Specialist Finishes and Exquisite Details
FROM THE DELICATE INLAYS HIDDEN WITHIN BESPOKE JOINERY TO THE RICHNESS OF LIQUID METAL AND BAS-RELIEF, IT’S THESE TACTILE ELEMENTS THAT CAN TRULY TRANSFORM A SPACE. FOR THIS MONTH’S THEME, SPECIALIST FINISHES AND EXQUISITE DETAILS, WE CELEBRATE SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE ARTISTIC FINISHES.
MARQUETRY
For us, marquetry isa way to bring our design narrative to life, subtly weaving it through the space. Through skilled craftsmanship, veneers can be meticulously arranged to enhance furniture, panelling, decorative objets, and even bespoke pianos, creating delicate patterns that echo our overarching story. By designing with this technique, we connect our contemporary designs to a timeless legacy, honouring the skill and patience that have defined marquetry through the ages.
BAS-RELIEF
Bas-relief brings depth and sculptural intrigue to our designs. This technique involves carving or moulding a raised pattern that emerges gently from the surface, creating an interplay of shadow and light. We collaborate with specialist artisans who shape these textural elements by hand, ensuring each piece feels unique. Whether featured as a statement wall panel, a headboard detail, or an accent within bespoke joinery, we choose bas-relief for its ability to invite touch and draw visual interest.
DECORATIVE INLAY
Inlay work introduces a subtle contrast of materials. Elements such as mother-of-pearl, brass, leather, or stone can be incorporated into a piece to softly capture light and movement. When designing something like a console table, we might opt for mother-of-pearl to reflect the lighting and echo the shine of marble. Its quiet detail is only noticeable as you move closer, gently revealing its intricacy. The beauty of inlay lies in these hidden and unexpected moments, such as the reveal of a pattern when a drawer is opened, or the way a surface shimmers as the light shifts with your movement.
PLASTER WORK
Having witnessed many specialist sculptors and decorative plasterers work their magic, we hold huge admiration for the skill and patience required to create wonderfully detailed decorative plaster. Whether working on large-scale installations or meticulously delicate details, the possibilities with plaster are limitless. We’ve chosen to collaborate with artisans to create bespoke decorative plaster that enhance staircases, echo design narratives, and introduce understated yet elegant details.
FABRIC AND EMBROIDERY
We have a number of wonderful textile artists that we work with on our special projects, creating bespoke pieces crafted from fabrics and finished with stunning embroidery. Their inherent softness allows our designs to express layered details that gently build the narrative. From striking headboards to subtle details within cushions and throws, these elements can be thoughtfully composed to add depth, warmth, and a sense of handcrafted elegance to the space.
When it comes to embroidery, we are always struck by how a touch of metallic thread or a hint of colour can introduce a sense of timeless glamour. These understated details not only elevate the piece but also offer subtle nods to the design narrative, weaving meaning into the fabric with quiet elegance.
As we reflect on these specialist finishes, it’s clear that what truly elevates a space is the thoughtful layering of these exquisite details, each one carrying a story. Whether it’s the narrative woven through marquetry, the textures of bas-relief, or the subtle shimmer of inlay and liquid metal, these exquisite elements invite us to slow down and appreciate the beauty in craftsmanship.
Under our theme of ‘Best of British’, we talk with Helen Brocklebank, CEO of luxury institution, Walpole, to find out why 2023 is the year of jobs and skill, visitor experiences and sustainability.
Under our theme of ‘Best of British’, we talk with Helen Brocklebank, CEO of luxury institution, Walpole, to find out why 2023 is the year of jobs and skill, visitor experiences and sustainability.
We were delighted when The Circle invited our Founder and Creative Director, Sharon Lillywhite, to join a panel discussion in honour of Design Week. The event provided a platform for Sharon to engage in meaningful conversations with industry peers and share our unique approach to ultra prime design.
We were delighted when The Circle invited our Founder and Creative Director, Sharon Lillywhite, to join a panel discussion in honour of Design Week. The event provided a platform for Sharon to engage in meaningful conversations with industry peers and share our unique approach to ultra prime design.
At Oliver Burns Studio, fragrance is something that connects us all, whether it is the bespoke scent we carefully create for a project or the familiar aroma of a candle burning in the studio. This shared experience of scent holds extraordinary power because it can unlock deeply personal olfactory memories and transport us back to a place or time. As part of our ongoing monthly theme, ‘Designing for the Senses,’ we’re focusing on scent and its essential role in design, recognising smell as a fundamental sense that shapes the experience of a space. As the fragrance market continues to grow, we turned to one of our favourite brands, August & Piers , to learn more about their personal experiences building the brand and their approach to designing fragrance.
At Oliver Burns Studio, fragrance is something that connects us all, whether it is the bespoke scent we carefully create for a project or the familiar aroma of a candle burning in the studio. This shared experience of scent holds extraordinary power because it can unlock deeply personal olfactory memories and transport us back to a place or time. As part of our ongoing monthly theme, ‘Designing for the Senses,’ we’re focusing on scent and its essential role in design, recognising smell as a fundamental sense that shapes the experience of a space. As the fragrance market continues to grow, we turned to one of our favourite brands, August & Piers , to learn more about their personal experiences building the brand and their approach to designing fragrance.