Studio Braw shares tips for personalizing home interiors
Studio Braw, a Pimlico-based design studio founded in 2018 by Matt Simpson and Louise McGarry, approaches home renovation with a focus on bespoke details that preserve the original character of a property. The couple, who met as students at Lancaster University, brings complementary skills to their work: McGarry’s background in English Literature informs the studio’s storytelling approach, while Simpson’s business studies provide a commercial perspective. Their collaboration began with renovating London homes together, treating each project as a learning opportunity. Now, they specialize in high-end residential design, ensuring no two projects feel alike.
Unlike many design firms, Studio Braw has no fixed aesthetic. Instead, it crafts custom joinery, kitchens, and other individually designed pieces in its in-house Kent workshop. The studio’s philosophy centers on preserving a building’s original bones while adapting its materiality to its environment. “We believe that the bones of a building should be preserved as closely as possible to their original character,” Simpson says. “And we aim for the materiality of a design to respond to its environment.”
Recent projects reflect the studio’s adaptability
The renovation of a six-bedroom villa in Saint-Tropez showcased the studio’s ability to blend regional charm with curated interiors. McGarry explains that the team retained the villa’s exterior character while filling the interior with locally sourced antique pieces. The goal was to create a space that felt like an art gallery, using limestone floors and off-white walls as a neutral backdrop. This approach allowed the antique furniture to stand out while maintaining a cohesive design.
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A Grade II-listed Chelsea townhouse presented a different challenge: balancing heritage with modern functionality. Studio Braw’s solution involved sensitive renovations that preserved the building’s historical features while incorporating contemporary conveniences. The project demonstrates how the studio adapts its methods depending on the property’s constraints and the client’s vision.
Currently, the studio is working on a mews house in west London, where vaulted ceilings reach up to five and a half meters. Simpson describes the project as both exciting and challenging, requiring the team to create a space that feels warm and welcoming despite its architectural grandeur. Additionally, the couple is finishing their own home in Pimlico, a former shop with large front windows that they’ve replaced to better suit a residential layout. Their own project includes bold design choices, such as a fully wood-clad kitchen that extends to the floor and walls.
Studio Braw’s process begins with understanding each client’s personality, daily routines, and how they intend to use their space. This personalized approach ensures that every project reflects the individual needs of its occupants, resulting in highly tailored designs.
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How to raise a space with custom details
Studio Braw emphasizes that bespoke joinery should feel like an extension of existing furniture rather than an afterthought. The studio has designed several “cloffices”—a blend of dressing room and office—for clients. These spaces are crafted to serve dual purposes, creating functional yet stylish areas.
The firm also advises creative solutions for media storage. Instead of simply mounting a TV on a wall, Studio Braw builds bespoke joinery walls that integrate screens, books, and accessories. This approach maximizes living spaces while shifting focus away from the television itself.
In kitchens, the studio prioritizes eliminating dead corners, inaccessible shelves, and wasted areas. By combining drawers and integrated storage, they maximize usable space. Features like wine racks, slide-and-hide pantries, and discreet appliance housing help keep kitchens calm and uncluttered. This functional approach ensures that every inch of the space serves a purpose.
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Introducing unexpected elements, such as concealed utility or boot rooms, can further refine a home’s layout. These hidden spaces separate practical areas—like washing machines and refrigerators—from social spaces, creating a clearer distinction between workhorse and living areas. The result is a home that feels both organized and inviting, with an element of discovery for those who explore beyond the obvious.
Studio Braw’s work reflects a broader trend in high-end residential design: the demand for spaces that are not just visually striking but also deeply functional. Unlike generic renovations, their projects are shaped by the client’s lifestyle and the property’s unique characteristics. This tailored approach ensures that every detail contributes to a home that feels truly personal.
The studio’s recent projects and ongoing work highlight how bespoke design can transform a space without losing its original charm. Whether it’s a villa in Saint-Tropez or a mews house in west London, Studio Braw’s ability to blend heritage with modernity sets it apart in the industry.
