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The Salon style space will play host to an evolving selection of the studio’s own designs, alongside a thoughtful curation of treasured artworks, objects and finds that have shaped and inspired British Nigerian artist and designer Mimi Shodeinde’s own creative process. Envisioning the space as if stepping into a ‘museum-like jewel box’, the first floor of the showroom takes shape as a gallery showcasing a special selection of highly sculptural furniture and lighting pieces staged alongside a handpicked collection of Shodeinde’s favorite artworks. The second floor then unfolds as a tactile materials library, sparking curiosity, wonder and discovery at every turn - an immersive haven that reflects the studio’s deep appreciation for materiality, from metals and stones to timbers, glass and more.
Bringing together a rich tapestry of influences and references gathered from journeys across the globe, Shodeinde’s palette draws on the serene, muted tones of sacred spaces in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait - reflecting the profound feeling of calm and spirituality she recalls experiencing in Mecca’s Al-Masjid al-Haram and the Mamluki Lancet Mosque in Al-Masayel. An arch motif echoes throughout the space, paying homage to the poetry of classical architectural structures and forms.
Inspired by the masterful materiality of design legends such as Carlo Scarpa and Mies van der Rohe, chrome accents dance across sculptural silhouettes and the studio’s reverence for materiality then extends into every detail; from the raw beauty of stone and the soft lull of the limewash; to the moody dark tinted mirror, rich leather and deeply grained woods, carefully brushed, hammered and burnt for tactile effect. Embodying Shodeinde’s soft brutalist signature, every detail of the new space offers a physical manifestation of her unique design language and the beauty of the inherent duality at play in her work - bold yet inviting, structured yet fluid, raw yet deeply refined.
Each of the design pieces showcased is a one-of-one creation, designed and crafted exclusively for the space. Highlights include Shodeinde’s NRIN vessel (Derived from the Yoruba word for female ‘Obinrin’) reimagined in a crimson red; the OMI Mirror, a deeply personal and nostalgic work inspired by the iconic OMI Table - one of Shodeinde’s first- ever designs; and the statuesque Howard Daybed, a work inspired by pilot Howard Hughes, rendered in travertine, oiled wood, brushed stainless steel, and plush upholstery.
“I wanted to carve out a space that truly reflects my journey, showcasing pieces from both new and past collections, alongside my own personal curation of art, books, film, and more. My travels to Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, in particular, have left a lasting impression. Visiting such breathtaking mosques, I was drawn to the serene, muted tones that evoke a sense of calm and spirituality. The space, in many ways, reflects that feeling and offers a tribute to these inspirations, blending history, materiality, and craftsmanship into a cohesive, immersive experience”, says Shodeinde.
She continues, “When I found this space it felt serendipitous. I felt an instant connection to the bones of the building and as a huge Beatles fan - everyone who knows me knows that music is my second love after art - being so close to music history with Abbey Road Studios just up the road felt like fate. This is truly such a special moment - it means everything to me and I am so excited to share it with the world.”
The new space will be open for visitation-by-appointment-only from 15th May 2025 with pieces on show available to purchase exclusively from Mimi Shodeinde with worldwide delivery. A curated calendar of events including artist residencies, exhibitions and installations, will be brought to life in the space. A taste of this can be seen in the first artist takeover, an exhibition featuring works by Alexandra Yan Wong.
