London lawyers’ office unites British heritage with a Scandinavian twist
Barristers Twenty Essex embrace home comforts with newly designed offices by Pernille Lind Studio
![Twenty Essex offices designed by Pernille Lind Studio](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4pumEjtt4fjwZBJDn5eH2V-415-80.jpeg)
The barristers’ chambers of Twenty Essex have had a complete interior overhaul revealing a practical working space inspired by British heritage. The London lawyers wanted to extend their current space at 20 Essex Street in Temple, to coincide with the company's rebranding.
Twenty Essex offices by Pernille Lind Studio
London-based Danish designer Pernille Lind took on their vision: to incorporate conference rooms, workstations, seminar rooms, a café, and an event space, while keeping things inviting and comfortable. Lind knew it was important to not stray far from the building's roots, with location in such a quintessentially British area.
The idea flourished during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the purpose of creating an inspiring office design that would entice people back to the workplace and improve on the existing environment. The use of British craftsmanship and suppliers such as Benchmark, Trees Lounge, George Smith, Sinclair Till, NOVOCASTRIAN, Rough Living, Lind + Almond, and Denne Joinery, was key in creating a space that interlinks office functionality with a classically timeless interior.
The art around the interiors was sourced via Wandering People and McCully + Crane. FF&E Procurement was supplied in collaboration with Dodds & Shute.
With the building extending over six floors, there was an initial overhaul of the floorplan to make each level have a distinct purpose. The basement welcomed an open kitchen and café, with terracotta and cream floor tiling, and minimalistic seating keeping the space clean and adaptable for client-held events. Low lighting above the countertop sets a cosy mood for the colder months, a classic Scandinavian design element from Pernille Lind Studio.
With a homely ethos in mind, each room throughout the levels features warm lighting that is adaptable to meet the specific needs of the space, while keeping a calm appeal.
The colour palette throughout the interior is reminiscent of an autumnal English countryside: forest greens, burnt oranges and chestnut woods showcased on deep seating sofas, and soft carpets. Contrasting materials come together to create a contemporary feel while complementing the building's historic prestige.
Wallpaper* Newsletter + Free Download
For a free digital copy of August Wallpaper*, celebrating Creative America, sign up today to receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories
The inviting space extends to a terrace, with industrial lighting and outdoor furniture, perfect for hosting casual meetings, or simply a place to enjoy a drink after work.
Attention to detail is a theme throughout the project, from the custom horseshoe-shaped desks, to bespoke joinery to accommodate computer monitors, and glazed partitions for functionality and contemporary character.
The interior nods to a British countryside aesthetic, bringing a sense of calm to a usually fast-paced environment.
Tianna Williams is the Editorial Executive at Wallpaper*. Before joining the team in 2023, she has contributed to BBC Wales, SurfGirl Magazine, and Parisian Vibe, with work spanning from social media content creation to editorial. Now, her role covers writing across varying content pillars for Wallpaper*.
-
‘Hedonistic and avant-garde’: Rabanne’s Julian Dossena on the legacy of the chainmail 1969 bag
Paco Rabanne’s 1969 chainmail handbag encapsulates the late designer’s futuristic, space-age style. Current creative director Julien Dossena tells Wallpaper* about the bag’s particular pleasures
By Jack Moss Published
-
Postcard from Paris: Olympic fever takes over the streets
On the eve of the opening ceremony of Paris 2024, our correspondent shares her views from the streets of the capital about how the event is impacting the urban landscape.
By Minako Norimatsu Published
-
The Mercury Prize nominees for 2024 have been revealed
Charli XCX, The Last Dinner Party and Beth Gibbons are amongst this year's nominees
By Charlotte Gunn Published
-
Francis Sultana takes the helm at David Gill Gallery and will ‘give back to design’
As David Gill becomes chairman, Francis Sultana takes over the reins as CEO of David Gill Gallery, with an ambition to support young and emerging designers
By Clare Dowdy Published
-
London Craft Week 2024: the best artisan-made works to discover across the city
London Craft Week 2024 takes over the city (13-19 May 2024), we put together a list of highlights to discover the best craft across town
By Francesca Perry Published
-
Samuel Ross announced as artistic director of London Design Biennale 2025
London Design Biennale 2025 will mark the event’s fifth edition, under the artistic direction of Samuel Ross and with a theme of ‘Surface Reflections’
By Rosa Bertoli Published
-
Design highlights from Collect 2024 at Somerset House
Collect 2024 is on view at Somerset House from 1 to 3 March: here are the highlights from the fair’s design and craft offering
By Melanie Grant Published
-
Bang & Olufsen's London showroom mixes sound, culture and sustainability
Newly opened on Bond Street, the new Bang & Olufsen London showroom combines a sensitive modular design approach and contributions from local creatives
By Rosa Bertoli Published
-
Ron Arad classics made by Dakar artisans on view in London
The work of Ron Arad is part of Opera Gallery’s ‘Untitled Rencontres’, on view until 7 January 2024
By Amah-Rose Mcknight Abrams Published
-
London designers take over an abandoned house, and stage a Christmas Market
On The Square is a collaborative project led Rio Kobayashi, bringing life and a design Christmas market to an abandoned Victorian house in east London
By Rosa Bertoli Published
-
Dolce & Gabbana Casa lands in London with two new locations
Dolce & Gabbana Casa opens in two new London spaces, a Brompton Road boutique and a store within Harrods, dedicated to the house’s world of furniture
By Tianna Williams Published