The great indoors...with Studio Ohm

By Judith Wilson

Above: Nia Morris, Louise Holt and Emma Oldham - Studio Ohm

There is a certain novelty to the notion of employing not just one, but a trio of interior designers, all of whom work seamlessly in the same practice. Such is the case for Studio Ohm, the W1-based design practice. This young, innovative company, founded by three women in 2005, sits at the cutting edge of interior design. Its key players – Louise Holt, Emma Oldham and Nia Morris (pictured left to right) – met whilst re-training in interior design in 2003, at the KLC School of Design. ‘We ended up on the same table, in the same room,’ says Oldham. They all left to set up their own businesses, but it wasn’t long before they decided to join forces. The result was Studio Ohm – in fact, a combination of their three surnames, though the name resembles a calming Eastern mantra.

The team specialise in large domestic projects – recent commissions have been in Chelsea, Belgravia and a brand new one, just finished, in Highgate. While the three designers don’t have a typical client – these range from families to City boys – the girls do look out for people willing to take a risk. ‘We like clients who are open to new things, with few preconceptions,’ they explain. A newly finished project, a vast seven-bedroom house in London, has been a dramatic mix of fibre-optic lights, custom-made furniture and an indoor swimming pool. Current jobs on the go include a pied à terre for a Swedish lady in Covent Garden, and a large family house in St Johns Wood.

Looking through images of their work, and it’s clear that Studio Ohm has a distinctive, eclectic style. Colour is big, as is a certain quirky approach. ‘We like to mix modern and vintage furniture – these days people are less likely to want a new high street piece that everyone has seen. They want interesting, quality things that will last,’ says Morris.

This often means creating bespoke designs, perhaps working with a furniture maker to come up with something really special. The team recently collaborated with a lighting designer to create two extraordinary chandeliers tailored to the scale of the property. Attention to detail is always key, right down to the type of door handles chosen.

For anyone jaded by pale colours or expanses of white, Studio Ohm is in the vanguard when it comes to experimenting with colour. ‘We don’t like murky colours,’ says Morris. ‘We like shades that make a statement – not necessarily for walls or floors, but introduced on a cushion, or the odd chair,’ adds Holt. ‘Recently, a new client with a big house in St Johns Wood has expressed a desire for lime green! People are wanting brightness, more energy, something fun and individual,’ she continues. In the Chelsea house, for example, vibrant red sofas sit against pale painted panelled walls, teamed with modern art. ‘The house was very dark – the clients wanted colourful design, with a sense of fun that was also practical for a family,’ says Morris.

As a team of three, one wonders how they organise projects? ‘At least two of us work on every project, so the design is always a collaboration,’ says Holt. More importantly, they believe that team work creates a better result.

‘We disagree, but that’s a good thing – differences open up everyone’s minds, so there is no danger of tunnel vision,’ says Oldham. ‘Sometimes they will pull me back – as I’m the most design-led – and sometimes I’ll push Nia and Louise forward.’

All three came to design from varied backgrounds. Morris was a lawyer, Holt worked in finance and Oldham trained as a fashion designer. ‘Nia and I have brought our professional business skills and applied them to design – we stick to budgets and deadlines,’ says Holt.

So is Emma always the outrageous one? ‘I’m a bit more anarchic!’ she says. ‘Recently I was sourcing vases for a beautiful double reception room, and saw a dark red rubber vase,’ she says. ‘It just added a bit of attitude in this very calm room, and everyone loved it.’ It is this brave approach that keeps Studio Ohm turning out fresh, unusual designs that are different on every project. ‘We don’t have a one-size-fits-all style,’ concludes Holt. ‘We always aim to surprise.’

Studio Ohm, 1 Bentinck Street, W1U 2EA, 020 7486 3050

www.studioohm.com