Interior designer Tola Ojuolape has completed work on a show flat in Battersea that offers creative professionals a design-led space to retreat in comfort.
London-based designer Tola Ojuolape has unveiled her new residential project, BLOOM, a two bed show flat in Battersea, which stands out amongst the plethora of emerging Build to Rent schemes with it’s thoughtful colour curation and considered art selection.
Contracted by commercial developer Greystar, who were keen to work with emerging talent, Tola’s forward-thinking approach and ethos of supporting local suppliers has been welcomed.
“The project was conceived six years ago so you have to work with visionary designers and have a visionary team to ensure the product, when delivered, will still resonate and be relevant to the market,” says Lauren Gilling, Design Director at Greystar. “A major source of inspiration for Bloom came directly from the site location of Battersea and surroundings, which has long been established as a vibrant centre for culture and art. The area boasts a rich history of nurturing creative talent, with iconic institutions like the Battersea Arts Centre, Battersea Power Station and the Pump House Gallery nearby.”
Here, designer Tola discusses the project from her point of view, from working with the developer to designing a space that captures the local London area.
What was the brief for this project?
The brief was to create a show-stopping show flat that appeals to aspirational professionals. Greystar wanted a premium and quality show flat that could attract and showcase their mission to create an immersive living experience that nurtures and celebrates artistic expression.
What are the differences between working for a developer versus a homeowner?
A developer seeks to showcase the their developments in the best possible way backed with data to ensure the interior design communicates their aspiration for an ideal customer in comparison to a homeowner who has a personal vision, taste and specific requirements for their home.
What was your approach to working on a show property? How did you ensure that it felt homely and inviting?
Having a strong narrative and with the collaboration of Greystar, our design was centred around two character profiles Olive and Anouskha. Both creativeprofessionals, we sought to express their interests and lifestyles in the design and curation of the space as well as supporting local art and small businesses.
How did you approach selecting furniture, furnishings, and flooring that appeal to the target market?
Built to Rent is a relatively new yet rapidly growing segment in London’s real estate market and our design is centred around the character profiles Olive and Anouskha. By supporting local art and small businesses, we combined new and vintage pieces.
How did you create character within a space that has no period features?
I believe colour can be a powerful and effective tool to transform and create mood and this was particularly helpful for our approach for Bloom. By carefully sourcing and selecting a combination of new and found pieces we successfully created character in the space.
Who were some of the suppliers/makers that you worked with on the project?
I love supporting small and local business. Palefire studio for lighting, Open doors gallery, Alfred vintage, Floor story and local artist Anna Proctor.
What are you working on next?
I’m working on hospitality projects at the moment and looking forward to developing on a project in a new sector, which is really exciting!
www.tolaojuolape.com | IG: @tolaojuolape.studio
Photography by Felix Speller
