This talented designer shows us how to transform a new build, cookie cutter apartment in London to heights of style

Gemma McCloskey is the founder and creative director of CÚPLA Studio - a new multidisciplinary design office. She was previously design director at Studio Indigo which saw her working with the likes of Mandarin Oriental and other discerning clients. In March 2020, McCloskey bought this two bedroom apartment together with her fiancé Remko.

Like many couples facing the challenges of getting on the property ladder, they opted for a new-build apartment that would be part of the government’s help-to-buy scheme. In doing so, McCloskey inherited a blank canvas in much need of personality and asked the question “how do you bring your style and personality to a space that has none?” By weaving a bright yet balanced colour palette through the apartment, she viewed rooms as part of a single, larger space; punctuated by a bold collection of vintage, bespoke and bought furniture, lighting and art. Some are by Italian artisans, some from Zara Home, all enjoyed equally.

Amid the one-size-fits-all nature of new build flats, this project shows that first time buyers can achieve homes with character and life, remedying the limitations of London’s infamous housing market. This creative designer tells us more about the space and what’s next for the studio. 

Can you tell us about your background and your journey of founding CÚPLA Studio?

I studied architecture and worked primarily within this realm until I moved to Studio Indigo which provided me the opportunity to explore interior architecture and design... I was hooked. After seven enjoyable years I left my role as design director at Studio Indigo and decided to take a leap of faith and start my own studio – CÚPLA. I want to curate a brand with a real sense of identity where concept and good design is fundamental.

When you first purchased this apartment with your fiancé, what advantages of the space did you see? Were there any challenges you had to overcome?

The large floor to ceiling glazing provided the most wonderful light and instantly lifted our mood upon entering - we felt the colour palette and furniture should complement this and decided to go bright and fun. As the living, dining and kitchen space is quite compact and open plan, we wanted to define the spaces and feel like we had a proper dining space despite being in such close proximity to the kitchen workspace. The introduction of the Gubi pendant light over the statement Kooji table helped us create a dining space which otherwise didn’t exist. The entrance hall was also very long, narrow and rather unexciting when we first bought the apartment, however we grew to love the space with the introduction of the bespoke runner, silk de Gournay wallpaper and artworks. It acts as a really nice threshold before you get into the core living spaces of the apartment. The interior architecture (or lack of) was already defined in the space so despite my urge to redo everything, I decided to save our funds for the FF&E.

What kind of ambience and style did you want to create for yourself?

I wanted to create a space that felt uplifting, inviting and cosy. All of our guests comment on how homely it feels.

How would you describe your personal aesthetic?

Eclectic, bold but always balanced.

You have selected designs from de Gournay for your home - what do you most admire about the brand and what’s so unique about their designs?

de Gournay is my go to supplier brand for something special when I work on hospitality or residential projects. I have used them on all my projects to date so it was really special to finally have some de Gournay in my own personal space. I love how diverse the brand has become with something to suit the most traditional to contemporary spaces. What I love the most is their quality and their unwavering stance on the design and techniques used to create their masterpieces.

What can we look forward to from CÚPLA Studio in the near future?

We are currently working on two large residential projects and a retail concept for a womenswear brand called Rixo. We would like to venture into hospitality and retail projects in the near future. We also want to launch a product line starting with decorative lighting – my apartment being the guinea pig for this project.