Interviews with Lea Shanati

Approaching this space, the psychology of design heavily influenced the color strategy. Blue is inherently restorative; it naturally lowers the ambient energy of a room and fosters a profound sense of tranquility, making it the ultimate hue for a personal sanctuary.My inspiration was drawn directly from the environment just outside the windows. Despite its gray reputation, London actually enjoys beautifully sunny days, and the sky here constantly surprises me - it creates a spectacular, shifting canvas that transitions from a crisp, light blue in the morning to the most profound, rich purples at dusk. My intention was to create a seamless visual loop, bringing the outside in and the inside out. By carefully selecting dynamic, layered tones of blue, the room actively responds to the environment. As the natural light shifts outside, the blue finishes inside the room change with it, deepening and softening to mirror the exact progression of the London sky.To ensure the palette remains warm and inviting, particularly as the room transitions to artificial lighting in the evening, we introduced deliberate touches of gold throughout the space. These metallic elements act as permanent rays of sun, catching the light here and there. They cast a warm, ethereal glow that ensures the blue palette always feels deeply luxurious and comforting, never cold.

To achieve true visual harmony, we first had to address the room's physical foundation. We made a deliberate decision to retain the main historical architectural elements - specifically the doors, the ceiling cornices, and the skirtings. However, rather than highlighting them traditionally, we treated them with a more minimal approach, stripping away heavy ornamentation to leave clean, classic profiles. This preserved the historical soul of the room while creating a much quieter, refined canvas.Against this grounded backdrop, my approach to the curved elements was rooted in abstraction. Instead of replicating intricate period details, I distilled the classic Victorian arch down to its purest, most fluid geometric form. I then used this abstracted curve as a subtle, recurring motif across the contemporary features.For example, the wallpaper introduces a soft, sweeping rhythm rather than a rigid, traditional pattern. Similarly, the lamps and lighting fixtures possess rounded, organic silhouettes that speak the exact same visual language. By establishing the minimal Victorian framework first, these contemporary curved elements don't compete with the architecture; instead, they create a gentle, subconscious rhythm, allowing the eye to glide easily through an uncluttered, modern sanctuary.

My guiding philosophy for this layout was that a bedroom does not have to live just one life - it shouldn't be reserved solely for sleeping. When you have a space this magnificent, anchored by such a mesmerizing view of the park, you naturally want to linger. I wanted to design a comprehensive retreat that the occupant simply wouldn't want to leave throughout the day. Within this 344-square-foot space, the zoning was entirely driven by the rhythm of daily rituals. The dedicated lounge area allows the room to transition fluidly. It provides a distinct, sunlit space to enjoy morning coffee or breakfast while looking out at the trees, and later becomes a cozy spot to read a book on the comfortable sofa before bed. Crucially, it also expands the room's narrative into an intimate social space - a private haven where you can invite a girlfriend in for a glass of champagne and a little gossip.To maintain flow between these distinct zones, I ensured the spatial division was psychological rather than physical. We used cohesive textures and the unified blue color palette to link the sleeping area to the lounge. By doing so, the distinct functional pockets communicate perfectly with one another, allowing the room to serve multiple purposes while maintaining its seamless, serene atmosphere.

For me, this decision was incredibly straightforward: the textures were entirely dictated by the fundamental purpose of the room. A bedroom must, above all else, feel unequivocally soft and cozy.I view interiors as a medium for emotional dialogue between the occupants and their environment, and in a bedroom, the tactile experience is just as important as the visual one. The materials we physically touch - or even just visually register as soft - communicate an immediate sense of safety and relaxation to the mind. By layering rich, absorptive materials like velvet and suede, we created a tactile cocoon. These fabrics don't just feel luxurious against the skin; they also soften the acoustics of the room and absorb the light beautifully, contributing to that quiet, serene atmosphere. The subtle introduction of leather provides a necessary structural contrast, adding a layer of sophisticated, tailored luxury without introducing anything cold or harsh to the touch. Ultimately, this specific palette ensures the room communicates absolute comfort at every sensory level.

To be completely honest, sometimes the space simply does the heavy lifting for you. When you have a view as commanding and beautiful as this Hyde park, it leaves you with absolutely no choice - the landscape practically demands to come into the room.My strategy in this case wasn't to manufacture a connection, but rather to gracefully surrender to it. The goal was to frame the view rather than compete with it. By using the blue color palette to mirror the sky and the pond outside, we allowed the mature trees to act as a natural, living extension of the interior walls.The real challenge, however, was ensuring that this expansive outdoor connection didn't compromise the intimacy of the bedroom. Floor-to-ceiling park views can sometimes make an occupant feel exposed. To counter this, I relied heavily on the spatial layout and the rich, absorptive textures we just discussed. By creating that soft, tactile "cocoon" within the room, the occupant feels deeply protected and grounded. You are able to sit in the lounge area or lie in bed and feel entirely connected to the changing seasons and the vastness of nature, while still remaining safely enveloped in a private, luxurious sanctuary.

Honestly, when you specialize in bridging historical and modern spaces, what many might consider "unexpected" challenges are often just the standard realities of working with period properties. In this Knightsbridge townhouse, we dealt with the typical structural quirks you find in older buildings - specifically, slight variations in ceiling heights and exposed structural beams.While these aren't unusual challenges for a project of this nature, they do strictly dictate the execution of the design. When you are aiming for a contemporary, clean-lined haven, you cannot have uneven architectural lines disrupting the visual harmony. These structural discrepancies meant that almost everything had to be meticulously tailored. It reinforced our decision to rely heavily on bespoke joinery, custom wall paneling, and carefully calibrated ceiling treatments. By custom-fitting the contemporary elements to the room's uneven historical bones, we were able to disguise the height differences and beams, ultimately delivering a flawlessly smooth, serene finish that feels both effortless and precise.

Because the room is graced with such large windows and unobstructed park views, nature provides all the illumination needed during the day. The daylight floods the space, so the artificial lighting strategy was entirely focused on the transition into the evening and what happens after dark.To maintain the room's ethereal quality, my approach was to create a highly flexible, layered lighting scheme rather than relying on a single, overpowering light source. For moments requiring full, general illumination, we incorporated elegant ceiling chandeliers. However, the true atmosphere of a bedroom is often created at a lower visual plane. We installed wall sconces that serve a dual purpose: they provide focused, functional task lighting for reading in bed, while also washing the walls with a soft, ambient glow. Finally, the addition of a table lamp introduces a crucial, intimate layer of absolute coziness. By separating the lighting into these distinct, independently controllable zones, the occupant can perfectly orchestrate the mood as the evening progresses, ensuring the space remains just as comforting and serene at midnight as it is in the midday sun.

As I touched on earlier, I envisioned the gold accents in this room as permanent rays of sun. Because the sun is our ultimate natural source of light and carries that beautiful golden warmth, it made perfect conceptual sense to apply the gold finishes specifically to the lighting fixtures. When the natural light fades, these fixtures essentially become the "suns" of the room, casting both literal light and a warm, metallic glow.To ensure these elements achieved maximum impact without overpowering the serene atmosphere, the key was absolute restraint in their physical form. We kept all the golden lines incredibly thin, sleek, and elegant. Instead of heavy, ornate metalwork that might feel too opulent or distracting, these slender profiles provide just a whisper of luxury. To tie the room together, we subtly repeated these delicate golden lines in a few select furniture elements. This creates a cohesive, subconscious rhythm throughout the space, ensuring the luxury feels light, deliberate, and entirely harmonious with the soft blue palette.

I fundamentally believe that every project must be a completely new exploration. While the success of the Blues Bedroom certainly deepened my technical expertise - particularly the nuanced understanding and meticulous problem-solving required when dealing with the quirks of historical properties - I do not believe in applying a rigid visual formula to future work.As designers, we continuously gain experience and expand our creative palettes with every property we touch. However, the actual design, the aesthetics, and the color strategies cannot be replicated from one historical property to the next. They must always remain bespoke. My aesthetic approach is entirely dictated by the unique architectural voice of the space itself and, crucially, by the psychology and vision of the people who are going to occupy it. The greatest takeaway from this project isn't a specific design template, but rather a reaffirmation of my core philosophy: true luxury in a historical setting comes from honoring the specific space and crafting an intimate, tailored dialogue with the individuals who live there.

The aesthetic language of the Espresso Ceremony Coffee Set is deeply tied to the sensory journey of coffee itself. I chose a blossoming rose as the core inspiration because it serves as a perfect metaphor for the coffee-brewing and tasting experience. A rose doesn't reveal its full beauty all at once; it unfolds layer by layer. Similarly, enjoying a fine espresso is an unfolding ceremony. The layered hues and the fluid pattern flow across the set are designed to mirror that progression. Furthermore, the intricate pattern deliberately draws the eye, inviting the user to pause and study its details. This visual engagement mirrors the attention and dedication required to truly appreciate a fine coffee—taking the time to recognise its complex flavour profile, the subtle notes, and the specific region the beans come from. By choosing this palette and flowing pattern, I wanted to create a visually captivating narrative that transitions the user from a rushed routine into a state of mindful appreciation, letting the design visually celebrate the depth and artistry that coffee represents.

When speaking with various cafe owners and baristas, it quickly became apparent that there is a stark divide in the industry's business models. For high-volume, fast-paced coffee chains, speed is paramount; a meticulously arranged set like this takes time to serve and requires an investment that doesn't fit their operational flow.However, my conversations with those in the rapidly expanding "specialty coffee" sector revealed a completely different landscape. We are seeing a surge in venues where coffee is treated as an artisanal luxury, with some rare pours commanding up to £265 for a single cup. That insight was a pivotal moment for the design. I asked myself: doesn't a cup of coffee of that caliber deserve presentation and treatment that matches its value?The feedback from these high-end purveyors and enthusiasts shifted my functional focus away from mass-market utility and entirely toward the ceremony. It validated the decision to create a tray that intentionally takes a bit more time to plate and serve. The specific, dedicated recesses are functionally designed not for a quick table turnaround, but to frame the coffee like a jewel. It ensures that the physical service is as elevated, deliberate, and exceptional as the specialty roast itself.

Material selection was one of the most challenging and pivotal phases of this project, particularly when it came to the tray. I explored several options initially. Wood was considered, but it raised concerns regarding long-term durability and water damage in a hospitality environment. Metal was also tested, but the clinking noise of cups against metal completely disrupted the peaceful, ceremonial atmosphere I was trying to create.If it were entirely up to my personal aesthetic preference, I would have chosen marble—it is my absolute favorite material and the epitome of luxury. However, practicality had to take precedence; a marble tray would simply be too heavy for waitstaff to carry elegantly, especially with multiple sets. Ultimately, plexiglass emerged as the perfect solution. It offers a lightweight functionality that makes it effortless to carry, while still providing a highly polished, sleek aesthetic capable of beautifully showcasing the intricate rose pattern.For the vessels themselves, the choices were much more instinctive: Porcelain for the Cup: To me, nothing beats porcelain. It is unparalleled in its ability to preserve the pure taste and optimal temperature of the coffee, and it provides an undeniable tactile luxury when held in your hands. Crystal for the Water Glass: I needed the water element to feel solid, perfectly clean, and entirely transparent. Crystal delivers that heavy, premium clarity, providing a beautiful visual contrast to the solid porcelain.Together, these materials strike the exact balance required for the set: they are practically lightweight and durable for service, yet deeply luxurious and traditional to elevate the coffee ceremony.

While its roots are firmly planted in reflecting and elevating the specialty coffee niche, I believe the design's true contribution to contemporary coffee culture lies in its ability to bring that same level of intentionality into everyday spaces. It takes the "specialty" experience out of the cafe and integrates it wherever hospitality matters.I envision this set transforming the arrival experience in a luxury hotel lobby; instead of a standard beverage while guests wait to check in, presenting coffee on this ceremonial tray immediately establishes a tone of care and refinement. Similarly, in business offices, it serves as an unexpected, unique detail to surprise a client or visitor—turning a standard meeting into a highly memorable, tailored interaction.Perhaps most intimately, I see its impact at the end of home dinners. Too often, the post-meal coffee is treated as a quick, functional wrap-up before guests depart. By bringing out the Espresso Ceremony Coffee Set, that final cup is no longer a rushed goodbye, but a beautiful, prolonged moment of appreciation and connection. Ultimately, this design contributes to the culture by proving that the thoughtful presentation of coffee can act as a powerful tool for hospitality and mindfulness in absolutely any setting.

These dimensions were born from rigorous prototyping and a deep focus on the user's physical interaction with the object. Because the tray houses multiple distinct elements, it is absolutely essential to make it as comfortable and effortless to handle as possible to keep the entire experience immaculate from table to hand.The 25mm height was determined to be the exact clearance needed to allow fingers to easily grip beneath the tray. It allows a server or a guest to lift it cleanly from a flat surface without the piece feeling overly bulky or heavy. Meanwhile, the 3mm convex edge serves a dual purpose: it provides a soft, natural boundary that feels pleasant and secure against the thumb when carrying, and it acts as a subtle physical barrier that keeps the eye—and any potential minor spills—contained perfectly within the tray’s ecosystem.This flows beautifully and highlights both the practical engineering and the sensory experience.

Interestingly, my expertise in spatial design and my attention to intimate-scale objects actually trace back to my earliest childhood memories. Long before I formally studied interior design, my passion began with playing with dollhouses. I would spend hours meticulously arranging my dolls' lives and their environments, even creating little, custom wall art objects for their miniature rooms. To this day, I remember it being the most deeply satisfying thing for me.Looking back, that was my first real exercise in spatial design—learning how to thoughtfully organize a tiny environment to make it both beautiful and functional. I approached the Espresso Ceremony Coffee Set with that exact same mindset. In interior design, a room requires a harmonious layout of furniture to dictate how people move and feel within that space. I treated this tray as a micro-room. I imagined exactly how my fingers would move between the cup and the glass. The cup, the crystal glass, and the sweet bite are the "furniture." My background naturally guided me to zone this small tray just as I would an interior space, ensuring that every little object has a purposeful place and creating a perfectly balanced, cohesive micro-environment. As you have often heard, the devil is in the details—and it is those precise, meticulous details that elevate a daily routine into a true ceremony.

By presenting the mint version, my core idea was to demonstrate that the tray has a vibrant life of its own and can be developed in countless ways—through different colors, patterns, and configurations. While the physical ceremony of coffee is universal, the moods and environments in which we enjoy it are deeply personal.Drawing from my background in the psychology of design, I understand how profoundly aesthetic choices impact our emotional states and daily rituals. The rose-inspired design evokes passion, warmth, and a sense of traditional elegance. The mint green variation, on the other hand, was introduced to offer a distinct sense of calm, freshness, and modern minimalism. By offering these variations, the collection seamlessly adapts to different interior styling and personal temperaments. It proves that while the visual narrative can evolve, the structural integrity of the "ceremony" itself remains completely intact regardless of the aesthetic overlay.

The most profound surprise wasn't related to the physical ergonomics of the tray, but rather the psychological impact of the presentation. When observing the participants, I noticed a stark contrast in how they experienced the exact same coffee with and without the set. Remarkably, many participants claimed that the coffee actually "tasted better" when served on the ceremonial tray, even though the coffee beans and the brewing method were entirely identical.When served in a simple, isolated cup, the coffee was often treated as a "quick sip and run"—a purely functional, rushed caffeine fix. However, introducing the tray completely shifted their behavioral rhythm. The physical framework of the set made them pause, explore the arrangement, ask questions, and truly savor what they were doing. It encouraged them to slow down and listen to their own reflections rather than rushing to their next task. This insight was incredibly validating; it proved that by designing the right spatial and visual environment for the coffee, you can actually elevate the sensory perception of the drink itself, transforming a mundane habit into a deeply mindful experience.

As I mentioned earlier, I believe it is essential for the specialty coffee sector to adopt this level of presentation to truly distinguish and honor the unique, high-value coffees they pour. But on a much more personal level, my ultimate dream—if I could get a sneak peek into the future—is to see how people interact with it in the sanctuary of their own homes.Imagine a woman preparing her morning coffee before the demands of the day begin. She is intentionally carving out time for herself. She carefully places her favorite items into their dedicated spaces on the tray, curating her own quiet moment. Then, she steps out onto her balcony, takes a deep breath of fresh air, and takes that first, unhurried sip. That is the true potential of this design. I envision the Espresso Ceremony Coffee Set not just as a beautiful serving piece, but as a daily catalyst for mindfulness—giving people the physical framework and the permission to pause, breathe, and transform a fleeting morning habit into a deeply cherished, restorative ritual.