Studio Portobello

Studio Portobello is an interior design practice founded by Hanna Botelho Karhunen and Peter Twomey who share a vision to create homes that are both richly storied and effortlessly functional. Classical, neo-classical and antique influences permeate their work, interpreted through a contemporary lens to create interiors that are cultured, decorative and expressive.

Their identity was shaped around the need for a classical typographic structure that could reflect their approach. The chosen typeface was refined to emphasise proportion and restraint. Working with typographer Bobby Tannem, the type was subtly customised through refined ligatures, and the monogram was drawn as a graceful ‘S’ form inspired by the swans of Portobello’s canal – introducing a quiet sense of place, elegance and craft while making the mark distinctly bespoke.

Building on the SP initials, we explored paired phrases such as Style & Purpose and Spirit & Place to articulate the studio’s ethos: interiors that are both expressive and intentional. From this, we developed a suite of architectural forms inspired directly by Studio Portobello’s physical interiors. These shapes act as visual signifiers for the studio’s services – from spatial planning to sourcing and custom design – grounding the identity in the language of rooms, thresholds and objects rather than abstract graphics.

Tone and mood are integral to Studio Portobello’s design approach, and so too are they to their overall brand. We worked closely with them on their tone of voice, pulling out and defining their values to ensure their communications share the same confidence and warmth as their interiors. The resulting identity is rooted both in classical structure and contemporary expression – elegant, layered and quietly playful, designed to endure. 

The website for Studio Portobello is restrained by design, and places their photography front and centre to allow the work to speak. Set against a deep and rich colour palette, the site creates a quiet backdrop that enhances the atmosphere and detail of each project. A simple, curated portfolio structure showcases the breadth of the studio’s offering – from full interior design to sourcing – while speaking directly to a design-literate, culturally engaged audience. Every element is focused on clarity and confidence, with a clear and considered path to enquiry, ensuring the site functions not only as a showcase of exquisite work, but as an effective tool for attracting the right clients.