1:1 Studio Indigo
The moment you cross the threshold into a Studio Indigo project you immediately feel transported to another time and place. Rooted in classical design, the studio's body of work feels richly layered, and every room tells a captivating story spoken through texture, shape and colour. I recently had the pleasure of chatting with founder Mike Fisher, who graciously shared a glimpse into the creative process behind the beautiful homes he and his team create…
1:1
with Mike Fisher of Studio Indigo
R: Hi Mike! Let’s kick off with what led you to a career in design?
M: As a child, I was always building things out of Meccano and Lego, and I realised that I had a passion for creating things and design.
R: What do you love the most about your work?
M: Having an idea and seeing it come to life.
R: Your interiors feel so artfully balanced between modern-day living met with classic references that speak to architectural integrity. How did you develop this signature aesthetic?
M: My design aesthetic is born from my yearning to create memorable interiors that are stunning, practical and a pleasure to be in. Most of our designs are rooted in the past as we tend to often work with historic buildings, so naturally, our aesthetic lends itself to the respect we have for preservation. Understanding these buildings and crafting them for 21st-century living is why we have this rich blend of past and present. Also, I want spaces to evolve and not be static—in particular, with interiors—I want them to be able to grow as clients experience life within them.
R: How do you describe your interior style?
M: Timeless, comfortable, bold, warm, characterful.
R: Talk to me about your creative process—what’s your typical jumping-off point?
M: It all starts with the context, whether that is the building or the land, which shapes the foundation of the design, and then it’s all about listening to the client, understanding how they live and showing them how their dreams can be realised. We also often start planning the layout very early on. The placement of the furniture is crucial as this will help us understand where architectural elements such as windows can be integrated. This is where both architecture and interior design come into play to create a truly holistic space. Once we get that right, the style direction and aesthetic will all fall into place.
R: Is there a particular architectural style you’re most attracted to? Why?
M: In my long career within the built environment, I can easily say I have had a passion for every historical style. From the Baroque for its sense of theatre and Georgian for its simplistic grandeur to Arts & Crafts for the materials used and Contemporary for its space and light—I'm fascinated and inspired by it all!
R: What does the notion of quiet luxury mean to you?
M: It’s about quality over quantity. An understated, less-is-more approach that has a deep emphasis on quality and craftsmanship.
R: Are there any trends or happenings in the current interiors industry that you’re really drawn to or excited by?
M: I’m not a huge fan of trends, but I’m quite excited by the fact that people are yearning for originality. Instagram and Pinterest have generated a lot of interest in the design industry, but I also see how certain looks
have been oversaturated, and people want to create their own style rather than
copying what is already out there.
R: Any upcoming projects you’re looking forward to?
M: We’re incredibly excited about the upcoming launch of the new Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London hotel, and Residences in Hanover Square later this Spring. It’s our first foray into hospitality, and we collaborated with an iconic brand to bring a contemporary twist to this boutique hotel. Other projects include a beautiful gallery on Cork Street, a large home in Kensington, and a villa on the outskirts of Madrid.
