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Based in the historic bohemian neighborhood of Fitzrovia, London, Munro Studio is a multi-disciplinary design house known for its magical and captivating interiors. Established in 2015 by Erik Munro, the studio has garnered acclaim for its expertise in crafting both private residential and hospitality spaces, extending its creative vision to both local and international projects.

Originally from Vancouver, Erik’s unique journey through the world of design is driven by a passion for romanticizing the ordinary aspects of life. His aptitude for creating beautiful interiors is enriched by his background in fashion design, and his distinct vision seeks to highlight the personalities and lifestyles of his clients.

Munro Studio operates on the philosophy that quality design should be both beautiful and functional; making life easier while highlighting the inherent beauty in each and every space. Munro’s projects have ranged from the everyday to the extraordinary—from restaurants and cafés to private yachts and even palaces.

Join us as we take a peek inside the enamoring creative world of Erik Munro in this edition of Love Happens’ Design Questionnaire.

Lh Design Questionnaire with Erik Munro of Munro Studio

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

I think perfect happiness is accepting life’s inherent ups and downs. There’s beauty in the journey’s unpredictability. Cherish and savour moments, both joyful and challenging, enjoying the good and learning from the bad.

Happiness for me can be found in the small everyday moments – the cheeky grin on my daughter’s face when she runs to hug me, savouring the first bit of a gorgeously layered and gooey lasagne, or discovering the perfect Murano vase for a project. Even the simplest gesture, like receiving an effusive text message from a client, can bring joy.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My two beloved daughters hold a cherished place at the top of the list! Alongside them, my design firm, now nearly a decade old, stands as a testament to dedication and perseverance. The journey has been both rewarding and challenging, yet I feel immensely fortunate to have reached this point. 

What profession does your alter ego have?

It would likely be in medicine or psychotherapy. I have always had an innate desire to help others and I have a deep fascination with human behaviours, why we do the things we do. One could argue that my interactions with clients already embody elements of these roles!

The project you will never forget.

One unforgettable project that captured my heart was a chalet barn conversion nestled in Gstaad. Spearheaded by a charismatic socialite and her fabulous circle of clients, the project was a dream of hand-carved plaster murals, antique furnishings from European sourcing trips, and plush velvets and linens all set to a backdrop of repurposed timber posts and beams from the original barn. 

Closer to home, a project holds a special place in my heart not only for its design intricacies but also for the exceptional clients who entrusted me with their vision. Transforming their newly acquired mews house near Hyde Park into a haven of sophistication was a journey marked by collaboration and trust.

From crafting a bespoke marble and bronze bar to adorning the loft bedroom with silk-wrapped wallpaper, every element reflected their refined taste. Fostering close relationships with my clients is integral to my practice, as understanding who they are and what they represent is as vital as the design itself.

Your favorite business tool or resource.

The Adobe Suite is indispensable, it’s something my team and I use everyday. Seamlessly integrated into our workflow, these applications empower us to craft immersive visual presentations, offering clients a glimpse into our creative vision. In essence, they serve as modern-day canvases, facilitating the evolution of design from conception to realisation.

The most timeless design. 

Classical interiors have undeniably endured the passage of time. However, even these spaces can eventually lose their relevance or functionality. In my view, nature’s design is the essence of timelessness, with its ever-evolving beauty that never fails to inspire. I love incorporating natural elements in my work—such as organic materials, earthy hues, and botanical motifs—integrating references to nature, whether through artwork, decorative objects, or planting, adds depth and vitality.

The biggest design faux pas.

One of the most significant design missteps lies in playing it safe—opting for choices that fail to evoke a sense of excitement or challenge. Design, in my view, thrives on pushing boundaries and crafting spaces that elicit a range of emotions.

Our immediate environment influences our well-being, and it’s essential to create spaces that resonate deeply. Encouraging clients to embrace the slightly riskier option, rather than adhering to trends, is something I passionately advocate. While playing it safe may offer temporary reassurance, it pales in comparison to the transformative power of daring design choices.  

Your design motto.

At the heart of every well-crafted interior lies an essence of genuine emotion—a feeling that surrounds us as we step into a space. My design ethos focuses on evoking authentic feelings through every element of the environment. While beauty is subjective, I believe therein lies its charm: the ability to evoke different emotions for different individuals. My goal is to create interiors that resonate on a personal level, eliciting heartfelt responses from all who experience them.

Our publisher, KOKET, makes statement décor. If you were to design a room around one of their pieces, which would it be, and why?

If tasked with designing a room around a KOKET piece, my choice would be to incorporate antique bronze narrow vertical panels to showcase the Folie Feathers wallcovering in a home library veneered with eucalyptus.

I’m drawn to using natural materials whenever possible, and the ethically sourced feathers add a touch of softness to the contrasting textures of bronze and timber. The combination promises to create a visually stunning and harmonious space.

Love Happens when…

…you open your heart, go out to find it, and love others as much as you love yourself.

Explore more by Erik Munro & Munro Studio

Introduction and copyediting by Bridget Kitson
All images courtesy of Munro Studio

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