that extra security in your budget will help to manage any unexpected problems.
If you wish to also undertake procurement and installation of Furniture, Fixtures and Fittings (FF&E) we advise you to find a designer to assist you with sourcing and supplying this. Our studio will bring an established relationship with trusted suppliers and manufacturers into your project. This relationship guarantees you the best terms, including best production lead time, best delivery and best discounts. O&A have these commercial relationships already established, and this will help you save budget and time.
TIP NO. 2 — AVOID TRYING TO BE TOO TRENDY
Never try to follow all the trends you have read about in interior magazines. These ‘trends’ are often product placements by well-known brands to encourage you to buy their products. Trends are fleeting and they will limit the timelessness of your interior.
We suggest focusing instead on the quality of the materials rather than how popular they are at the moment.
We give our clients this insider advice – pay less attention to the interior and instead invest more in works of art and bespoke objects. Trends are short-lived, while art and good design lasts forever.
TIP NO. 3 — MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE
Measurement mistakes can disrupt any renovation, particularly when it comes to custom-built items. The most common mistake – when ordering a made-to-measure kitchen we forget to leave space for kitchen equipment, high level installation of white goods, etc. Depending on the project, the smallest miscalculation can cause weeks of delay. Do you know that bespoke items are non-refundable? This means that even a tiny measurement mistake can cost you dear.
TIP NO. 4 — MAKE YOUR PURCHASES AT THE TIME NEEDED
Put together your item purchase list and include your deadlines for making decisions. Don’t buy appliances, flooring, furniture, and other materials until the project plans are finalized. Otherwise, you risk buying the wrong quantities of materials or ordering appliances that won’t fit.
TIP NO. 5 — DON’T USE CHEAP CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
Select only high-quality materials, so you won’t need to replace them within a few years. Construction materials aren’t the place to economise. Spend good money on things you touch every day. Higher-quality components last longer, and the tangible tactile difference in high quality materials sends a daily reminder to you about the solidity and quality of your home.
Demolition waste is 30% of cities damps. We believe that now is the time to start thinking about protecting the environment and to take personal responsibility. Follow the principle of rational economy – high-quality components can be used for years and possibly centuries.
TIP NO.6 — MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE NECESSARY PERMITS
Depending on the scope of your renovation or building, you might need planning permission, or building regulations approval. You might also need to tell other interested parties; for example leaseholders or neighbours under the Party Wall Act.
TIP NO. 7 — ASK QUESTIONS
Unless you’re working in the interior design industry, don’t pretend to understand all the plans and technical schemes that are put in front of you. Ask any questions that you might have. After all, you are the client, and it is your home.
TIP NO. 8 — ONCE YOU ARE UNDER WAY, DON’T MAKE TOO MANY CHANGES
Changes that seem simple to you may require a lot of work in the background. Make sure you ask your designer and / or builder to look over final plans before construction starts.
TIP NO. 9 — USE ‘GREEN’ PRODUCTS
Ten years ago, green building products were synonymous with high cost. Today, environmentally friendly construction is much more mainstream and available at a variety of price points. Simple things like water collection and preservation can reduce water usage. Solar energy will minimize electricity usage, and you may even get paid for your solar energy. Eco-friendly insulation can keep your house cooler or warmer, depending on where you live, naturally.
Living roofs look quite expensive on first sight, but you will get a multitude of benefits such as:
– reduction of the amount of noise that comes into your home;
– reduction of the amount of energy your house needs for heating, saving you money;
– fire retardation provided by green roofs helps protect your home;
– increase your property value
– additional aesthetic pleasure
TIP NO. 10 — HIRE A DESIGNER AT THE START
Good designers are worth every penny. If you hire an architect or interior designer, they will generally have a list of trustworthy builders and contractors. This means less work for you! Make sure you are hiring professionals that you can trust and feel comfortable around. Don’t be afraid to ask for references or examples of past projects they have worked on. Hiring consulting architects or designers to fine-tune your plans is invaluable for spotting issues you may have overlooked. These professionals can help make your plans more functional and more efficient.
Choose us and you will avoid all these mistakes!
Oleg Klodt & Anna Agapova
The O&A London studio always pays special attention to the kids room design for every project. If you want to create a gorgeous space far from the clichés, we have gathered ideas from our studio archive to inspire a child-friendly makeover. Here are O&A London’s top trends 2022 for children’s bedrooms.
BRING THE OUTDOORS IN
We love creating a link between the interior and landscape. Centuries-old trees outside this country house inspired us to use wallpaper with owls by Abigail Edwards for this bright and engaging kids room.
Modern Constructivism, country house by O&A London
INTERACTIVE FUN LEARN ZONE
Rooms for children should be a magical universe inspiring imagination. Interactive interiors, where design is a part of a game, are trending in 2022.
When kids are forced to spend endless hours indoors, it can become quite difficult for them to keep themselves occupied. The best alternative is to create a more interactive room that encourages physical and mental activity. Add a climbing wall to the mix or even create a small stage in the room which allows children to showcase their talent!
Kids room with Chalkboard, playful wallpaper by Hygge and West
ECO-FRIENDLY
We use only natural materials, plants and organic shapes to imbue a space with a warm and relaxed atmosphere. When choosing finishing materials it is important to pay attention to certification to ensure compliance with quality standards. Integration into nature-inspired design is known to have a beneficial effect on childrens’ well-being.
The Family House where 70% of the space is dedicated to kids
MAKE THE DREAMS COME TRUE
This bedroom was specially designed for an American young woman who loves everything British. We designed individual lighting, which has inscriptions from the London Underground network. The opposite wall was decorated with photo-wallpaper showing views of Westminster Abbey, which enhances the perspective of the room’s proportions, giving it a broader feel. The door to the bedroom imitates the doors of London’s famous double-decker buses, a well-loved symbol of London and a British design legend.
Interestingly, after graduating from school in the US the young lady moved to London and is now studying at one of theUK’s leading universities.
ANIMAL PRINTS ARE ON A TREND
Animal print wallpapers can be fun, chic and sophisticated. With zebra stripes, monkey patterns or bird inspired designs, these wallpapers are a nod to the animal kingdom. As an additional bonus animal motifs in nursery decor are educational! Animal wallpaper is an ideal feature for the wall behind the bed. In this bedroom we used wallpaper with a zebra motif to create a fun, unique and vibrant atmosphere.
Dazzle wallpaper by Juliete Travers, Safari Collection
WALLPAPER VS PAINT
Any interior can be transformed into something unique with the use of quirky yet sophisticated wallpaper. The world of childrens wallpapers is huge and colourful, but unlike with toys, there are no age recommendations helping parents to decide which type to choose.
However, we believe that kids bedroom design should encourage young people to dream. This room was designed for a young aspiring ornithologist. We complimented the interior with framed artwork to add extra depth to the wall space and to bring the bird theme of the room to life.
Vintage Swallows Wallpaper by Sanderson, Country House in English Style
HOME LIBRARY FOR CHILDREN
You can never overestimate the importance of books in young peoples’ lives and the role of home libraries. A home library is very likely to increase productivity and motivation to learn in children and young adults.
Research indicates that growing up in a home with books increases literacy and math prowess. Here are some highlights from a study led by Dr. Joanna Sikora of the Australian National University: – a child growing up in a home with at least 80 books will have greater literacy and numeracy in adulthood – a home library can promote reading and math skills more than college alone – growing up in a pro-learning home leads to a lifetime of knowledge-seeking.
We encourage our clients to support their children’s education with a home library. In one of our projects the client designated more than 70% of the space in the house to be focused on the children. The mother started a fabulous book collection, for which we designed a large bespoke bookcase, which will allow the collection to grow with the children. The library case is taking up a considerable part of the creative zone, so we allowed for toys and decor items to be displayed as well.
The Family House where 70% of space is dedicated to kids
ART
Art has a unique power in the life of young people growing up! Art cultivates perception, kindles imagination, evokes creative energy and harmonises the space around us. Be bold in choosing art objects and let your imagination run wild. Commission your kids! Properly matted and framed art made by kids could pass for something you would see in a modern art gallery.
BRING THE CLASSROOM INTO THE HOME
Interiors should stimulate creative thinking, memory and associativity. In interiors for children this is reflected by creating spaces where learning and playing are combined.
Often the limited space of a kids room has to fulfil several functions: it is a bedroom, a playroom, and a study. We love to create custom high-quality furniture, which supports this multi-functional character and at the same time saves valuable space.
Apartment of architect Oleg Klodt, bespoke furniture by O&A London
For his daughter’s room, Oleg Klodt recreated the romantic atmosphere of an enchanted forrest. He chose wallpaper by Cole and Son. The central theme is seamlessly continued throughout the artwork and room textiles. In contrast, for his son’s room the architect designed a space-saving study corner and featured a black & white image of New York City, using the effect of the inverted perspective to enhance the room’s dimensions.
Apartment of architect Oleg Klodt
CUTE BATHROOMS
Functionality is important when designing a children’s bathroom, but it should also be about fun and creativity. We have several tips! First of all, keep the hard surfaces more neutral. Also, use colours and patterns on wallpaper or wall decor that can be upgraded easily in the future, depending on the children’s changing age and taste. Finally, design an ergonomic space and make sure that your child can reach all shelves and utilities. We prefer creating the bathroom for children in a similar style to their bedroom.
Discover O&A London kids room archive on Pinterest!
“Before you see it everywhere see it here” – these are the opening words of Pinterest Global Predicts Report for 2022.
Based on its research the most popular design source of inspiration and social media published “a not -yet-trending report” as a window into the future. The creators of Pinterest argue that people use this search engine to plan for the future. That is why they know what comes next.
O&A London Creative Director, Anna Agapova, had a look at the findings and there are some real surprises. Be prepared to love it or hate it!
#1 HELLENISTIC REVIVAL
Since my surname is rooted in the Greek language (“agape” means unconditional love), I would love to start my review with one of the top trends.
According to Pinterest Pedicts 2022 it’s all about relaxed mediterranean vibes, in particular the Greek culture. Apparently, Gen Z takes inspiration from Greece and young people invest in home décor based on ancient Greek aesthetics. The most popular requests are Greek statue art, columns and Aphrodite aesthetics wallpaper.
Home brands also recommend infusing ancient aesthetics into homes in order to create vibrant and sophisticated interiors. Based on similar sentiments I wouldn’t want to miss this chance to promote two statement consoles with ancient Doric vibes by O&A London.
If you want to add a little bit of Greek revival to your interior, think of a furniture piece as a functional and aesthetic addition to your room. The gem of our O&A London furniture collection – Diorda console – features a rare balance of elegance and functionality. The rigour of its geometric form is softened by the carefully chosen colour scheme. A larger console, such as our Alkes console table, could be an impressive room divider. Placed behind the sofa, it improves the visual experience and offers an additional surface for table lamps or flower compositions at the same time.
Diorda Console Table&Alkes Console Table
In addition, you could also use textiles with a Greek flair or something a little more complex like the Malt fabric from our Caledonia Collection. This modern print also has an ancient twist.
Discover O&A London Hellenistic Revival Board
#2 СURVE APPEAL
Arches, curves and organic shapes are all around. Boomers, Gen X and Millennials are excited about indoor arches, curved pools, sofas, bars and kitchen islands.
Curves add a lot of movement to interiors. We love bringing them into our studio projects, especially in public spaces. Arches often work perfectly in modern and classic interiors. These elements can add an Art Deco vibe and it is easy to incorporate them in wall décor, doorways and even ceilings.
O&A London designed a lobby in Art Deco Style
If you want to bring an artistic touch to a space the easiest trick is to incorporate arches in the interior.
Luxury rugs boutique, Meissa Small Chandelier, Snow Motifs Rug, Praecipua Side Table
Discover O&A London Curve appeal board
#3 HOT HOROLOGY
Maybe it’s a sign of the times, but Gen X and Boomers are more into clocks than ever. Oversized clocks are trending in homes, offices, co-working spaces, pools – literally everywhere!
Modern wall clocks most certainly add more charm to the simple act of checking the time. Aside from keeping you on time, a wall clock can also make a design statement in any room. And it says something definitive about your personality: you appreciate time!
These functional and gorgeous pieces prove that sometimes being a little old school isn’t such a bad thing.
Discover O&A London Hot Horology Board
#4 OH MY GOTH
People are searching for dark moody rooms and this is not just a teenage rebellion trend – it’s the real deal! Interesting fact: black kitchens and black kitchen décor are leading search terms.
There is a lot of black out there but it is not the only trend. We are also seeing charcoal and dark materials with rich dominant patterns, for example dark marble with white veins. A strong graphic expression of the mood clearly plays a role.
Luxury Dark Moody Kitchen Interior, private project by O&A London
Historians and design theorists explain the tendency toward dark dramatic colour schemes with the fact that, in times of social and economic crisis, humans view their homes as shelters. They get ready to build a nest and wrap themselves in a cocoon.
Behind the schemes: for the residential development “Hide” we design a lobby in dark colours. The design scheme translates the idea of privacy.
Discover O&A London Oh my Goth Board
#5 BARKITECTURE
In 2022 people will “catify” and redesign their homes with their pets at the forefront. I find it interesting that luxury cat and dog rooms are a top trend. I can see the logic in this: after so many Covid lockdowns people are keen to spoil their pets who were their companions and best friends during a difficult time.
We have not yet received a request to design a separate room for a dog or cat. But working on design schemes for new residential developments we always provide a bathroom in the lobby, which is also equipped with a shower for dogs. Dog owners love it! They really welcome a facility where they can clean up their pets after a long muddy walk.
Maison Rouge Residential Development, Pet Shower
Discover O&A London Barkitecture Board
#6 EMOTIONAL ESCAPE ROOMS
Emotions are so hot right now. Everyone needs a place to get away, relax and restore themselves. People are searching for ideas on how to decompress, balance their energy and reduce anger or anxieties.
An emotional escape room can be about your hobby, reading a book, watching TV, getting dressed, doing your hair etc. It‘is all about the things that revive you and make you feel good. All age groups are driving searches for music-themed rooms, yoga and meditation, “zen” zones and even rage rooms.
“Spiritual decoration”, mood candles – everything to take your meditation practice to new heights.
Discover O&A London Emotional Escape Room Board
#7 LAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT
Gen X and Boomers are looking for summer lake aesthetics. The most trending searches are lake resorts, lake home plans, and lake trip outfits. It’s all about lakeside escapes.
I should note that we have several lake projects at the moment. Given that the last two years were quite nerve-wrecking for so many people, this current trend really doesn’t come as a surprise. The interesting thing is that the lake is more popular than the beach. Obviously, people yearn for tranquility, nature, wood and peaceful settings.
To bring relaxed lakeside home vibes into your interior you can add water-themed artwork, set décor accents or select textiles inspired by waves.
Ocean Rug, Ocean Textile, Glass Art by Samantha Donaldson, Paintings by Stacie McCormick, Holiday Home in Devon
Discover O&A London Lake it till you make it Board
#8 BIOPHILIC DESIGN
Millennials are searching for “green ideas” to increase their connection to nature and enhance their well-being. The top search terms are biophilic architecture, biophilic office design, biophilic design bedroom, staircase gardens and floral ceilings.
Floral Ceiling Installation, Serenity Rug inspired by Patagonia landscape, Caledonia Fabric Collection
Discover O&A London Biophilic Design Board
#9 PEARLCORE
People are embracing iridescent accents in their homes and jewellery boxes. And if you are tired of white, green or black themed parties don’t worry: pearl-themed parties will soon be on the rise.
Even artists create pearl necklace installations for popular design exhibitions.
We pulled together some ideas from our portfolio to help our audience to bring understated luxury into their homes and to refresh the interior with pearl accents like pearl finishes, oyster wallpaper, silk textiles, art glass and pearl scones!
Knightsbridge Private Apartment, Erica Frost Wallpaper, Lyra Console, Wings Silk Fabric
Discover O&A London Pearlcore Board
#10 LIMITLESS LUXE
The fun fact is that people search Pinterest on how to bring luxury into the least-expected corners of the home, like children’s bedrooms, garages, home gyms, wardrobes, utility rooms and even basements. Everything plus luxury!
For Millennials and Gen X forgotten spaces are becoming luxurious nooks. It’s all about expensive and exclusive materials and textures.
It’s interesting that this trend is strong in Australia, the country that had one of the longest lockdowns. Maybe that’s their reason for wanting every corner of their houses to feel special.
Private Office, Meridian Round Chandelier
Luxe doesn’t need to mean an entire overhaul. Find ways to add luxury touches to spaces with our Limitless Luxe Pinterest Board
There are more interesting trends for design professionals. Check out Cuppa Time, Store Décor, The last Resort, Calming Classrooms, Celestial Celebrations, Chequer Yourself, Be Jewelled.
On a final note I’d like to summarise that our trend review seems to present us with two parallel universes! On the one hand there are soothing, cosy, calming vibes and, on the other hand, there’s this luxury, shiny, moody and colourful explosion. The pandemic’s monotonous life affected our preferences in different ways. Those who felt quite bored during lockdown life seem to be looking for more excitement. Au contraire, there are others who are yearning for calm and tranquility.
Text: Anna Agapova
Look inside a contemporary HOLIDAY HOME offering magnificent sea views across the Jurassic Coast in DEVON
Size: 4300 sq ft
Photography: Simon Upton
Background
Armed with a real estate brochure a young couple popped into the O&A London office on the day after their wedding. The brochure featured a modern detached property in Devon, where the newlyweds planned to enjoy idyllic summer holidays and short breaks. Ultimately, the house was to become the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life for the busy professionals; a place where they could truly relax and recharge their batteries and also a place to share with family and friends.
Brief
The brief was to develop a design concept for the three-storey contemporary building highlighting the living room and dining area in particular. The clients were looking for a minimalist approach to the overall project and asked the creative team to come up with a calming, tranquil and airy design.
The O&A London team, led by Anna Agapova and Oleg Klodt, made it their mission to create a ‘tranquil sanctum’ for the young family. During the initial conversations the idea emerged of an interior reflecting the abundant natural beauty of the local area inside their home, hence the dreamy pastels of the nearby sandy beaches and the soft greens of the Devon cliffs and hill tops were to feature prominently in the design.
Interior
One of the most stunning features of the property are the fabulous and far-reaching views across the Jurassic Coast. The main goal was to open up the house to the outdoors and to let the living space become part of the spectacular landscape.
“I know it’s a cliché, but this project was literally created from the inside out. In addition to the panoramic windows, there is also a spacious terrace. If you want to enjoy fabulous, far-reaching views you simply can’t imagine a better or a more inviting place.” commented Oleg Klodt.
The building’s modern exterior and the calming view from the panoramic windows inspired Anna Agapova and Oleg Klodt to keep the overall interior style very neutral and to put accents using pieces of contemporary art.
In terms of colour palette, the designers opted for a range of soft greys and blush pinks in order to amplify the soothing atmosphere of the home. In the living room a wallpaper by American brand Calico was chosen as a complementary backdrop.
“The first time I walked into the house I was totally captivated watching the sun setting on the horizon. At that moment I knew that soft shades of pink would play a dominant part in the living room – just like the first violin in a symphony orchestra”, said Anna Agapova.
Furniture
A holiday home is a place where everyone should feel relaxed, hosts and guests alike. Naturally, entertaining is very important. With that in mind, Oleg and Anna designed a unique hand-crafted live edge dining table.
‘The design revolution in the last few years has been all about green, sustainable and organic pieces. Natural-edge tables are a perfect example of this trend. They are great centrepieces that give the modern interior a more soothing and natural atmosphere,” says architect Oleg Klodt.
“It’s not about highlighting pieces of furniture but proportionately adjusting these so they fit into the space; we don’t want to loose the main focus, which is looking outside”, says Anna.
For the interior spaces directly connected to the outside, the design duo selected soft shapes and colours. In contrast, the main hall features strong statement pieces made from dark wood, like the ‘Orion’ console by Liagre and ‘Roe Benches’ by Caste Design. Complementing the interior are ‘Float’ wall lights. These are elegant cylindrical light fixtures literally floating with character.
Art and Décor
“What’s so special about this house is that it is a true retreat. We wanted to amplify the feeling that you are in the privacy of your home and yet you are part of the landscape too, a part of nature. Each element of the interior should support this idea.” says Anna.
The key feature of the interior décor is the bespoke hand-crafted rug ‘Ocean’. The design was inspired by the sea and resembles the pattern left on the wet sand by receding waves. The rug was created by Anna Agapova and Oleg Klodt in collaboration with Riviere, a British rug specialist. 10% of the proceeds from each rug sold is donated to 4ocean, an organisation dedicated to removing plastic from the oceans, thus saving and preserving marine life. Last year the designers initiated the “Save the Ocean” campaign, which helped to remove from the Ocean.
Many artists, whose works are inspired by the ocean, participated in the “Save the Ocean” campaign, including Valeria Nascimento, an artist specialising in porcelain installations. Valeria’s elegant artworks can be seen as a reminder of marine life’s fragility and so her work was included in the living room décor.
Glass art by Wayne Charmer and Samantha Donaldson from Vessel Gallery were also selected for the display. They perfectly capture the fluid and amorphous forms normally found in nature and organic life forms.
‘Land and Sea’, a bespoke art installation by Celia Smith is the highlight in the garden room. The artist uses wires and other materials to create her drawings. Celia’s main subject are birds and she regularly goes on trips to nature reserves and remote islands in order to find inspiration. Her wall piece is made of birch twigs, wire and 17 enamelled birds.
The hall houses five unique and innovative artworks titled ‘Underwater Series’ by Domitilla Biondi, an emerging Italian artist. Her technique, white on white paper carving, fits perfectly into the minimalist concept.
Footnote: We’d love to point out that most of the paintings owned by the clients were bought in local galleries, mainly in the ancient fishing village of Beer, where an art lover can find many interesting shops and galleries.
O&A London Residential Portfolio
Easter is not only about chocolate eggs, cake and the Easter bunny. It is a perfect occasion to bring the joy of colourful spring flowers into your home. Easter is a special holiday commonly associated with a sense of renewal, the anticipation of new beginnings. Flower compositions help to recreate that special atmosphere in your home. You can easily use flowers to convey a feeling of hope and impress your guests at the same time. The traditional colour palette for Easter is white, green and yellow. White represents purity and innocence; green is widely seen as the colour of life, renewal, nature and yellow typically symbolises optimism, energy and joy.
EASTER TABLE SETTING
If you aim to turn the Easter holiday into a memorable and enjoyable celebration for you, your family and close friends, the table becomes the main focus. Seasonal tableware requires imagination and the drive to create something new every year without breaking the boundaries of cherished Easter traditions. Fresh compositions could make a great centrepiece for the family lunch.
Transform your table setting and welcome spring into your home by introducing vibrant compositions to your dining arrangements at Easter.
Flowers are mood lifters and some of them are also natural air purifiers. The light, airy and clean scent of eucalyptus is a perfect choice for every occasion. Choose shades from the green and white palette to round up the space and let your guests enjoy the harmoneous and soothing fraqrance.
LIVING ROOM
Floral decorations using apple or cherry blossom are hugely popular in spring, particularly at Easter. These delicate white flowers perfectly complement any interior.
KITCHEN
These vibrant gloriosa help you to bring a little piece of the exotic outdoor world right into your home. The bright yellow colour in the kitchen might even inspire you to rustle up something delicious and zesty for your family and guests at Easter.
BEDROOM
Fresh flowers in the bedroom are a fantastic way to put a smile on your face and make you want to embrace the new day as soon as you open your eyes.
Let the Easter spirit enter your private sphere with soft pastel shades and the delicate fraqrance of flowers!
BATHROOM
The bathroom is often overlooked as a space for floral decorations, but introducing flowers into this private space could inspire you to turn small moments of your everyday routine into a precious time for meditation and reflection.
ENTRANCE HALL
This is where we create first impressions. Sunflowers are the perfect way to warmly welcome your guests entering your house. Sunflowers not only symbolise unwavering faith and unconditional love, they also fill the mind with happy thoughts of glorious summer days to come.
A sophisticated composition using yellow kniphofia and green kochia can transform the atmosphere of your entrance hall and boost your mood for days.
CHILDREN’S ROOM
Sometimes the simplest ideas are the most beautiful. Wild flowers add charm and a homely vibe to the children’s world.
Text: Anna Agapova, O&A London Creative Director
O&A London studio designed public spaces of four 30 storey towers named after great minds who made great discoveries: Mendeleev, Newton, Aristotle and Da Vinci.
Oleg Klodt, the O&A London studio co-founder: “When starting our project we drew inspiration from Sherlock Holmes’s virtual trips through his “mind palace” (the Sherlock played by Benedict Cumberbatch in the BBC television series). The creators of the series demonstrated the way he built the picture in his mind using images, events and facts and combining all of those arrived at the only possible conclusion. The design of foyers and entrance halls is our attempt to recreate the mind palaces of humanity’s greatest minds”.
Anna Agapova, O&A London Creative Director: “Apart from direct references to the great scientists, when designing the interior of entrance halls and lift foyers we wanted to embody an idea that would bring together the entire complex and would be universal. Bookshelves became the key design element. Just like the stylobate that connects all four buildings, they offer a finishing touch to the foyer interior of the entire Discovery Park residential complex. Anyone entering the foyer catches a glimpse of the bookshelves and slows down, switching to a state of calm and the comfort of home”.
A propeller in the vestibule of the Leonardo da Vinci Tower is a metaphor for striving for knowledge, achievement, progress and dreams, in harmony with the exterior of the soaring tower as well as the values of those people who will choose this residential complex to be their home. The bookshelves design of the Mendeleev tower was inspired by the Periodic Table of the Elements. The elements are crafted from metal and are the main decorative features of the bookshelves along with the test tubes. The Isaac Newton tower features an installation depicting his main scientific discovery – Newton’s law of universal gravitation. Aristotle’s tower’s main interior feature is the moving celestial bodies in an installation based on designers’ drawings.
To find out more about the project
London Design Week is the best place to find new design directions every spring. It is great that the format of this year’s event follows traditions, bringing visitors and designers energy and promises of renewal.
Anna Agapova, O&A London’s Creative Director, always finds something new and inspiring at the Design Centre. This year playful prints, dreamy pastels and softer silhouettes represent a fresh approach to design. See the latest offerings from LDW’22 showrooms and brands that will get you buzzing with bold ideas and inspiration for this season.
“London Design Week 2022 is a remarkable celebration of creativity and innovation and also a source of inspiration, knowledge and energy. Take a voyage of discovery around the showrooms and Design Avenue and connect with an expanding creative community”, – Anna Agapova.
De Le Cuona launched the new Golden Age collection at this years London Design Week. The Golden Age is a time for reflection. A collection to greet a new dawn of modern glamour that whispers but never shouts. It’s a seductive synergy of opposites, an understated opulence envisioned by Bernie de Le Cuona.
Golden Age collection by @delecuona
Visionnaire has added two new capsule ranges to its Beauty collection, a constantly evolving project. Beauty springs from experimentation with materials, the juxtaposition of elements and the skill of master artisans.
Beauty Tales Collection by @visionnairehomephilosophy
Manuel Canovas represents the exuberant side of French design at its most chic, where colour, pattern and artistic detail come together with decades of manufacturing know-how. New collections for 2022 depicting colourful clematis and figs on a bright, plain ground, and embroidered ferns based on a watercolour by Manuel Canovas himself, recently rediscovered in the archives.
Anastasia fabric & wallcovering by @manuelcanovasparis, Colefax and Fowler showroom
Founded in the 1940s, George Spencer Designs is one of Britain’s long-established fabric houses. With an emphasis on bold colours, exuberant patterns and luxurious textures, the new collection offers both style and substance, evoking a strong sense of relaxation and escapism.
Ditsy Collection 2022 by @gsdltd
Jacaranda introduces real silk to the collection with ‘Mandalay Silk’. Hand-woven into beautifully opulent, smooth velvet carpet and rugs. ‘Mandalay Silk’ spans ten sophisticated shades.
Bold rugs by @jacarandacarpets in Honky Interior Design projects
This season, Elitis’ new wallcoverings are made with not one but several ultra-innovative techniques. With lacquered 3D printing and laser engraving, these astonishing works turn walls into a contemporary art gallery. For a more crafted feel, a new coated canvas to soothe the atmosphere, while carved wood displays its exquisite relief on walls.
La Caravan collection originates from the discovery of the Korean fabric, Pojagi. These textiles used to wrap gifts and are composed of several fabrics. They are reinterpreted here in pattern layouts of coated canvas, reflecting a raffia or abaca effect in serene colours: terracotta, powdery pinks, lake greens and blues, natural whites.
La Caravane collection 2022 by @elitisfrance
The latest collection from Julian Chichester includes exciting new designs: the striking ‘Tiffany’ and ‘Moose’ dining tables reimagined in African walnut, and an expansion of the Bobbin collection to include a wall-hung bookcase. There are also two new bar stools, as well as a number of pieces that feature rare red travertine.
New designs in Red Travertine finish, the Bobbin wall-hung bookcase and Carmaux Cabinet by @julianchichesterltd
Arteriors has rooted its vision in art, architecture and design throughout the globe and pursued the world’s finest artisans and makers. Its latest collection is a collaboration with US designer Celerie Kemble. She has been inspired by nature, with playful textures, rattan, natural hues and luxe materials that lend a traditional-meets-tropical allure. Pieces incorporate muted hues, pale woods and shell motifs to mimic sandy beaches and pastel skylines.
Celerie Kemble designs for @arteriorshome
London Basin Company is a new brand in DCCH. The company creates richly decorated porcelain basins, designed to form the centrepiece of bathrooms and cloakrooms. Handmade using traditional and contemporary craft processes, the basins have a bold, distinctive style. Vanity units, taps and other bathroom accessories complete the look.
Austin Mirror and Angelica basin, @londonbasincompany collection 2022
Pierre Frey, a family-owned company founded in 1935, designs, creates and manufactures fabrics, wallpapers, carpets, furniture and home accessories for luxury interiors in the purest French tradition. Inventive, eclectic and daring, its new collections draw inspiration from the past as well as from around the world. Pierre Frey presented five new collections, the most stunning one is Merveilles d’Égypte. Working in partnership with the Louvre to celebrate, in particular, the bicentenary of the discovery of hieroglyphs by Champollion in 1822, these new textiles, wallpapers and rugs collections display a wide range of motifs and drawings, between faithful reproductions and free inspirations, with a respectful view of the preserved works but also a contemporary and graphic reading.
Merveilles d’Égypte collection by @lamaisonpierrefrey
Boon & Up, a new name at Tissus d’Hélène, whose fabrics are hand-made in Ghana. Hand-grown African cotton is woven on handlooms by women of the Dagaare tribe, and the patterns are all based on a traditional template that mimics the feathers of the Guinea fowl. Boon & Up have dyed the cotton a range of colours that reference the hues that the local Dagaare people paint their huts and houses.
Tissus d’Helene, Boutique showroom specialising in artisanal fabrics and wallpapers @tissusdhelenelondon
Justin Van Breda London offers an Africa collection. Its pieces reflect a continent brimming with independent craft and creative endeavour, bringing together a diverse collective of immensely skilled craftspeople in a story of both old and new. The enchanting African spirit is revealed in each design across the collection.
Safari collection by @justinvanbreda
Hidden Gems Design makes timeless, hand made wood decor and furniture that harness nature’s organic forms and textures and, at the same time, highlights their sustainable and balanced approach. Urban trees are reclaimed and turned into beautifully crafted one of-a-kind statement pieces.
@hiddengemsdesign have been named ‘Handmade Furniture Designer of the Year 2022’
DKT Artworks is a unique multidisciplinary team of imaginative and highly skilled artists, with studios in London and Prague, specialising in handcrafted, high-end bespoke decorative finishes and site-specific artworks. A wide range of bas-reliefs, sculptures, murals, trompe l’oeil, paint finishes, decorative designs, gilding, verre églomisé, antiqued mirrors, hand-crafted mosaics, stucco and polished plaster attract designers.
A gorgeous maple tree bas-relief by @dkt_artworks
Juliet Travers is renowned for her hand-drawn wallpapers and fabrics, inspired by life here in the UK and in Africa. Her signature designs and latest Essentials fabrics, upholstered on to beautiful furniture and accessories.
Essential fabrics by @juliettraverswallpapers
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Text: Anna Agapova
O&A London new residential project “Modern Constructivism” is featured by 25 Beautiful Homes, March issue, 2022.
Photographer: Mikhail Loskutov
Styled and Directed by Natalia Varnikova and Daria Ishkaraeve
Read more about the project
‘SERENITY’ is part of our new rug collection inspired by breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia. Debuting with our first textile and rug collection “Caledonia” we followed the idea of creating a series of patterns reflecting the serene tranquility and mesmerising beauty of nature. Patagonia is our third rug collection and includes four designs. As the pattern prototypes we used pictures made by our Creative Director Anna during her journey in Patagonia.
Serenity is about finding peace, creating calm, being tranquil and not letting the stress, anxiety and vicious temptations of everyday living to swamp you. Our busy world crowds our ability to be with our true selves, our feelings, our thoughts and our aspirations in the moment. In this materialistic world where selfishness, ego and greed is replacing love, kindness and compassion, we need to push back, think of core values and reclaim our space for serenity.
Photo of Patagonian landscapes taken by Anna Agapova
Serenity is about finding peace, creating calm, being tranquil and not letting the stress, anxiety and vicious temptations of everyday living to swamp you. Our busy world crowds our ability to be with our true selves, our feelings, our thoughts and our aspirations in the moment. In this materialistic world where selfishness, ego and greed is replacing love, kindness and compassion, we need to push back, think of core values and reclaim our space for serenity.
‘Serenity’ rug in a private interior
Our Patagonia rug collection is produced in collaboration with the renowned British company Riviere and is entirely handcrafted in Riviere’s own workshop in the Kathmandu valley of Nepal. Using only the finest grade, hand carded and hand spun Tibetan wool and pure Chinese silk, the rugs are hand woven with a minimum of 100 knots per square inch. Sizes and colours are customisable, please contact us to request more information.
A woman is a symbol of peace and love. She gives life and keeps the home. A woman is the most perfect design creation. She adorns, creates and makes a statement. Only women are able to feel so subtly, perceive so emotionally, create beauty so intuitively and find their own path. The world of art, design and architecture would be completely different without women.
In anticipation of the the 8th of March, a celebration of women and spring, Anna Agapova, creative director of O&A London tells about those who truly inspire her and encourage her to move forward.
MARGARETE SCHUTTE-LIHOTZKY
First Austrian female architect, anti-fascist movement activist, who spent her life defending her views. She became the first woman in Austria to receive an degree in Architecture and recognition as an architect. At that time many thought that a woman’s place was in the kitchen, and Margarete did not even think about learning to cook. Today we cannot imagine a kitchen without built in cupboard and appliances. We are used to the fact that the place where we prepare our food is well designed, convenient and ergonomic. And all this came about almost 90 years ago thanks to Margarete Schutte-Lihotzky. Now we know for sure that a woman can do anything!
EILEEN GRAY
Eileen Gray became a legend of industrial design. Everyone is familiar with her furniture, even those who are not into design and have never even heard her name. The bold ideas of this female architect were frowned upon by male colleagues who looked down on the creations of this self-taught individual. She was educated in art in the days when design was not yet taught and women could not study architecture. Now her furniture sells for a lot of money at various art auctions and is on display in the best design museums. The iconic Bibendum chair is the most recognisable in the world. It was designed for Madame Mathieu-Levy’s salon in Paris and according to Eileen the design was influenced by the then famous “Bibendum” Michelin man made of inflated tires.
The Eileen Gray exhibition, Photography is by Bruce White
LOUISE FRYDMAN
The works of Louise Frydman are the study of natural shapes; flower petals, wood, wind and the emotions that those convey. She creates live forms and airy installations from ceramics which illustrate the balance between lightness and strength expressed through live and airy forms.
“Roche des Mers” ceramic sculpture @louise.frydman, project “Modern Constructivism” by O&A London
CARLA CASCALES ALIMBAU
Carla Cascales Alimbau is an artist whose work is based on seeking beauty in the imperfect. Carla practices ecologically rational art turning organic materials into minimalistic sculptures and paintings praising the beauty of nature’s imperfections. Her works are influenced by the Japanese art of kintsugi where cracks and defects in ceramic pieces are repaired using lacquer dusted or mixed in with powdered gold, silver or platinum.
Sculptures by @carla_cascales_alimbau
CELIA SMITH
The artist creates works of art dedicated to birds. Celia collects pieces of wood and scrap metal where she paints and uses them in her creations. She thinks that wire possesses spontaneity that gives her sculptures the feeling of life and energy. Celia mainly collects her working material from dumps and every visit to one brings new colours and textures which help inspire her next creation.
Holiday Home in Devon by O&A London, artwork by @celiasmith_wireartist
SAMANTHA DONALDSON
Samantha Donaldson is a glass artist who creates amazing sculptures from blown glass. Donaldson creates truly enchanting pieces inviting one to look into the internal movement of her creations.
Inspired by the internal structures of naturally occurring geodes, that Donaldson created a series of works influenced by the exploration of the ‘vug’, which is the internal space within a geode. A continuous theme to her work, the aim being to draw the viewer into the internal movement of each unique piece.
Holiday Home in Devon by O&A London, ‘Ice Vug in Turquoise II’ sculpture by @samantha_donaldson_glass
REBECCA STERN
Rebecca graduated from the arts college of Lesley University. Her work was exhibited as part of private collections and in some galleries. Rebecca uses acrylic paint, collages and other materials to create her abstract pieces. She considers each piece to be a mental landscape exploring the universe of the human mind. Rebecca’s every piece is a reflection of human emotions and intellect.
Knightsbridge Private Park Apartment by O&A London, artwork by @rebeccasternart
DOMITILLA BIONDI
Domitilla Biondi creates masterpieces using paper cutting techniques. Each creation is unique and Domitilla is certain that it is so beautiful because paper cutting is just another way to achieve harmony.
Harmonic PAPER carved bas-reliefs to bring Poetry of Beauty into people’s heart by @domitillabiondi_paperpoetry
AYALA SERFATY
Ayala Serfaty paved her way in the world of modern design by creating conceptual lights and furniture. In her work she blurs the line between natural and abstract. Ayala became famous for her sculptural hand made SOMA lights named after the Greek word describing the human body. In her recent series, Rapa Serfaty, she created furniture using handmade felt, created from fibres she collected from all over the world. Rapa is not a departure but unification with textile and the materiality that entered her creativity from the very beginning.
Discover fascinating collections by @ayala_serfaty
SIMONE PHEULPIN
Simone Pheulpin is a French textiles sculptor. Her work embodies the fluidity of the fabric as well as the firmness of raw material. Those stripes of fabric and thousands of pins is the true language of shapes, a supernatural world where amazing cliffs and the ocean floor take shape.
“EN IMAGES’ Exhibition, Paris 2017, artworks by @simonepheulpin
OYUNA TSERENDORJ
Oyuna Tserendorj – is a designer with Mongolian roots who creates clothes and household items from the most luxurious natural material in the world which is Mongolian cashmere. The designs are created with respect for the earth and the nomads, the keepers of the earth from which our cashmere is derived. The cashmere is manufactured using environmentally friendly techniques which in turn provide livelihood for the pastoralists communities and protects the fragile environment in which they live. Preservation of Mongolia and nomad culture is the most important thing for Oyuna.
“Wine House” apartment by O&A London, textile by @oyunalondon
SUSILA BAILEY-BOND
Susila Bailey-Bond’s work emerges between design, sculptural collage, and mixed media canvasses of bold, graphic art which is obscured by the insertion of thousands of tiny clear tubes. In Bailey-Bond’s paper and aluminium cut works we are presented with a celebration of colour and pattern. Other motifs are borrowed from nature and icons such as flowers, leaves, and dragonflies. Through her unique process of making, Bailey-Bond employs both technology and handcrafting to create elaborately detailed artwork that is unapologetically joyful. When viewing these artworks from other angles a delicate subtlety and softness is apparent, tempting and encouraging us to look closer and drawing us in, toward the piece.
Knightsbridge Private Park Apartment by O&A London, artworks by @susila_papercutart
SOPHIE COOK
Sophie Cook creates legendary porcelain vessels. Her every piece is a true collector’s dream. Various vials, capsules and vases look great on their own, but the more of them are combined together, the better they look.
Artworks by @sophie_cook_porcelain
TINA VLASSOPULOS
Tina Vlassopulos gives the impression of movement and balance in every piece. Her ceramic works are the incarnation of concept, aesthetics and achieving the perfect ceramic form while exploring new shapes and ideas.
Ceramics by @tinavlasso
OLIVIA WALKER
Olivia Walker mainly works with porcelain while exploring the material properties of clay, such as contrast between rough and smooth lines, straight and imperfect shapes and broken internal and external space. Walker is inspired by nature – fungi, corals and bacteria, and all her pieces are her own interpretations allowing the viewer to add their own ideas and emotions.
Discover @oliviawalker_ceramics
KATRIEN DOMS
Katrien Doms is a Belgian artist who uses fire as a source of creativity. In contrast tot he general image of “burned wood” Katrien succeeds in creating soft, poetic slopes with the dept hand intensity of the element of fire. Every piece is completely handmade without any electrical device and hollowed out with fire and extreme heat.
@katriendoms_studio Artist using fire and nature as a medium @katriendoms_studio
ELEANOR LAKELIN
Eleanor Lakelin is a wood sculptor working exclusively with trees grown in Britain and cut down due to rotting. Her deep knowledge and passion for natural qualities of wood need her to create shapes that make us look at the complexity of nature from a different viewpoint. Her work is based on the Lytham of growth, destructive force of the elements and the passing of time. The material turns into objects that remind us of our emotional connection with the trees and the earth.
@eleanorlakelin Sculptor in Wood
CHARLOTTE BILTGEN
Charlotte Biltgen is and architect and designer specialising in scenography and creation of furniture collections and individual items. Focused on precision, elegancy and fine lines, Charlotte creates furniture and lighting while experimenting with shapes, colours and materials as main elements of the language of design. Her collections are hand made and charlotte pays special attention to every piece which allows her to achieve the perfect result every time.
Architecte d’intérieur/Designer @charlottebiltgen
STÉPHANIE COUTAS
Stéphanie Coutas – interior designer and decorator, she loves mixing up different cultures subtly and respectfully. Her complex and luxurious creations stand out due to the use of noble materials, prestigious status of her furniture created using individual drawings, quality and original finishes. Her style is neoclassical and modern, deliberately rebellious view of all the eras and trends in decorative art. In her art Stephanie reflects her three main values: elegance, taste for life and comfort.
Luxury interior architecture and decoration by @stephaniecoutas
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Text: Anna Agapova
O&A London have created a range of sophisticated scents for your home together with the best perfume houses in Grasse. Each scented candle is individually designed to add an indelible impression to the air of your personal space.
Over the past two decades O&A London has developed an invaluable reputation for creating elegant, sophisticated and timeless interiors for private, commercial and development clients across the globe. Good design always begins with an interesting story. O&A London believes that the new approach to fragrance design means creating an atmosphere that consciously interacts with – and realises – your dreams and memories. It always starts with a story and this requires an innovative idea.
“We create not just a home fragrance – we tell a story about who you are and what you dream about. Scent design is a passion for our architecture studio team. Our approach is to evoke emotion through memory, and to provide a sense of a unique space that is at once luxurious and comfortable”, – Anna Agapova said.
The power of scent is just as overwhelming as the power of architecture. It can transform your home into a unique place to evoke inner peace and balance.
O&A London has designed four home fragrances to calm, encourage, awake and provoke good memories, turning any room or occasion into a moment of pure delight.
Top notes: cedar, birch, pine
Heart notes: cedar, birch, cashmere
Base notes: musk, vetiver
Create a sense of calm in your home. The warmth and comfort of smokey vetiver and cashmere with a touch of musk offers you an elegant embrace. Cozy and inspiring.
Available in Candles and Reed Diffusers
Transform your home into an exotic hotel and evoke happy days traveling in the mysterious East. Oriental épicé has a spicy heart mingled with tobacco and clove followed by the addition of tonka bean, benzoin, and sweet vanilla notes.
Top notes: aromatic notes, anise, cinnamon
Heart notes: tobacco, heliotrope, clove
Base notes: vanilla, benzoin, tonka bean
Available in Candles and Reed Diffusers
The sparkling and vibrant fruity scent of fresh citrus notes leads to elegant cedar and sandalwood. Amber then adds finesse and warmth to this fragrance.
Top notes: citrus accord
Heart notes: cedar, sandalwood
Base notes: amber, vanilla
Available in Candles and Reed Diffusers
It literally smells like a walk in a coniferous forest. A sensual medley of green and woody notes will set the mood, elevate the ambiance, and transform your space.
Top notes: green notes of fir needles
Heart notes: woody and green
Base notes: woody
Available in Candles and Reed Diffusers
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Press inquires: alla@oa-london.com
London, Paris, New York and St. Petersburg are the four cities that inspired architect Oleg Klodt and designer Anna Agapova. Using images from architecture and nature, the designers created an eclectic mix of patterns that convey the movement and emotions of these urban spaces. Four cities and six designs in five colourways tell a magical tale of travel and inspiration.
London’s famous parks are elegantly woven into the city’s fabric: centuries-old trees offer refuge to birds that never leave the city. It was that image of the birds, always ready to soar into the sky, that found its way into Anna Agapova’s drawings. These were created in the style of Jackson Pollock, the master of abstract expressionism. This pattern is a graphic expression of the ornamental lines representing the shape and movement of branches and, of course, the birds taking flight.
This unique, Japanese-style landscaping jewel in London is perfect for quiet reflection and relaxation. Inspired by stone lanterns, tiered waterfalls, a picturesque pond full of beautiful Koi and Japanese maple trees Oleg and Anna created a design that reflects the beauty of this oasis of tranquility and calm.
Fire escapes adorning the buildings of New York became the inspiration for this design. Although these ladders are not rare in American cities, only New York displays them proudly on the front of buildings. Inspired by the play of interlacing shadows on the classic facades in Soho, designer Anna Agapova expressed this exciting feature in her textile design.
Design inspiration: The starting point for the creation of this design were the stone vaults of Gothic chapels in Paris. The graphic structure of vaults, like lace woven from stone, gives a sense of lightness and elegance. This inspired the designers to incorporate decorative details and ornate patterns originating in the medieval period into their drawings.
The northern capital of Russia is not only famous for its drawbridges, embankments and gardens but also for the beautiful railings surrounding them. The snow-covered ornamental metal railings of the Mikhailovsky Garden were the inspiration for this textile pattern. Through the softness of the lines, designers convey the serenity of the wintery park and its mesmerising tranquility.
VENICE OF THE NORTH | DRAWBRIDGES
St. Petersburg, which is often lovingly called ‘the Venice of the North’, is strongly associated with its drawbridges. Looking at this design, one can see a boat passing under a bridge. This design was created by architect Oleg Klodt when he explored the synergy of architecture and water.
CITYSCAPES COLOURWAYS
The collection is presented in five distinct colourways, thus increasing the options for interior decoration using upholstery, curtains and decorative cushions.
Spring Rain
The reflection of raindrops on the window gives us a feeling of something fresh, light and delicate. One feels compelled to cherish the moment and to enjoy a feeling of renewal brought on by this gentle interpretation of spring and the transparent, fresh rain.
Summer Heat
A relaxing and warm atmosphere, the smell of freshly cut grass in the air – summer vibes entice you to open the doors and start dreaming. Stark contrasts and terracotta colourways convey that unique feeling of a siesta – of staying motionless and allowing yourself to dream away the hottest hours of the day.
Winter Frost
Inspired by winter this colour palette makes you feel warm and cozy in your interior. Delicate patterns in lovely pastel shades remind us of frosty mornings and crisp days, when the bright winter light sparkles through the ice flowers on the windowpane.
Golden Hour
That moment, when the sun is at a low angle in the sky and when the shadows grow longer, is known for its flattering light. The designers captured this magic by creating stunning colour effects where warm and soft shades of gold play with lots of yellow, ochre, and grey, conjuring up strong feelings of happiness and warmth.
Autumn Melancholy
Autumn is said to be a season of melancholy but a melancholy so soothing, so gentle, that you feel calm and peaceful. The contrast of golden leaves and the cold autumn sky is expressed in a textile colourway to deliver a season when the winds rise, the leaves fall, and nature around us seems to sink into a dream.
The CITYSCAPES collection is exclusively represented in the USA in Holland & Sherry showrooms. In Europe orders can be placed through O&A London’s official website www.oa-london.com
Perfumery is an integral part of a house interior, adding to the design and evoking images. When working on a project, a designer, just like a conductor, creates a harmonious picture from separate elements and fills the space with shapes, colours and fragrance. O&A London creative director Anna Agapova shares her secrets in which fragrance is right for your home and tells us about her favourite luxury brands.
Every time we enter a house we are aware of a fragrance, which in turn triggers emotions and memories on a subconscious level. This is how we create our home atmosphere and how we help ourselves and our guests to absorb the intended mood.
Carefully selected fragrance should not clash with the interior but should complement it, so it is very important to understand the area the fragrance is used in.
LIVING ROOM FRAGRANCE
The living room is the business card of the house. This is where we greet our guests and get together with our family and friends. Ideally the fragrance needs to reflect the personality of the people living in the house and show their taste and preferences. Just like the interior shows the client’s personality, the living room fragrance should help us understand the temperament of people living in the house.
I love travelling and created my CITYSCAPES textiles collection inspired by many amazing cities. For me personally every city is associated not only with architecture but also with fragrance. When visiting France I always bring back home fragrances created by the best perfume houses in Grasse. Lavender, eucalyptus and fennel remind me of my walks in Provence.
It is important for our artistic clients that fragrance makes an impression – just like art displayed in the living room, it sets mood and evokes pleasant memories. Sensual and bright fragrances with tones of amber, patchouli, pine and wood are more suitable for the winter months, while in the summer I love the refreshing tones of lemongrass, sandalwood and bergamot.
A sensual medley of green & woody notes of the SAPIN BLANC candle sets a Winter Cosy Mood
Refreshing citrus and sandalwood notes of CÈDRE SANTAL reed diffuser bring Summer Vibes
KITCHEN FRAGRANCE
Generally as the kitchen is used for cooking there is not much point in filling the space with additional fragrances. There is nothing more tempting and cozy than the smell of home baking and freshly brewed coffee. However nowadays some people prefer to order food in, or go out to eat. In this case candles scented with a coffee or eastern spice aroma would work really well.
My personal choice for the kitchen is nutmeg, ginger and spice. These fragrances increase appetite and elevate mood.
My choice for a Kitchen is the Jome candle by Aery with notes of Black Pepper and Ginger.
BATHROOM FRAGRANCE
The ideal choice for the bathroom would be a relaxing and fresh fragrance that can help soothe and balance. Grass, tones of violets and warm wood make a calm and harmonious fragrance. Light a candle and immerse yourself in a warm bath leaving the rest of the world behind.
A fresh fragrance full of white tea, tones of berries and citrus fruit bring calm and peace and is perfectly suited for yoga and meditation which I love so much.
Create my Zen Zones with Scandinavia FJALL Fragrance
BEDROOM FRAGRANCE
A bedroom fragrance should be soft and sensual. I love Scotland, with its nature and energy, so in my bedroom I have a diffuser with a whiskey and oak fragrance.
More neutral tones resembling the smell of clean bedding in a mixture of rose petals, lily, musk and exotic sandal tree will help you relax and enjoy the solitude.
A pure, clean scent WHITE LINEN & COTTON by Stoneglow reminiscent of freshly laundered linen
OFFICE FRAGRANCE
In the office a fragrance helps concentrate, keeps one alert and stimulates productivity. Lime, bergamot, mandarin, mint and grapefruit bring inspiration and improve the mood.
Expertly blended Scent by Neom boosts the energy fragrance, Sicilian lemon & basil.
Bring the warmth and comfort to your home study with Reed Diffuser and candle FEU DE BOIS by O&A London, cashmere, musk, vetiver
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Home fragrances can be an original gift for your loved ones. A composition chosen with love would remind them of the times spent together, and awaken feelings.
Discover O&A London Home Fragrance
Text: Anna Agapova
Our new residential project “Modern Constructivism” is featured in the January issue of the Ottonok es Kertek magazine, Hungary.
Photographer: Mikhail Loskutov
Styled and Directed by Natalia Varnikova and Daria Ishkaraeva
Press inquires: Alla Yaskovets
alla@oa-london.com
Our new residential project “Modern Constructivism” is featured in the January issue of the G&G magazine.
Photographer: Mikhail Loskutov
Styled and Directed by Natalia Varnikova and Daria Ishkaraeve
Discover the January edition “Very Peri Mood” here – we hope it will be an inspiration for you!
Press inquires: Alla Yaskovets
alla@oa-london.com
St. Petersburg, the northern capital of Russia, is not only famous for its drawbridges, embankments and gardens but also for the beautiful railings surrounding them. The snow-covered ornamental metal railings of Mikhailovsky Garden were the inspiration for this rug pattern.
The new design complimented the Cityscapes rug collection that is created in partnership with Manufacture de Tapis de Bourgogne, a renowned French company that has been producing handcrafted rugs since 1958. This collection tells a magical tale of travel and inspiration.
Using images from architecture and nature of four cities – London, Paris, New York and St. Petersburg, the designers created an eclectic mix of patterns, that convey the movement and emotions of urban spaces.
The Cityscapes collection is represented by
Philippe Hurel showroom, France, Paris
The Fifth Avenue Gallery, Russia, Moscow
Par Excellence, the USA, New York City
Our new residential project is featured in the December issue of ELLE DECORATION RUSSIA, December 2021.
Photographer: Mikhail Loskutov
Styled and Directed by Natalia Varnikova and Daria Ishkaraeva
Client & Brief
The clients are a large family who wanted to create a home that would be their main place of residence. The client’s most important request was to create comfortable spaces suitable for the whole family to spend time together. The other requirements were the sports area, spa and wine cellar.
Style
It is impossible to assign it to any one specific style as it contains everything from art deco to urban style. We experimented with colours playing with the dark floor in combination with a yellow sofa and a bright painting on the ground floor. We created a very unusual staircase with an amazing chandelier and designer banisters which can be classed as the centrepiece of this house. Our designers expressed themselves in various ways, especially with the use of dark coloured metals which were used as a base for this project. The first floor features a burgundy/cherry coloured flooring leading to the granddaughter’s room which is designed in green colours. Next to it is the youngest son’s room which looks like a separate loft style apartment with concrete panels on the walls, an amazing photo of New Yok city and industrial wall lights made to exclusive designer drawings. Then there is a master bedroom where her dressing room and bathroom are silver and white with elements of blue and his dressing room and bathroom are brown and beige and resembles in style small houses along the seaside.
Living area
Every space is thoughtfully designed to every last detail and reflects the idea at the heart of the project that the bedrooms are not just different rooms but also reflect the personality, interests and tastes of each family member. All this may give the impression of total incompatibility but it is not the case as these completely different spaces together create one atmosphere united by specific elements.
Design tricks
This can be identified as the main design technique – all the spaces are created with different moods, colours and styles but they all seamlessly join together. Dark metal is the main decorative element. It is used throughout the whole project and is the main feature. Wine Cellar Confirming with the owner’s preference to not build a basement in the house we organised a space on the ground level next to the kitchen. The interiors are divided with a transparent floor made of tempered glass. The textured blued metal on the stairs highlights the graphic black floor and walls. The lack of direct light in the space creates a magical atmosphere of an ancient wine cellar. We were very attentive to the temperature and humidity controls as one of the most critical considerations in every wine-cellar design.
Spa & Sport area
The second floor comprises the spa and a gym that features a large sports equipment area as well as table tennis and yoga spaces. Despite its separateness, it also had to be integrated with the house therefore we decided to finish it in Swiss style. We designed a bespoke hydro massage bath, hammam, spa zone and recreational area. All the spaces are quite cosy and family friendly.
O&A London studio celebrates its 20-year anniversary. In past years the studio grew by creating not only unique world class interiors but also bespoke furniture, textile, rugs, lighting and wall covering collections. The creative tandem of the studio’s leaders Oleg Klodt and Anna Agapova is the driving force behind the team. During this time, we have been lucky enough to collaborate with extremely talented and creative professionals from around the world. They have not only become partners and co-authors of our collections but also friends.
We continue our “20 // 20” series where we introduce you to our colleagues and friends – artists, designers, craftsmen, and editors who contributed to our success.
Our guest today is Sandra Jordan, the founder of Sandra Jordan Prima Alpaca, an extensive line of luxury textiles.
O&A: What did you dream about when you were a child?
SJ: Traveling the world and starting my own business.
O&A: Your educational and working experience is so wide! How did you get into fabric design?
SJ: When I was Creative Director at Jordan Winery, I revamped the hospitality facilities and the public areas. When I began to choose fabric for the guest suites, I looked to my native Peru to source the fabric. I traveled to Peru to source fiber, had a mill manufacture the very best, pure alpaca. For the redo of the winery suites, I decided on a palette of five colours, colours present at harvest time in the California wine country and this ended up being my first collection. The rest is history!
O&A: You grew up in Peru, but also lived in Chile, India, Thailand, and the Philippines. How do you think your childhood has influenced on your design-thinking?
SJ: I didn’t study design formally, but my childhood instilled a love of textiles and of artisanship. During my childhood, my family always worked with local seamstresses and had trunks full of fabric for any event for my parents my brothers and sisters and myself. These trunks were full of fabrics like India silk, cashmere and Chilean Linens. When we lived in these places we also looked locally for what fabrics were available. Things like shoes, silver and furniture we designed ourselves with local craftsman.
O&A: Why did you choose alpaca and toile specifically?
SJ: It all started in my Peruvian history class in elementary school. As a young girl I could not reconcile what I heard in school about the alpaca fiber with what I saw in the marketplace. We were taught that the Alpaca fiber was the Oro de los Andes – Gold of the Andes and Las Nubes en La Tierra – the Clouds on Earth. The alpaca fiber that I saw in the marketplace during my youth was rough and coarse. It did not make sense.
Many decades later when I read an article called The Secret of the Alpaca Mummies by archeologist Jane Wheeler. She discovered alpaca mummies from the late 1400’s where the fiber was so soft and alluring. It was highly coveted in the highland empire centered in what is now Peru. Through DNA testing she discovered that most alpacas of the present day were interbred with Llamas. That combination degrades the fine alpaca fiber. I researched extensively and flew to Lima to meet with Jane Wheeler and I was off on my journey to rediscover and reintroduce the finest alpaca fiber to the world.
The toile was something that came from my love of decorative arts. It is a timeless design where I added a modern twist. Peru is also known for having exquisite quality of cotton. My father was a cotton grower.
O&A: What is more important – colour or texture?
SJ: Both are essential, but I am especially colour sensitive and am deeply inspired by colour I find in different cultures and in nature.
O&A: What inspires you for creation of new collections?
SJ: I am always inspired by nature. It can be as simple as the colour of a stone or the colours of harvest time in wine country.
Master bedroom, bedcover by Sandra Jordan, Interior by O&A London
O&A: Who in the industry do you particularly admire?
SJ: I love Fortuny and have huge respect for the craft of their textiles. Besides the textile industry I have a great affection for silversmithing and I love the designs of Georg Jenson, Christofle and Buccellati and others. I used to design and produce silver for the table in Peru.
O&A: What is the future of textile industry?
SJ: I believe climate change has the potential to have a dramatic impact on our industry. It is already impacting where the alpacas live (high up in the Andes) and can potentially impact the food sources and harsh weather conditions. I believe the value of durability of goods that are natural and long lasting, like my Prima Alpaca textiles, will become even more valued.
O&A: What are the colour pallet trends for 2021? Is there a difference between Europe and USA markets?
SJ: I find looking at trends distracting. Each collection is very personal. Top designers tend to work internationally so we don’t see huge regional trends.
O&A: Do you remember when you first met Anna Agapova and when you started cooperation with our studio?
SJ: We met in Paris, and I became fascinated with the natural landscapes in her fabrics!
Living room, cushions by Sandra Jordan, Interior by O&A London
O&A: You’re obviously very passionate about everything you do – you made silver, created jewelry collections, made wine, and even wrote a book. What are you dreaming about today?
SJ: I can’t wait to be able to bring more people to Wine Country to visit. I am also excited to announce that we will be launching an embroidery school in Peru. I can’t reveal the details just yet but we are hoping to break ground this year.
Discover Sandra Jordan collections www.sandrajordan.com
We are honoured to be included in the top 100 designers and architectures of Russia 2021 by ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST magazine.
Every autumn AD Russia magazine publishes a list of 100 best architects and designers in the country. In 2014, the editors of AD Russia compiled and published their first “AD BEST” list, where Oleg and Anna were named. Since then, for seven years already, the creative duo has never left this rating.
Thank you to the editorial team for the high evaluation of our work. We will do our best to meet the highest expectations in the future and contribute to the design heritage and development!
We all love Christmas for the fairytale atmosphere and for inspiring us to believe in miracles. Christmas interior decoration is not aimed solely at creating a sensation of cosiness but also to provide positive feeling and inspiration for the holiday season.
It is best to leave the creation of the Christmas decor of the home to the professionals but if one has the inspiration, time and energy to take it on, it could also work quite well. Anna Agapova, creative director of O&A London, prepared a few simple but at the same time versatile tips that will help create a magical feeling at your home.
Traditionally fireplace decorations are made from fir tree branches, but in this case we used fresh magnolia combined with variations of thuja as well as pine cones and candles. The asymmetric composition goes really well with the classic interior.
In recent years fresh flowers and branches have been very popular for fireplace decorations. The branches can be fresh or dry, silver or gold dusted or with a frosting effect. They can also have stabilised berries or even corals. They are a very suitable decoration for a traditional fireplace decor.
In order to create harmony the decor needs to match the style of the interior colour palette. To liven up the wintery landscape outside try putting together a composition of pine, ferns and myrtle. A gold colour metal vase will reflect the sun and naturally illuminate the composition.
A composition of thuja tree branches combined with golden berries of ligustrum and pine cones looks great on top of the console. Your guests immediately find themselves in the magical atmosphere of Christmas upon entering the house.
The sitting room of this apartment has a very light space featuring a bay window, columns and a classic fire place. This space is traditionally used for the family’s festive dining. The table with a layered setting featuring candles, linen napkins, and crystal vases and glasses, looks solemn and light at the same time. A white freesia bouquet compliments the wintery festive table. Metal napkin rings, white pearls on the pine branches and tall candle holders create a fascinating setting resembling an ice sculpture.
A scented candle with natural wood aroma in a ceramic candle holder will add warmth and mystery. It is very easy to create a fairytale atmosphere with candles – you just need to chose the scent.
I love traditional Christmas decor. For me flowers play an important role in Christmas decorations. It is good to understand what would go well with the interior. For this country house I assembled a set of winter bouquets in green and gold shades which compliment a very traditional Christmas tree in the sitting room. Try combining holly berries and green branches of thuja and pine. You could also add some pinecones – they would look lovely together.
Just like design, decorations must have one idea, one image bringing together various parts of the space being decorated. It can be one colour palette, pastel and light colours, traditional red and gold, vintage style decor with vintage tree decorations, cards and grandma’s table cloth.
If you are decorating a country house do not forget about the entrance as it is the frontispiece of your house. Usually the porch and front doors are decorated with a Christmas wreath. One could also use a more original approach, creating a composition with miniature houses and tree branches dusted with snow. Your house’s architecture can be the starting point for our ideas.
Read more on Seasonal decoration
Photos: O&A London archive
Text: Anna Agapova, O&A London Creative Director
O&A London studio celebrates its 20-year anniversary. In past years the studio grew by creating not only unique world class interiors but also bespoke furniture, textile, rugs, lighting and wall covering collections. The creative tandem of the studio’s leaders Oleg Klodt and Anna Agapova is the driving force behind the team. During this time, we have been lucky enough to collaborate with extremely talented and creative professionals from around the world. They have not only become partners and co-authors of our collections but also friends.
We continue our “20 // 20” series where we introduce you to our colleagues and friends – artists, designers, craftsmen, and editors who contributed to our success.
Our guest today is Olga Korotkova, editor in chief of Salon Interior magazine.
O&A: Olga, what did you dream about as a child?
OK: You may find it funny but I dreamt of becoming a prima ballerina. Maya Plisetskaya was my idol and from about the age of three. I loved looking through the beautiful photo book I had about her. But I was not just looking at the photos, I actually went to dance school and attended ballet classes for several years. As you have probably guessed I never became a ballerina but I am sure dreams don’t just come and go. I was drawn to visual beauty and Maya’s costumes fascinated me. I think this craving for beauty finally came to fruition. I never did become a ballerina but having graduated as a journalist I came to the area of work where amazing people such as Oleg Klodt and Anna Agapova create unbelievable beauty. Having gone in a large circle I came back to beauty where they write about artists, decorators and architecture. In a way my childhood dream did come true.
O&A: SALON Interior magazine has been in circulation since 1994. Can you tell us how you became editor in chief of the oldest interior magazine?
OK: This is not really an interesting story. I became editor in chief by pure chance. Just as I ended up at the faculty of journalism by pure chance. To tell the truth I had dreamed about all that since school but I was too afraid. It’s Moscow.
And I come from a very ordinary school in the middle of nowhere in Siberia, the city of Nizhnevartovsk near Tumen. I was too afraid to try the journalism faculty so I applied to the history faculty of Moscow State University instead but didn’t get it. A year later I got braver and got into the journalism faculty. To be honest I never strived to become a boss. I fist worked as an editor and at the same some was teaching at the journalism faculty of Moscow state university. My Phd there was about Dostoevsky. Later, while working at SALON Interior I fell in love with architecture and design, and really got into it. I was interviewing famous Russian architects and it opened up a whole new world for me. The job title is not the most important thing. The most important thing in a magazine is the team. It is very cool when professionals that really know their trade come together and are interested in what they are doing.
O&A: How has the magazine changed since you became editor in chief?
OK: As Evtushenko once said: “In Russia a poet is much more than just a poet.” In the same way a magazine in Russia is more than just a magazine. Interior magazines in this country played a very important role in shaping the entire interior industry. Interior became very important and the magazines promoted that idea. In those times the term interior did not exist. Of course the magazine has gone through some changes over the years thus serving as a reflection of our lives. Every week we get 20 to 60 projects from all over Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. The magazine is changing along with the projects. In the past “palace style” interiors were the most popular and now this has thankfully changed and the stylistic preferences are different. We look at what life offers us. And from that we select what we deem most suitable. We try not to ficus only on trends and fashion which change and pass quickly. The cycles change very fast and one year is different from the next.
O&A London project, Salon Interior Magazine, Cover, 2017
O&A: What is most important for an interior magazine in Russia today?
OK: SALON Interior has always been different from other magazines. We were never of western style. We have our own pedigree. Pedigree is important in any business and any family. The psychology of the beginning that brought you to life. O&A London has a brand pedigree. SALON Interior also has one. Our magazine was born a Russian magazine and has always had Russian clients as it’s target audience. It was always our goal to be a professional magazine and this is why we always published projects that demonstrated a very honest picture of what a Russian customer really wants. If the customer wants palaces we will show them those palaces but they must be examples of quality architectural and decorators’ work. If the customer wants minimalism we have that too. We always tried to reflect reality in a way that allows our client to see the best. Every issue offers the whole palette of styles allowing everyone to find the style they were looking for. Our magazine’s aim is to serve the client, bring them together with professionals and work together in the long term.
O&A London archive, project was published in Salon Interior Magazine, January issue 2016
O&A: Please describe your typical reader.
OK: I’d like to think that we have several types of readers. We have meetings where we discuss the projects we receive. At that moment one needs to put own taste aside and it is the sign of editorial professionalism. We discuss the likes and dislikes and wether we would like to live somewhere like that. Quite a few of our clients are senior officials. They have been with us for a long time and we take into account their interests. But they are not the only segment of our readers. The magazine is over 25 years old and we have often been criticised for only showing expensive things for the rich. However it is not about the rich. Projects with a larger budget get thorough execution. Interior is indeed an art form when it’s done on a large budget and with professional work on a large scale. Right now the IT and building businesses have the most possibilities. The readers involved in IT and building have become the most powerful segment. The style palette has also started to shift. The interiors have become quite minimalistic but at the same time very expensive including high quality materials, expensive wood and stone, cutting edge technology. We also have readers like that. The third type has also grown – they are the children of our first readers. They are educated in the UK and USA where they studied art and design. They have very refined taste and they are very artistically aware. They typically choose the style of O&A London – modern neoclassicism. It is the classical base gained from serious architectural education with understanding about proportions and ideals and on top of this base there are some modern views. All of this creates a productive stylistic environment which the most prominent bureaus are working with.
O&A London archive, country house, featured in Salon Interior Magazine, March 2019
O&A: Is social media just an addition to the magazine or the new media all together?
OK: Good question. I think different formats and approaches are key and they separate or bring together the overall picture. It’s a question of information perception. We do not manufacture initial products but talk about something that has already been made – interiors, textiles, furniture, design items. We look through the projects, select them and publish, so the magazine content is an interpretation of sorts. And interpretations can be completely different – they can have different formats and relate to different forms of perception. Someone will see it on their smartphone, and someone else will look through a magazine and place it back on the shelf. All of this is not so important. What is important is who you are going to pick and work with. We have a function of an applied tool. Our goal is to match a client with a true professional. We don’t have this feeling that we are changing the world or creating something epic. I think our task is much more simple and how we implement it is not that important. The main thing is that we are all moving towards the same goal.
O&A: Right now there a lot of talented architects and designers in Russia. How do you choose photos for publishing?
OK: There are several criteria. As I said before we try to minimise the use of our personal taste and preferences even though it’s a very important tool. The editor is a personality and the team is a cluster of personalities. Of course the aspect of taste exists and the traditions and pedigree of the brand are also taken into account. There are also some purely formal features such as the level of execution and budget. There are some high quality and professionally done economy class spaces around but we do not usually take these on as it’s not our DNA, not our target audience and not our approach. We take fakes very seriously as it is a big problem. We try to maintain our position on this as in recent years this problem has become more serious. In order to lower the cost authors or clients order copies of famous brands’ designer items. They call them “replicas” but in reality they are not replicas at all. Replication is a legal process involving recreation of a well known item or an art piece. Here we are not talking about legally produced by Italian factories legally acceptable replicas of Le Corbusier or other famous designer items. We are talking about illegal copies. Brand level is also important for us. We always check what brands take part in the project. We are not showing off, it’s just that less expensive brands often copy others’ designs. Cheap furniture is often based on someone else’s design. So on our part it’s not arrogance, but taking care of copyright.
O&A: How do you see the future of design say in 50 years?
OK: The pandemic left a prominent mark in human history which changed a lot of things. Something happened that no one really expected. And the environment that surrounds us had highlighted some very important psychological values. If before the pandemic people were drawn to a minimalistic sterile space (part of our clientele) so that the interior would speak for itself: I am so technical and self fulfilled, I have nothing too much and I want to know nothing about traditions, I live for the first time and I am unique. And the interior itself just screamed me me me. Now the preferences and values are starting to change and the clients want more cosy spaces, more uniqueness connected with nature. This includes natural wallpaper and bespoke wallpaper. Creation of self contained environment which is beautiful, unique, not boring or monotonous, where technology is not noticeable. I thing the human desire to resist standardising and inhumanity will continue to grow. Interior and living spaces will become more and more in tune with the human desire to be oneself. It is the only thing we can do. When we are not influencing external processes they put pressure on us trying to make us live their way and it is normal that humans resist. The environment that a person surrounds themselves with will match the desire to create something special, cosy, warm and humane. I think the interior will be moving in this direction but I cannot quite imagine yet what it will look like in terms of style. This is what is so interesting about interiors, you always get new unexpected forms of eclecticism where classical elements intertwine with modern shapes and materials.
O&A London CITYSCAPES rug collection, Salon Interior Magazine, September 2021
O&A: What else would you like to do in your profession, what sort of project would you like to create?
OK: It is rather difficult to theorise about but I would love to lean a few more professions and have time to try something new. Wherever life brings you, especially if you were not trying to get there, is God’s will. It means that you were not trying to force your fate trying to arrive somewhere you probably were not supposed to go. I have always been interested in creative consulting that includes choosing various options for the clients, looking for professionals. Consulting is a niche that sadly does not yet exist in our area of work. It does work slightly but I don’t see any specific mechanisms or projects. The main problem in life is that we never have enough time but the truth is we never will. The older one gets the more one understands that one should not just dream and think that one day I will do this or that. Dreams are for children. Life begins with a dream but it should be lived and filled with something specific. If a person reaches certain age only with dreams it means that there is something not quite right with them. One must do something specific that can be felt.
BY ANNA MITKOVA AND IYA KLODT
Highlighting our recent publication in AD RUSSIA magazine.
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PARIS and St. PETERSBURG rugs are from our CITYSCAPES new rugs produced in collaboration with Manufacture de Tapis De Bourgogne.
Design inspiration: The starting point for the creation of this design was stone vaults of Gothic chapels in Paris. The graphic structure of vaults as if woven from stone lace, giving a sense of lightness and elegance, inspired designers to create a dynamic drawing full of decorative details and ornate patterns.
St.PETERSBURG | SNOW MOTIFS
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The northern capital of Russia is not only famous for its drawbridges, embankments and gardens but also for the beautiful railings surrounding them. The snow-covered ornamental metal railings of Mikhailovsky Garden were the inspiration for this rug pattern. Through the softness of the lines, designers conveys the peaceful feeling of the wintery park and its mesmerising tranquillity.
View the full CITYSCAPES collection
THE WINDS OF CHANGE BLOW INTO THE DESIGN CENTRE, CHELSEA HARBOUR, FOR AUTUMN’S UNMISSABLE DESIGN EVENT.
Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour is the place to discover world-class talents across a spectrum of creativity. Focus/21 has broadened its agenda to showcase the work of some of the best contemporary makers.
Anna Agapova, the creative director of O&A London, has experienced a ‘feel-good’ mood as the world’s premier design destination celebrates outstanding creativity with a physical event – Focus/21.
“Everywhere I turn, there is a promise of design discovery, an abundance of uplifting colour and pattern, tactile materials, exquisite finishes and quality craftsmanship”, – Anna Agapova shares.
Arte presents an exclusive preview of new designs in the Extinct Animals collection, the third Arte x Moooi collaboration. Like the current Moooi wallcovering designs, the collection is made from unexpected and luxurious materials, in harmonious colours that bring joy and balance.
Circa Lighting is the premier resource for brands Visual Comfort and Tech Lighting. Its extensive assortment includes decorative lighting collections from the most influential names in design, and architectural solutions from the foremost innovators in the industry.
Maison Leleu and Lelièvre Paris – two prominent family-owned French design companies united by shared values and expertise – have launched Rétrospective collection. This collection of contemporary fabrics and wallpapers is based on iconic designs from Maison Leleu’s archives, manufactured by Lelièvre Paris. It defies expectations with a variety of unexpected motifs and patterns, from art deco to wild fauna and flora, and 1950s style.
Porta Romana’s new ‘Mushroom’ wall lights were inspired by creative director Andrew Hills’ visit to the Victoria & Albert Museum’s Food: Bigger than the Plate show, where oyster mushrooms were grown in coffee grounds as an example of urban farming.
The latest trends of the neutral palette and the craft reflect the best designs of this year.
De Le Cuona has launched the epic Overland collection, which is inspired by the connections that Bernie de Le Cuona, the company’s founder, has made with nature, people and places throughout her life. Bernie embarks on a fabric journey that tracks the connections she’s made with nature, people and places along the way.
Ethimo’s collections represent the value of Made in Italy, in a combination of careful research, innovation and international design. Nature, harmony and materials are the core concepts characterising its products, which are inspired by Mediterranean landscapes.
Jacaranda’s stunning new ‘Kasia’ and ‘Kheri’ carpets and rugs are hand-woven with a finer denier of Tencel yarn, giving extra softness and shine to their dense, velvet pile. Jacaranda’s colour expertise shines through the 28-tone palette, from soft pastels through neutrals to subtle blues and greens.
This year Simpsons expanded its sofa and furniture collection, offering a range of contemporary and deco styles. These are all bespoke and can be customised using any of its decorative metal, leather, mirror and wood finishes, allowing them to be specified in any interior scheme.
Porada’s 2021 furniture collection is focused on the “essence” of every product, starting from the use of the best quality materials, but not forgetting the behind-the-scenes workmanship that goes into every piece.
The Tollgard showroom is a treasure trove of international contemporary and modern design. Its collection of furniture and lighting from around the world, bringing together the best of bold, contemporary luxury, created with authentic materials and processes.
Collier Webb have created two new products to accompany their growing range of luxury cordless lighting. The Mini Orb and Mini Messenger Palm have both been meticulously crafted at the brand’s South Coast Foundry using a mix of traditional craft and state of the art technology.
O&A London studio celebrates its 20-year anniversary. In past years the studio grew by creating not only unique world class interiors but also bespoke furniture, textile, rugs, lighting and wall covering collections. The creative tandem of the studio’s leaders Oleg Klodt and Anna Agapova is the driving force behind the team. During this time, we have been lucky enough to collaborate with extremely talented and creative professionals from around the world. They have not only become partners and co-authors of our collections but also friends.
We continue our “20 // 20” series where we introduce you to our colleagues and friends – artists, designers, craftsmen, and editors who contributed to our success.
Our guest today is Anastasiya Romashkevich, editor-in-chief of one of the leading interior magazines – AD Russia.
O&A: Anastasiya, what did you dream about as a child?
AR: I have never dreamed about anything associated with interior design. I had a plan to study life in the universe.
O&A: Tell me about your path to journalism? Interior design publications were not your starting point, were they?
AR: I started my career in the kids’ magazine “Tram” – my first position was card reader mail recorder. Then I worked for the “Kommersant” daily newspaper, on the “Domovoy” magazine. I started working for ELLE Décor (it was the official name of the magazine at that time) accidentally, and after that experience I came to AD editorial in 2007.
O&A: You have been Editor-in-Chief of AD Russia for about three years already. Has the company’s course changed since you took this role?
AR: The company has always been focused on creating the best product in the market of glossy magazines. But our approaches and our work are constantly evolving. Modern media relates to very closely to technology and we are doing our best to use every possible channel to communicate with our audience.
AD Russia in O&A Moscow office
O&A: Does the print edition differ from online?
AR: Absolutely! The internet gives us an opportunity to publish more information than in the print version. But we do not follow the duo system: the print and online versions. We are a media organisation so we communicate with the audience on different platforms. It gives us a 360 degree view – we are there where our audience is. And our audience is everywhere at the moment.
O&A: AD magazine has created and participated in different online projects lately. The educational platform Skillbox is such a project. Why is it interesting for the magazine?
AR: Yes, it is interesting for us, and it is not the only new project. We published an online course in the form of video lectures under our brand and published the first issue of the electronic edition of “Alphabet of renovation”, and launched a series of podcasts. We see that our audience is not just looking for beautiful images and ideas for their renovation – people need to learn. And the more people are interested in design and architecture, understand beauty, strive to make their lives better, the more intensively this market develops.
O&A London founders Oleg Klodt and Anna Agapova took part in creating a professional educational course with AD Magazine named “Business in interior design”, 2020.
O&A: Do you think online education can be of high quality? Will it be able to replace the schools and universities in the future?
AR: I don’t think that online education could completely replace face-to-face training in any foreseeable future, although this is a precious opportunity for self-development. The Internet allows us to gain knowledge, access to which here and now we would never have otherwise. I am studying the graphic design using Coursera for the moment, developed by the California School of Arts. But a full-time education is not just a set of knowledge. This is also in-person communication with teachers and classmates – this is truly important for our personal and professional growth and couldn’t be replaced by any technology.
O&A: There are so many talented architects and designers in Russia now. How do you choose projects for the cover?
AR: Sometimes, there is no one a so-called “cover image” even in a perfect project. It is always a great success when there is an image in a shoot with the right mood and composition, where you can put inscriptions without spoiling them. We have no more than three candidates in each issue – so we choose the cover from them.
O&A London project on a cover of AD RUSSIA, July 2020
O&A: AD Russia has established an annual Design Award. Is this award important for the magazine? What criteria do you use to determine the winners?
AR: AD traditionally writes a lot about private interiors, while public interiors are published not so often. At the same time, there is always great interest in them. For example, people go to new restaurants not only for the cuisine but also for the interior. So we decided to pay more attention to this area of design, and it seems to me that it was the right decision – the award is gaining momentum from year to year. As for the winners, everything is simple: our editorial staff compile the shortlist, and our readers determine the winner.
Oleg Klodt and Anna Agapova in AD RUSSIA top 100 architects and designers
O&A: AD magazine has been issued in many countries for a hundred years!!! AD Russia has been published for almost 18 years. Could you tell us the main difference between AD Russia and USA, France, or other issues?
AR: AD magazine has common values worldwide – in short, we love design and try to show the best in this area. Moreover, each edition has local specifics: we all consider the peculiarities of our internal market, the tastes of our audience, and the interests and needs of our readers. A simple example: in the United States, most of the population lives in their own homes, and in Russia, there are many small apartments even in the elite real estate market. Certainly, this fact influences our selection of projects.
O&A London new fabric collection presentation at British Interior Design Showcase. The show was hosted by British Embassy in Moscow and AD Russia magazine, 2018
O&A: How do you see the future of design? In 50-100 years?
AR: To be honest, I cannot say. I am not a seer.
O&A: What else would you like to implement in your profession? What project are you dreaming about?
AR: Now we are thinking a lot about developing our new project “Alphabet of renovation”. We see that people without super budgets are becoming more interested in design. And this project is for such an audience, for a middle class person who buys an apartment in a business class building and wants to live in decent environment. Our project tells them what makes up a modern interior, sets the standards for good taste and respect for design (there may be relatively inexpensive projects, but there will never be fake products), and shows the value of professional work.
Kitchen in O&A London project in “Alphabet of renovation”, September 2021