One to Watch - Helena Clunies-Ross
Showcasing the work of Helena Clunies-Ross, principal of Helena Clunies-Ross Design.
Words By Emily Martin
Who
Helena Clunies-Ross is Principal of Helena Clunies-Ross Design, a design studio that specialises in high-end residential and hospitality design. It was set up in 2018 and, as Clunies-Ross explains: ‘We create spaces that exude warmth and sophistication; from clean lines and framed views to the placement of screens, bespoke pieces and the layering of textures.’ She studied fine art and art history at University of Surrey and interior design at Chelsea College of Art and Design, but is now based in New York. The studio developed its first line of products when working on its Tribeca Apartments project in New York. ‘Each item was a bespoke piece designed specifically for each space, including a dining pendant, shelves and occasional chair’, she says. ‘We are launching our sibling collaborative store online in the new year which will feature the Tribeca furniture collection amongst other exciting collections to be announced.
Why Clunies-Ross spent 10 years working at Anouska Hempel Design, leaving as its design director to set up her own studio after working on some of the most prestigious hotel and residential projects worldwide. ‘So, it felt like a natural progression to establish my own brand,’ she says. ‘I made the decision to set up the company in New York as I’ve always been drawn to the architecture and energy of the city. We’re now a whole team of women working between London and New York, including three of my sisters. We all offer a different skill set and run different parts of the company.’ Having been primarily project focused the studio is now set to launch its online store in 2024 along with other project collaborations in the pipe line. ‘We plan to open a showroom-come-studio space in the near future – somewhere that our clients...can come to experience what we do.’
Where www.helenacluniesross.com
Tribeca Loft, New York:
One of the studio’s latest projects is a double height aspect loft, featuring a 20ft bronze patina bookcase that rises over the living space. ‘The study showcases some stunning pieces of artwork and an ochre velvet sofa that wraps around ochrecoloured fabric walls,’ says Clunies-Ross.
West Village Townhouse, New York:
One of the studio’s West Village Townhouse projects features one of the last surviving Greek revival properties in the area. Built by Stephen B. Peet in 1845, the building comprises an elevator, health spa with steam and infrared sauna, movie theatre and a 32ft garden with a southfacing terrace.
Tribeca Apartments, New York:
Says Clunies-Ross: ‘This project is particularly significant to us as it was one of our first projects here in New York and provided us with the opportunity to develop our first furniture collection.’ The project features a series of apartments across different levels including lobby and terraces.
