take a glimpse into our stories, featuring ULTRA-prime insights
and all things luxury.

As the festive season and New Year approaches, many are preparing to hit the slopes. In the studio, we’re pulling together ski chalet design inspiration that ranges from the warm, quietly luxurious chalet in Courchevel. To the sleek, contemporary design of a residence nestled in Aspen’s breathtaking Red Mountains.

The Prime Central London (PCL) property market has had a challenging year, influenced not least by political fluctuations. As is often the case, higher value properties have shown some resilience, but it is clear that looking to the best in the industry for advice and guidance when buying and selling is vital. Rob Windsor, Director and Co-Founder at Clifton Property Partners, offers his insight into the current market, Autumn Statement and all!

As the festive season and New Year approaches, many are preparing to hit the slopes. In the studio, we’re pulling together ski chalet design inspiration that ranges from the warm, quietly luxurious chalet in Courchevel. To the sleek, contemporary design of a residence nestled in Aspen’s breathtaking Red Mountains.

As we race towards the end of the year, the recent Autumn Statement and the U.S. election result continue to dominate discussions. We are always tuned in to any global changes that impact the luxury sector and our home market and we have enjoyed speaking with colleagues across the luxury sphere to further discuss the wider impact. In this edition of OBS Musings, we’re taking a moment to share some lighter stories reaching our screens.

One of the oldest and most recognised sporting events in the British calendar, The Boat Race has announced its first-ever official timekeeper, sponsor, and principal partner: Chanel.

We source gallery pieces for our projects not only for their aesthetic beauty, but because they are investment pieces that embody our ethos of 'Thoughtful Luxury', where impeccable craftsmanship is woven into each design, telling its own unique story.

It is becoming increasingly important to be purpose-driven in business, leading by example and driving higher standards for people and nature. We are very proud to have been awarded the Butterfly Mark, a symbol of the Real Changemakers in luxury, last year. Powered by Positive Luxury, The Butterfly Mark is only ever awarded to brands that meet higher and higher standards for people and nature. This independent assessment is built on the foundation of international agreements, global frameworks and standards. The expansive assessment covers all areas of sustainability including our impact on climate, nature and water, how we treat those we work with as well as how responsibly and ethically we run our business. In line with our ethos of continuous improvement, we are delighted to be joined by Amy Nelson-Bennett, the CEO of Positive Luxury, to get her thoughts on leading the way for sustainability in the luxury sector.

As we move into autumn, we continue to be energised by the ‘start of term’ vibes. New launches, the Monaco Yacht Show, inspiring conversations in sustainability and wellness and a continuing appreciation for the importance of home, have been much discussed in the studio over the last few weeks. Join us for a little OBS musings…

Framing the focal point of the bedroom, bedside tables are often an afterthought. However, here we discuss their importance to balance your space and how to choose the perfect pieces.

It is well documented that flowers have a special kind of power. Whether sent in celebration of a significant moment or as a beautifully curated and luxurious floral experience for your home, alluring blooms with their scent, colour and symmetry bring genuine joy, beauty and meaning on a profound level. As designers we look to take a multi-sensory approach to our super-prime brief, creating designs that go beyond the aesthetic to reflect deeper meaning and ‘Thoughtful Luxury’ in practice. Selecting the right flower, arrangement style and scent is critical, and no one does it better or crafts living works of floral art, quite like Neill Strain. Here we talk to Neill about how it all begun, and why he believes working in the industry is a real privilege.

This month, we've been hooked on the Olympics, from Simone Biles' outstanding performance following her Netflix sensation to our very own Toby Roberts winning the first gold medal in climbing at just 19 years old. It’s an event that inspires us all, as grit, determination, and teamwork combine for success. Here in the studio, we’ve also been discussing everything from Blake Lively’s latest vogue cover to our thoughts on lab-grown materials in the luxury sphere. Read on to hear our insights and the questions we're pondering.

Renowned for its exclusivity and privacy, the island of Mustique has long attracted the rich and the famous, with the likes of David Bowie, Tommy Hilfiger, and Princess Margaret known to spend their downtime here. In the studio, we explore the influence this stunning island has had on design and share our OBS take on a Mustique getaway.

One of our greatest assets is our little black book of trusted artisans and makers who believe in championing hand crafted techniques and are as passionate about delivering the world’s finest, as we are. It was at Walpole’s launch of ‘luxury in the making’ that we had the pleasure of hearing Richard Brendon speak passionately about British heritage craftsmanship and what needs to be done to ensure it survives. Here we talk to Richard about his beautifully crafted tableware that perfectly bridges the gap between traditional craft and contemporary design and the passion he has for all things food and drink.

Super Prime agency has always been about exceptional levels of service but as the traditional high street model begins to change and the clients seek more from those they trust, we are seeing the rise of the super-broker. With this shift in mind, we are excited to speak with Trevor Kearney, who Forbes called the ‘Agent of our generation’, and who after twenty years in the industry has just launched The Private Office: Real Estate.

Paris is in the spotlight at the moment and is dominating our feeds. From Vogue World to the Netflix series ‘The Parisian Agency,’ and of course, the Olympics, there is a real je ne sais quoi about this beautiful city. We have always been captivated by Parisian charm – from their couture clothing to the stunning architecture, we admire the romance and elegance in their style. Take a look below to see our inspiration behind a Parisian apartment in the heart of the city.

‘Don’t forget to look up’, has always been our advice when entering historic buildings and places of interest. In our opinion as one of the leading luxury interior designers in London, some of the most breathtaking works of art and intricate architectural details are to be found on the ceiling.

Nothing says ‘summer is here’ like Wimbledon, even if the weather hasn’t got the memo! There has been much debate in the studio over the last few weeks on everything from the use of pattern and AI to Celine’s latest fitness collection and the value of super-prime properties with outdoor spaces. Join us for our monthly musings.

As we finally celebrate some summer sun, we turn our attention outdoors. Take a look to see the pieces we love for a contemporary penthouse roof terrace, as well as inspiration taken from the pool at our Surrey Country House.

The priorities of the super prime client are changing, not just in London but across the globe, so we turned to Rory Penn, Head of London Residential Sales, and Chair of the Global Private Office at Knight Frank to ask what predictions he has for the world of super prime and ultra prime properties this year.

One of the most quintessentially British events in the calendar, royal ascot is fast approaching. The event is known for its stylish race day outfits and iconic hat designs, but it also requires attendees to abide by an official dress code for the royal enclosure. Here, we ask Oriona Robb, London fashion consultant and personal stylist, for her tips on dressing for the occasion.

After a busy few weeks filled with client meetings, site visits, and supplier trips, we've enjoyed being back in the studio working on and developing new concepts. With our new team members now fully emersed in all things OBS, fresh perspectives have added a new energy to our studio musings. Here, we discuss the latest subjects that have got us talking.

We're delighted that our Founding Partner and Creative Director, Sharon Lillywhite, has been featured in the Spear’s 500, Interiors Index 2024, which recognises the very best Interior Designers in the industry.

The Middle East continues to provide a great source of inspiration for the studio, from a distinctive love of luxury, to impeccable detailing and elegant aesthetic. On our recent visit, we were keen to see The Lana, The Dorchester’s tenth hotel and their first in the middle east. Here we share our thoughts on what is becoming one of Dubai’s latest hotspots.

Celebrated as the ‘age of elegance’, the Georgian era is the backdrop for Netflix’s sumptuous series Bridgerton.

As this week marks the opening of Chelsea Flower Show, we take a look at one of our favourite brands in the world of floral couture and the important role flowers play in both super-prime locations and interiors.

For many, the rise in prominence of English wines is a relatively recent thing as big international names look to invest in the UK market. It is fair to say that many of the UK’s most well-known producers have been at it for decades and it is not before time that those leading the charge are being recognised globally for the really excellent wines that they are producing. As we move towards the better weather, it felt like the perfect time to sit down with Gusbourne’s CEO, Jonathan White, to hear more about the exciting world of English wines.

Here in the studio, we’re busy procuring for one of our high-profile commercial projects, but as always, we make time to get together as a studio and share ideas and inspiration, here are a few topics on the table this week!

Drawing inspiration from the iconic couture dresses set to be exhibited at Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion during the Met Gala, we reimagine these masterpieces as interiors.

It is no surprise that the new LOEWE Lamps collection caught our eye; bringing together twenty-four artists, the collection explores the realms of materiality and design.

This month we talk to Fashion Stylist, Oriona Robb, to find out how she helps her clients discover their personal style and express themselves through the power of fashion. We ask Oriona everything from her style predictions for the year, to how she balances the demands of motherhood with running a successful styling business.

This week, our Founding Partner and Creative Director, Sharon Lillywhite, and Marketing and Operations Director, Tory Ashby, attended Walpole's British Luxury Summit. Held at The Londoner hotel the event brought together leaders from across the luxury sphere to exchange insights and provoke discussion about the future of British luxury.

It has been a busy and rewarding start to 2024 with the team working across a range of exciting super prime projects in both residential and hospitality. Read our latest OB Musings to hear our thoughts and opinions on the latest topics and themes hitting our news feed.

We’ve been eagerly awaiting the first signs of Spring and happy to finally report sightings of daffodils, snowdrops, and a glimpse of the Easter bunny… not really. We got our creativity flowing at London Design Week as we pin down final design concepts, as well as get into new design briefings. All in all, a very exciting and busy time here in the studio.

With a design ethos that transcends a formulaic approach we look at each interior in a very bespoke and individual way for our clients.

Gucci Cosmos is the latest must see exhibition. This travelling show runs until the 31st December at 180 Studios in London.

We are delighted to have launched our new brand identity. In OB Musings Edition No.3 we take a look behind the scenes.

It is always an honour to design a family home where the clients ask for stylish and contemporary interiors that work alongside the needs of a young family.

The Oliver Burns Studio apartment is a beautiful bespoke and luxurious home in the heart of London. A space that offers the ultimate sanctuary, with the views a gentle reminder of the city life beyond.

With the warmer days upon us, we speak with Maeve Doyle, internationally renowned art critic, broadcaster and Artistic Director of Maddox Gallery

After a busy summer, we turn our attention back to the UK ultra-prime property market to find out how Jo Eccles, Founder and Managing Director of prime central London buying agency Eccord, is helping her clients to make the best investments.

The change of seasons is often a moment of reflection as the team travel, enjoy new locations and reflect on the year so far.

We are delighted to be talking to Nicholas Priest of the travel brand, The Luminaire to find out how a new generation of travellers are looking for more than just a luxurious experience. The Luminaire is a brand that strives to create journeys of depth and enlightenment, while promoting a deeper connection to the world around us.

At Oliver Burns, we not only have a thoughtful and expert approach to our work, but a shared passion for all things luxury. We are lucky to have a beautiful studio space where we all come together and while the focus is on our clients and sharing creative ideas, we always have time for a chat about what’s new and as you can imagine, the topics can be far reaching! Join us for a little overview on OB Studio Musings…..

With much in the press about UHNWIs and their Superyachts we sit down with Alex Holden, Strategy Director of world-renowned yacht brokerage, Edmiston to find out what’s new.‍

As we approach the coronation of Their Majesties, King Charles, and Queen Camilla, there is no better time to celebrate the enduring elegance of British design and how The King has been a passionate advocate for many years.

Under our theme of ‘Best of British’, we talk with Helen Brocklebank, CEO of luxury institution, Walpole, to find out why 2023 is the year of jobs and skill, visitor experiences and sustainability.

At Oliver Burns, we are always striving for positive change, not only in business but also through our impact on the world around us. With this in mind, this International Women’s Day, we are taking a moment to stop and recognise the women who inspire us and who we are lucky enough to work with.‍

Fashion has always been intrinsically linked with Interior Design, expressing ourselves through the way we dress and the way we dress our home. This month we will be exploring this link and looking at how we have used fashion to influence our work.

We worked with a number of British Designers on bespoke pieces for the House of Walpole project, a collaboration between ourselves, Northacre and Walpole. All designers worked within the brief of ‘a love letter to the Palace Gardens’, their work takes inspiration from nature which is woven throughout the apartment. Read our article below where we talk in more detail about these key pieces and how we worked with the iconic designers behind them.

Design is influenced by everything around us – fashion, architecture, the environment, even health and wellbeing. Looking forward to 2023, we share our predictions for styles and designs that will be gracing our homes next year.

Nestled in picturesque countryside, our Cotswolds Barn is the ultimate rustic luxe hideaway, which we designed as a second home for a lovely, longstanding client and their young family.

Our House of Walpole project is a collaboration between Walpole and Northacre Properties, to showcase ‘The Home of British Luxury Craftmanship.’

House of Walpole – The Home of British Luxury Craftsmanship brings together Britain’s best luxury brands within one ultra-luxurious space.

We are often asked as a design studio, where do we source our creative inspiration from. The answer is not a short one! We like to live by the philosophy that design is everywhere around you, you just have to know where to look. From the buildings that tower above you to the organic shapes in nature, we look far and wide for the influences that shape our luxury homes. Below we share just some of the many places we source inspiration.

This week London Craft Week returns to the capital, showcasing exceptional craftmanship from both emerging and celebrated artisans.

In our third edition of ‘Conversations in Craftsmanship’, we are delighted to speak with Alexandra Davidson, the Managing Director of luxury furniture brand DAVIDSON.

As a studio, we look to different movements and periods throughout history to inform our design.

We are fortunate enough to receive multiple CV’s, portfolios and applications for internships arriving in our inbox daily, alongside requests for advice on how to become an interior designer.

Nancy Mitford’s most enduringly popular novel ‘The Pursuit of Love’ is the latest in a string of TV adaptions of period novels.

The visual trickery of trompe l’oeil has entranced viewers for centuries.

We all know good sleep makes us feel better, but we may not have considered the powerful role it plays in helping build our immune system.

A true icon of the Art Deco era, we love how a bar cart makes an instant style statement. Popularised during the 1920s-1970s, drinks trolleys are experiencing a revival once more as we currently spend more time at home.

This week we pay homage to 400 years of illustrious playwright and national treasure, William Shakespeare.

Super-prime property is all about the superlative, from the very finest materials to world-class amenities, the standard expected is nothing short of exceptional.

The impact of Covid-19 this year has seen domestic, work and leisure aspects of life all combined into our homes.

Our homes have always been our sanctuaries, but this cherished space has become all the more important as a result of the pandemic

As we enter a second lockdown in England, this brings new significance to the saying ‘an Englishman’s home is his castle’.

Each year, the clocks going back signifies the transition from summer to autumn as well as the start of a new season.

When designing the interior scheme of a bedroom, we like to think of the bed as the focal point of the room and the bedside tables as the perfect bookends that frame this key feature.

With summer approaching and warmer days ahead, our focus shifts from the indoors to the outdoors.

For only the second time in Pantone’s 20-year history, the colour institution have chosen two shades instead of one for their Colour of the Year.

When designing a home, accessories can be viewed as the final layer that adds an all-important touch of personality and visual interest.

Passementerie is a French term, which encompasses ribbons, trimmings and tassels used to adorn clothing and furnishings.

Situated on the tranquil shores of the Italian lakes, with a stunning backdrop of mountains and cypress-fringed water, we created this stunning villa as a family holiday home for a dear long-standing client.

Craftsmanship in design has a rich and long legacy, which has seen time-honoured skills and expertise passed down from generation to generation, but adapted to meet modern tastes and requirements.

In our exciting new series ‘Conversations in Craftmanship’, we will be showcasing the work of our favourite artisans and reveal the high level of skill and craftmanship that goes into creating their designs.

Art Deco first appeared in France and is short for ‘Arts Décoratifs’ after the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts held in Paris in 1925.