Based in west London, Nenmar is led by husband-and-wife team Gianluca Nencini and Elena Maresca, two Italian-born creatives. Nencini, who is from Pisa, comes from a family of architects who have been prominent in Tuscany since 1950; he himself is a trained architect and remains a co-director of Nencini Architetti. Maresca, who has Italian-Brazilian parentage and was born in Genoa, did a degree in economics before studying interiors at London’s Inchbald School of Design.
The couple met in 2013; Nenmar was opened in 2021, merging Maresca’s interior-design studio and Nencini’s architecture firm. ‘After collaborating on a few projects, we realised that we could deliver something truly compelling,’ remembers Maresca. Now, their studio – which combines letters from their surnames – views simplicity as the ultimate form of sophistication.
‘Our philosophy is rooted in balance – between function and beauty, heritage and innovation, individuality and timelessness,’ says Nencini.
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‘We often look back to the rigour of Italian and Brazilian modernism, where attention to detail shaped spaces of timeless quality. We’re also inspired by Japanese aesthetics – the restraint, the respect for materials and the pursuit of harmony. We see our work as a dialogue across time and cultures, which allows us to reinterpret ideas in ways that feel current yet enduring.’
What are their recent projects? Nenmar’s latest residential project is a calm, sophisticated apartment overlooking Battersea Park that is defined by warm neutral tones and a restrained palette of refined materials. As well as a minimal yet highly sculptural marble fireplace, it features a contemporary oak-panelling system framing doorways and joinery, which ‘establishes a clear architectural rhythm’ throughout the home. ‘Each element – whether built-in joinery, lighting or soft furnishings – has been custom-designed to suit the architecture and its purpose,’ says Maresca. ‘It’s a serene environment that demonstrates the strength of thoughtful, pared-back design.’
The studio has also designed a new flagship store for tailor Thom Sweeney, set in a four storey Mayfair townhouse, which it describes as ‘a pivotal moment’ for the practice. ‘Conceived as a residential environment rather than a traditional fashion store, the space unfolds across distinct areas designed not only for browsing, but also for the pleasure of inhabiting them,’ says Nencini. ‘We have designed every detail, from bespoke joinery to a pool table, cocktail bar and bespoke-tailoring workshop.’ These spaces – decorated in woods with accents of brown, burnt orange and bottle green – conjure ‘the modern gentleman’s world’.
What are they currently working on? The refurbishment of a Chelsea townhouse, rebuilding a home in Clifton in Bristol and the restoration of a Grade II-listed building in Oxfordshire. They’re also renovating a Swiss chalet and designing a company headquarters in Milan.
They say: ‘Ultimately, we aim to create interiors that feel effortless, authentic and enduring – spaces that evolve gracefully over time, while remaining deeply personal.’ nenmar.com
Expert advice
Nenmar’s tips for mastering the power of simplicity
Simple doesn’t mean bland. A pared-down interior can feel rich and layered when approached thoughtfully. Prioritise quality over quantity – choose fewer pieces, but make them meaningful. A well-made object has presence and brings character without clutter.
The key to keeping restrained palettes engaging is layering and contrast. We often combine textures – velvets, linens, natural woods, metals and stone – to create depth and tactile interest, even when the colours are soft and muted.
What might seem effortless is always the result of a disciplined process. Integrated storage, built-in joinery and concealed doors discreetly accommodate functional needs and circulation, preserving the formal integrity of our interiors. They allow a space to feel uncluttered, balanced and quietly refined.
Every element should have purpose. In a penthouse project we designed in Switzerland, artificial lighting was carefully orchestrated so that its source is never revealed.Instead, light is reflected to softly illuminate the space – unless a feature fitting was highlighted intentionally.
