With natural light and bright white walls, the new Nicole Hollis studio functions as a “blank canvas” where designers can clear their minds of daily clutter and devise original concepts for each project.
Located in a 5,000 square-foot former industrial space in the soma (south of market) neighborhood of San Francisco, the studio is a creative laboratory where experimentation is encouraged. Collaborators including artists, designers and artisans drop off samples and share ideas and presentations, fostering an uplifting, inspiring atmosphere.
To create the new studio interior, the space was opened by removing several walls, while retaining the high celling and authentic steel windows. This brought in the views, which stretch from the bay bridge to twin peaks, to reflect the nuances of San Francisco light throughout the day.
The central work area is open with custom white workstations built with standing desks. A dramatic entry salon with integral colored Italian plaster walls is styled in the manner of a residential living room with a fireplace and furniture setting.
The reception desk is Nicole’s ode to Donald Judd – a brass-clad box by Chris French Metals. The materials library is partitioned with charred wood walls turned black with the Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique.
