Miminat Shodeinde’s work has become know for its many juxtapositions – bold yet inviting, structured yet fluid, raw yet refined. The British-Nigerian artist and designer likes to subvert the expected. Since founding her eponymous studio in 2015, her projects have been described as ‘soft brutalism’ and ‘laid-back luxe’, but now design fans can make up their own minds what to call it, as Shodeinde has opened her first showroom, a ‘museum-like jewel box’ of a space in St John’s Wood.
‘I wanted to carve out a space that truly reflects my journey, showcasing pieces from both new and past collections, alongside my own personal curation of art, books, film, and more,’ says the designer. To that end, the showroom’s first floor is dedicated to exclusive, one-of-one versions of some of her most recognisable furniture, lighting and accessory designs.
Highlights include her ‘NRIN’ vessel (its name derived from the Yoruba word for female, ‘Obinrin’) reimagined in a crimson red; the ‘OMI Mirror’, a deeply personal and nostalgic work inspired by the iconic ‘OMI Table’ – one of Shodeinde’s first-ever designs; and the ‘Howard Daybed’, a work inspired by pilot Howard Hughes, rendered in travertine, oiled wood, brushed stainless steel and plush upholstery.
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Head upstairs and the showroom becomes a materials library. Shodeinde’s affinity with materiality is a large part of her skill as a designer, so it’s fitting for her to create a space for others to experience the beauty of metals, stone, timber and glass.
The palette throughout is neutral but rich, inspired by the muted tones she recalls from visiting Mecca’s Al-Masjid al-Haram and the Mamluki Lancet Mosque in Al-Masayel. These are spaces that have left a lasting impression on the designer, who wants this space to ‘reflect their feeling of calm and spirituality. Offering a tribute to these inspirations, while blending history, materiality and craftsmanship into a cohesive, immersive experience.’
Open now (by appointment only) at 56 Abbey Gardens, Shodeinde’s showroom will also play host to artist residences, exhibitions and installations. Right now, it is populated by the work of artist Alexandra Yan Wong. Using not just paint but paper, fabric and wood, Yan Wong’s attention to materiality seems the perfect fit for this space.
‘This is truly such a special moment – it means everything to me and I am so excited to share it with the world,’ says Shodeinde of the showroom – the best opportunity yet to step inside her truly special world. miminat.com
