Introducing Momina Watton of Atelier 278
Designer: Momina Watton
Occupation: Creative Director and Founder
Studio Location: Holland Park and Notting Hill
Website: www.atelier278.com
Instagram: @atelier_278
Atelier278 is a London-based interiors and lifestyle studio founded by Momina Watton, specialising in natural stone. The studio combines traditional stonemasonry with modern design principles to create refined marble and travertine furniture and objects, alongside a curated selection of vintage and preloved pieces. Atelier278's commitment to craftsmanship and enduring design sets it apart in the world of furniture and homeware. The atelier has already been trusted by some of the most well-regarded interior design houses and tastemakers from Kelly Hoppen to Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
—describe what you create:
My mission is to create future heirlooms by way of bespoke tables using European Stone, handcrafted here in the UK.
—how did you get into working with marble and travertine?
My journey into working with marble and travertine began totally unexpectedly. I was searching for a very specific travertine table to complement my own home interior style and space but I couldn't find anything on the market that matched the size and design I had in mind. I eventually decided to take matters into my own hands and create it myself.
—a design piece you are currently working on?
Our next launch is a collection of tables featuring solid travertine bases. Big boulders of rock which are expertly hand-carved to form the most striking and sculptural bases.
—what inspires your designs?
I’ve been hugely influenced by 1970’s Italian design as well as the more classical use of marble in Ancient Roman and Greek architecture. Our Travertine is sourced from the same quarry as used for the Trevi Fountain in Rome, which is always fascinating to me.
—your favourite piece you’ve created to date:
My most cherished table from our collection is the COSMOS table which was inspired by artist Alicja Kwade’s installation - Pars Pro Toto – which I saw on a trip to Copenhagen. The exhibition comprised of stone spheres extracted from different quarries around the world to signify a miniature galaxy made from the very ground from beneath our feet. Similarly, the bases on our COSMOS table are hand carved from solid blocks of Travertine…the transformation from irregular and rough rocks to smooth globes is mesmerising.
—what do you do when you're not working?
If I’m not working, I’m travelling… and if I’m not travelling, I’m thinking about where to go next. Oh, and hanging out with my dog Winnie.
—favourite hotel in the world:
There are so many that I love…most recently I fell in love with the serenity of NOS on Sifnos– an island in the Cyclades - but nothing beats cosy winter weekends at Ett Hem in Stockholm. The interiors by Ilsa Crawford are both elevated yet warm.
—design hero:
Angelo Mangiarotti– in particular his use of marble.
Learn more about Momina and her work over on her website www.atelier278.com