The interior architecture and design studio led by British Nigerian artist and designer Mimi Shodeinde opened the doors of its first London showroom last month
Photography by Felix Speller
Words by Jessica-Christin Hametner
As London’s creative crowd gears up for the city’s annual Design Biennale (5-29 June), just 30 minutes northwest of Somerset House in the leafy residential streets of St John’s Wood, there is another design spectacle worth celebrating – Mimi Shodeinde’s new London showroom, atelier and gallery space, which opened last month.
The first destination from Miminat Designs, the London-based interior architecture and design studio led by British Nigerian artist and designer Mimi Shodeinde, the showroom is located in a quiet area that has recently garnered a reputation as a hub for culinary and creative excellence. But the neighbourhood is perhaps most famous for its pop music history and Abbey Road Studios, where the Beatles recorded many of their albums.
‘When I found this space, it felt serendipitous,’ shares Shodeinde. ‘I felt an instant connection to the bones of the building, and as a huge Beatles fan – everyone who knows me knows that music is my second love after art – being so close to music history with Abbey Road Studios just up the road felt like fate.’
Photography by Felix Speller
The impeccably formed interior takes cues from Shodeinde’s faraway travels by utilising metals, stones and glass, paired with muted tones and chrome accents. Drawing on the sacred spaces of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait – most notably Mecca’s Al-Masjid al-Haram and the Mamluki Lancet Mosque in Al-Masayel – Shodeinde used an arch motif throughout the space to create depth and pay homage to classical architectural forms.
‘When designing the gallery, I approached it the same way I would any other project, whether that’s furniture, interiors, or product design,’ says Shodeinde. ‘It’s always about crafting an experience. I focused on creating a sense of movement through form and shape and building a textural space with layered materials and finishes. That’s very much my design language.’
The designer’s refined objects and sculptural furniture fill the first and second floors, which lend the showroom an elegant, museum-like feel. Each of the pieces showcased is a bespoke creation, designed exclusively for the gallery – think her metal NRIN vessel reimagined in a crimson red, or the curved OMI mirror and statuesque Howard Daybed, adding a touch of sophistication.
Photography by Felix Speller
‘I envisioned the gallery as a platform to showcase both my past and present works, as well as to highlight other artists, explains Shodeinde of what inspired the interior design of her immaculate gallery and studio. ‘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.’
Inspired by the materiality of design superstars such as Carlo Scarpa and Mies van der Rohe, every corner of the atelier combines a selection of her designs, alongside found artworks and objects. For instance, a 1980s vintage vase Shodeinde picked up at a charity shop adds to the beautifully composed interior as much as the bold, raw elegance of her studio’s creations.
‘That period really resonates with me and has been a major influence on the new collection we’re currently working on,’ explains Shodeinde what inspires her creative oeuvre. ‘[But] my travels to Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, have [also] left a lasting impression. Visiting such breathtaking mosques, I was drawn to the serene, muted tones that evoke a sense of calm and spirituality.’
Photography by Genevieve Lutkin
Much like her elegant pieces showcase the inherent duality in Shodeinde’s work, her London atelier is a physical manifestation of her distinctive design language. A fusion of history, materiality and craftsmanship, the gallery unifies her creative universe all under one roof. To further build on and enhance the showroom experience, a curated calendar of events will also be brought to life in the new space.
‘We plan to rotate the featured artists every six months to present new works,’ explains the designer, sharing the vision for the gallery and why she wanted to provide a platform for other artists and creatives. ‘We also plan to update the furniture annually with new curated shows, including limited-edition pieces, spanning furniture, lighting, sculpture and art.’
Among them, is London-based artist Alexandra Yan Wong, whose moody paintings can be experienced in the first artist takeover. But there’s more to come, promises Shodeinde. ‘Looking ahead, I hope to tell many different stories through the exhibitions we plan to host over the coming years. I am especially excited to explore new materials and move further into art, creating collectible, intricate, one-off pieces.’
Photography by Genevieve Lutkin
Giving visitors insight into Shodeinde’s perspectives and creative ingenuity, the Salon-inspired space is a masterclass in minimalism – but with a modern twist. Combining influences from around the world and referencing the studio’s roots, the gallery balances a contemporary aesthetic with Shodeinde’s African heritage.
‘Balancing a contemporary aesthetic with storytelling rooted in African heritage is both a creative challenge and a personal responsibility,’ notes Shodeinde. ‘My approach starts with honouring the richness of African traditions, not just visually, but in the philosophies, symbols and narratives they carry. I study forms, textures and materials historically used, and then reinterpret them through a contemporary Miminat lens, using modern techniques or abstract forms that resonate with our clients and collectors.’
With a fluid approach drawing on cultures and peoples across the globe, Shodeinde has formed a sophisticated space that defies categorisation. Her one-of-a-kind atelier and gallery space, which she likened to a ‘museum-like jewel box’, embodies her avant-garde taste and demonstrates the studio’s appreciation for materiality and craft traditions.
Photography by Felix Speller
‘The goal is absolutely not to replicate the past, but to create a dialogue between time periods, where the essence of African heritage informs and enriches a present-day context,’ explains Shodeinde. ‘I try to ensure that my work remains accessible and visually compelling while still carrying the depth of its cultural roots.’
For the perfect mix of global inspiration coupled with considerate curation, Mimi Shodeinde’s London showroom, atelier and gallery space, is a feast for all the senses and a destination that connects cultures through cross-disciplinary, contemporary design and art. Reimagining traditional craft practices and creativity without borders, the space creates dialogue yet feels worldly and deeply personal.
‘I’ve always said that my heritage lives within me, and everything I design is a reflection of my roots and my journey through this world,’ concludes Shodeinde of how her objects and London showroom mirror her dual heritage. ‘My creativity is constantly evolving and refining, shaped by my experiences and everything around me. I hope that spirit comes through in my new gallery.’
The new space is open for visitation by appointment only with pieces on show available to purchase exclusively from miminat.com with worldwide delivery
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