CALMA Collection by Helena Clunies-Ross: A New Language of Quiet Luxury

Designers

10 Dec

Written By Anca Enica

**people • DESIGNERS**

The CALMA Collection marks a significant moment for designer Helena Clunies-Ross as she unveils her first furniture line in collaboration with ROOM.
Rooted in a philosophy of quiet luxury and refined simplicity, the collection brings together sculptural form, natural materials and a sense of gentle restraint. Each piece is shaped to soothe the senses, from the slender lines of the dining chair to the cocooning presence of the sofa and the architectural strength of the dining table. Working with walnut, linen, burnished metal and warm brass, Helena has created a cohesive family of objects that balance softness with structure and elegance with everyday practicality. In this interview, she reflects on the inspirations behind the CALMA Collection, her collaboration with ROOM and the values that guide her design approach.

Words: designeers
DECEMBER 2025

WEBSITE: helenacluniesross.com
INSTAGRAM: @helenacluniesross

DESIGNEERS

Every collection begins with a spark. What was the first idea or mood that ignited this debut series, and what story do you hope people feel when they encounter the pieces?

helena clunies ross

The collection began with the idea of creating a sofa that could finally sit proudly at the centre of a room. I wanted a sculptural, architectural piece that looked complete from every angle, without needing to hide the back. Early sketches explored two gently curved timber screens wrapping the seat in a cocoon-like embrace. That gesture became the foundation of the entire series, which is built around quiet confidence and layered depth.

I hope people feel an immediate sense of calm when they experience the pieces. The curves are continuous, the lines are clean, and the seat cushion remains uninterrupted to evoke stillness. The aim is to offer a moment of pause, where the room feels grounded, and the atmosphere settles into a soft, meditative harmony.

DESIGNEERS

Materiality is so central to your work, from natural light to raw finishes. How did you approach the choice of materials and processes here - and are there particular artisans or techniques that became essential to the collection's DNA?

helena clunies ross

Materiality guided every part of this collection. I wanted the natural grain of the timber to remain visible, so the wood retains its warmth and clarity. The metal finishes were chosen for their ability to shift with changing light, creating surfaces that feel alive throughout the day. On the console, for example, the curved bronze patina acts as a vessel for light, soft in the morning and richer in the evening.

The dining table also plays with this dialogue between shadow and shine, combining a blackened timber base with a single line of aged brass. In some light, it blends quietly into the form, and in others, it catches the sun with a subtle flash of gold.

The craftsmanship behind these finishes is essential to the collection. The patinated bronze requires rare skill to achieve that deep, lustrous surface. The artisans involved bring a sense of soul to the work, turning materiality into emotion.

DESIGNEERS

Your interiors are often described as a balance of serenity and drama. What design cues - whether in proportion, volume, or detail - became the collection's signature, and how do they reflect your philosophy as both interior architect and furniture designer?

helena clunies ross

The signature comes through in the proportions and volumes. The pieces are elongated and pared back, giving them a calm but confident presence. Timber, metal, and upholstery are carefully balanced so each element supports the others. Soft curves and continuous lines add subtle drama without disturbing the collection’s sense of serenity.

This reflects my philosophy as both an interior architect and a furniture designer. I see furniture as an extension of the architecture around it. Each piece is designed with the room’s flow and sightlines in mind, so it holds space gently rather than demanding attention. Not every piece needs to play the lead role. Sometimes, its power lies in how effortlessly it supports the atmosphere of the room.

“True timelessness lies in the quiet dialogue between design and the raw beauty of nature.”

HELENA CLUNIES-ROSS

DESIGNEERS

The Atelier by Studio Athena Calderone is a unique stage for a debut. How did the curation, scale and dialogue with other works shape how audiences will experience this collection?

helena clunies ross

The Atelier offered an intimate and characterful setting for the debut. Instead of presenting the collection in a neutral gallery, we chose a lived-in apartment space with architectural detail and emotional tone. The Atelier’s subtle Art Deco influences in Tribeca created a rich backdrop that showed how naturally the pieces integrate into different styles of architecture.

Curation played a major role. We placed the furniture alongside select objects from Athena Calderone’s world, including her pendant light above our dining table. The interplay between her forms and our patinated metals created a quiet, elegant dialogue. We also introduced Art Deco parchment screens to show how the collection harmonises with different eras and textures.

A meaningful layer came through our collaboration with ceramicist Ilona Golovina. Her sculptural vessels, inspired by the human form, added a raw, organic presence to the precision of our pieces. The two together created a conversation between control and softness, shaping a human and emotive experience for visitors.

DESIGNEERS

With collectible design, there's always a tension between rarity and accessibility. Are these works conceived as limited editions, and how do you imagine their journey beyond this launch - into homes, collections, or perhaps future iterations?

helena clunies ross

Each piece is fully bespoke, making it unique. Clients can customise the fabric, metal finish, timber selection, and size. With three wood options and two metal finishes it is rare for two pieces to ever be identical. While the overall design language remains consistent, variations in materiality and scale ensure each commission feels personal.

The craftsmanship adds to this individuality. The hand-applied patinas, stained timbers, and detailed metalwork give every piece its own character. The collection sits in a space between collectible rarity and accessible customisation, where the forms are recognisable but their expression shifts with each order.

I imagine these pieces becoming part of people’s lives, evolving within their homes, and eventually being passed on. They have the material integrity and emotional resonance to become future heirlooms, carrying forward both their craftsmanship and the choices of the families who live with them.