Olive Ateliers Unveils “Tetbury House” Collection: A Homage to Enduring Design and Heritage
Discovering Timelessness: "Tetbury House" Blends Heritage with Modern Living
The Evolution of Olive Ateliers: From Curated Finds to Original Collections
What started in 2021 as a venture by Kendall Knox, Ben Knox, and Laura Sotelo, Olive Ateliers quickly captivated a growing audience with its unique antique selections. Initially, their brand thrived through online drops and weekend pop-ups, showcasing curated goods from across the globe. This early success soon necessitated a larger presence, leading to a sprawling 22,000-square-foot atelier showroom in the city's arts district and a robust e-commerce platform. Recognizing their customers' desire for more, the trio decided to expand into designed collections, with “Vestige” debuting in early 2025 and “Lieu De Vie” later that year, culminating in the highly anticipated February 11 launch of “Tetbury House.”
“Tetbury House”: A Collection Rooted in European Antique Aesthetics
The “Tetbury House” collection, Olive Ateliers' third and most expansive to date, is designed to evoke the charm of unearthed European antiques. Co-founder Ben Knox describes the pieces as individually expressive yet harmoniously cohesive, capturing the thrill of discovery that first drew them to the antique business. Laura Sotelo further elaborates, emphasizing the brand's profound connection to the concept of inherited objects and family heirlooms—pieces lovingly preserved and passed down through generations, each with its own beautiful narrative.
Inspiration from Northern Europe: The Cotswolds' Influence and Beyond
The emotional core behind Olive Ateliers' designs is paramount, and for “Tetbury House,” the serene and inviting atmosphere of the Cotswolds served as a primary muse. This inspiration is subtly woven into details like the cotton dobby skirt adorning a nightstand or the eclectic mix of wooden dining chairs. However, the influences extend beyond England, as Kendall Knox notes that many items draw heavily from design traditions across Northern Europe, creating a collection that transcends a singular English aesthetic.
The Adlestrop Dining Table: A Story of Rediscovery and Craftsmanship
A prime example of this cross-cultural inspiration is the Adlestrop dining table. Its design originated from a 17th-century Dutch piece that was so coveted, it sold before Olive Ateliers even officially opened its doors (to notable buyers Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco, no less). For the Adlestrop, artisans collaborated with the Olive Ateliers team to craft bespoke Delft-inspired tiles. Each tile is meticulously hand-painted in a perfect shade of blue with a crackled glaze, then carefully inlaid into rich, dark-stained wood, creating a piece that resonates with historical artistry.
Crafting Enduring Appeal: The Art of Patina and Material Selection
A core tenet for the Olive Ateliers team was to imbue every piece in the “Tetbury House” collection with a sense of inherited history and natural patina, even when newly crafted. Kendall Knox explains that their in-house designers are fervent students of antiquity, deeply fascinated by how materials evolve and finishes change over time. This philosophy is reflected in their choice of materials: solid oak, reclaimed pine, aged metals, and heavyweight linens are central to the collection, deliberately eschewing plastics to ensure longevity and character.
The James Martini Table and Neverland Nightstand: Evoking a Sense of Age
The James Martini table perfectly illustrates Olive Ateliers' commitment to creating pieces that feel lived-in. Laura Sotelo details the intricate, multi-layered painting technique, developed by their Indian artisans and refined with the design team. This slow, deliberate process of applying and chipping back layers of paint can take days, resulting in a finish that suggests years of history. Similarly, the Neverland nightstand, with its removable cotton dobby skirt, features eight layers of wax. This meticulous application gives the surface a smooth, deep, and waxy feel, making it seem as though it has already experienced a rich and varied existence.
Expanding Horizons: Introduction of Lighting and Decorative Objects
The launch of “Tetbury House” also marks Olive Ateliers' much-anticipated expansion into lighting. The collection features two lamps: the Langford floor lamp, inspired by Hans-Agne Jakobsson's 1930s designs, and the Agatha table lamp, whose elegant silhouette emerged from a smaller 1920s piece discovered on the Orient Express. Beyond larger furniture, the collection includes exquisite smaller items like candelabras and the Devon shell dish. Kendall Knox shares that the shell dish was inspired by a similar "bric-a-brac" find in France, emphasizing the desire to share beautiful, weighty silver pieces that feel special and enhance daily rituals.
The Philosophy of Timeless Objects: Utility, Restraint, and Character
At its heart, “Tetbury House” encapsulates a philosophy that transcends fleeting trends. Ben Knox articulates this vision: timeless objects are meant to be used, repaired, and lived with. They exhibit restraint in their design, avoiding excessive embellishment, and are never overly precious. Crucially, they are designed to age gracefully, acquiring character rather than diminishing in value over time, becoming cherished elements of daily life.