In recent months, a delightful design trend has quietly but confidently made its way back into the spotlight: lace and eyelet. What’s surprising is how these traditionally delicate fabrics have been reimagined in ways that feel fresh, modern, and—against all odds—completely un-frilly. A perfect example of this contemporary revival can be seen in a charming collection of lace curtains crafted by a London-based design studio renowned for marrying softness with sophistication. These curtains exude an airy lightness, effortlessly softening any room without veering into stuffy or overly ornate territory. Imagine them billowing gently in an open window, adding just the right touch of texture and warmth.
What’s especially captivating about this design studio’s approach is its versatility and grounded sensibility. Founded in the early 2000s by a passionate textile enthusiast who had trained as an interior designer, the brand began as a one-woman operation in a basement. Today, it has blossomed into a dynamic team of highly skilled seamstresses—playfully dubbed “seamstress ninjas”—who create bespoke items for a diverse clientele that includes interior designers, boutique hotels, restaurants, and private clients alike.
The studio operates out of a beautifully converted former mission hall in London, where the team focuses on sourcing rare, natural, vintage, and hand-dyed fabrics. Their talented hands transform these exquisite textiles into a variety of bespoke pieces: headboards, curtains, cushions, and wall hangings that can be found gracing some of the city’s most stylish spaces. Each piece tells a story, blending heritage and craftsmanship with a modern aesthetic that is both approachable and refined.
From this creative hub, the founder shares insights into the personal inspirations and quirks that fuel the studio’s unique style. For instance, a film bedroom scene served as the unexpected muse for the studio’s headquarters, influencing the choice of furnishings and the overall ambiance. The result is a space that feels at once contemporary and comfortably grounded, with a touch of boldness in its design choices.
When asked about favorite gifts to bring to a dinner party, the answer reveals a thoughtful and tactile sensibility: champagne, flowers, and cheese for a casual gathering, or something textile-related—often a vintage find or one of their handmade cushions—for a housewarming. This mix of the indulgent and the personal perfectly encapsulates the brand’s ethos, where every creation is imbued with warmth and character.
In the founder’s own living space, a carefully curated stack of books sits beside the bed, showcasing a broad range of interests that inspire and inform her work. Titles include a vintage collection of dragons, a treasure trove of gemstones and minerals, and a creative manifesto penned by a legendary music producer. These eclectic reads hint at a mind always wandering through realms of history, nature, and artistry.
To spark new ideas, the studio’s team tunes into a podcast dedicated entirely to the world of textiles—an exquisitely researched and beautifully produced exploration of fabric’s rich heritage and endless possibilities. It’s a constant reminder of the vast and varied tapestry of their craft, and of how fortunate they feel to be part of such a vibrant field.
One particular visual influence stands out: the bedroom from a visually striking film by a celebrated director known for his unique and sometimes surreal style. The founder was so taken by the space’s dramatic aesthetic that she decided to recreate its essence—albeit through a more minimalist, brutalist lens—within the studio’s headquarters. The outcome is a stunning blend of boldness and beauty that feels surprisingly welcoming.
In sum, this London-based textile atelier has found a way to breathe new life into time-honored materials, crafting pieces that feel both nostalgic and utterly of the moment. Their work is a celebration of craftsmanship, heritage, and thoughtful design—a quiet reminder that beauty often lies in the details, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens.