Hollaway Studio are interior designers that embraces the past, the present, and the future and places people and feeling at the core of its architecture philosophy.
We are passionate about creating ambitious designs and our clients have come to expect this from us. From large scale hospitality projects to custom-made residential interiors, we are able to work seamlessly with our clients to create their vision. Our goal is to create each space to the highest specification, so we can deliver each project to meet our clients expectations.
Interior design begins with feeling – for place, for the past, for the needs and wants of the now, and for a future that matters. It listens. It empathises. It’s pragmatic. It’s an understanding that informs everything we do. It makes interiors that work – truly, beautifully. This is how we approach all projects.
An interior design practice is nothing without its people, and the very best practices are those in which everyone has a voice – however different it may be. We are extremely fortunate Hollaway is exactly this: an extraordinary bunch of thinkers, talkers, and doers. These are the people that get buildings made.
Done right, it’s perfectly possible to bring two ostensibly different styles of design together to create a singular sense of architectural unity. Case in point, The Cottage, which sees a quintessential English cottage completed by a highly modern extension, one that has tripled the property’s size. The key here is giving into our craving for the other: when in the dark and wonky comforts of the cottage, so we crave the light and simplicity of the modernist space – and visa-versa.
Before the retrofit The Cottage was, of course, already a picture of Kentish charm. However, the many changes in the way we live today meant it was much more a winter hideaway than year-round house. Now, during the winter, the original cottage serves as retreat, a place to hunker down, get warm, and enjoy the closeness of its materiality.
As award-winning interior designers, we have built our reputation working on a wide array of projects, including a high-end seafood restaurant, a beer brewery experience and multiple residential projects. The breadth of these projects may be wide, but each one brings the perfect balance of playfulness and sincerity, with a firm focus on placemaking, sustainability and the experience of the individuals who will use the space.
London
10A Acton Street WC1X 9NG
+44 (0)20 7096 5425
Kent
The Tramway Stables, Rampart Road
Hythe CT21 5BG
+44 (0)1303 260 515
Pattern, Form, and Texture: The Crucial Trio in Interior Design
We believe that a space is not simply defined by its physical boundaries, but by the experience that it creates for those who inhabit it. This experience, in turn, is largely shaped by the visual and tactile elements that play upon our senses, namely pattern, form, and texture.
Understanding the Power of Pattern
Patterns are a versatile tool in the design arsenal, capable of imparting depth, interest, and personality to a space. They can be bold and daring, instantly drawing the eye and becoming the focal point of a room. Alternatively, they can be subtle, slowly revealing their details and adding layers of intrigue. Patterns can be geometric or organic, uniform or asymmetrical, vibrant or monochrome – the possibilities are virtually limitless. We love to play with pattern scale and contrast, blending large and small designs, or pairing intricate patterns with simple ones to achieve a balance. Additionally, repeated patterns often add rhythm and coherence to a space, forming a visual language that speaks volumes about the inhabitant’s style and preferences.
The Beauty of Form
If pattern is the language of a room, form is its grammar. The form of an object describes its shape and structure, its physical presence in a space. This aspect is crucial as it directly influences how a space is navigated and perceived. The art of manipulating form often lies in achieving a harmonious balance between the different shapes within a space. A room with too many rigid, straight lines can feel cold and sterile. On the other hand, a room filled with curved and organic shapes might feel chaotic and ungrounded. Mixing different forms — like pairing a round coffee table with a boxy sofa, or combining rectangular artwork with a curvilinear lamp — can create an appealing tension and dynamism within a room.
Texture: A Tactile Experience
While pattern and form appeal to our visual sense, texture brings a touch of tangibility into the mix. A room’s textures can greatly affect how warm, comfortable, or luxurious it feels. Materials with rough textures, like linen or jute, evoke a sense of coziness and rustic charm. On the flip side, smooth and shiny textures — such as marble or silk — imbue a space with a polished, refined aura. Layering different textures is an effective way to add depth and richness to a design. However, texture isn’t merely a tactile experience. It also contributes visually by influencing the way light interacts with surfaces, creating shadows and highlights that can significantly enhance the overall aesthetic of a room.
Crafting Harmonious Interiors
We understand that the real artistry of interior design lies in the way these elements — pattern, form, and texture — are orchestrated together. It’s not just about selecting individual pieces, but about creating a cohesive narrative that’s both visually and experientially pleasing. We encourage you to embrace these tools in your own homes, experimenting with their interplay to create a space that truly reflects your personality and lifestyle. Remember, there are no absolute rules in design, just principles to guide you. The best spaces are often those that reflect the individual, not the trend. Whether you’re designing a new home or refurbishing an old one, the trio of pattern, form, and texture offers a world of possibilities to create stunning and inviting spaces. Harness their power to transform your interiors into your very own sanctuary of style and comfort.