The journal

In Conversation with Matteo Bianchi, Founder of Daruma Design

16 July 2024 3 min read

Read more about Matteo Bianchi's story, how he became an interior designer, and why he enjoys working with Mylands colours.

Matteo Bianchi, founder of Daruma Design, a Peckham-based creative studio specialising in interior design, product design and art direction. Mylands has been based in Lambeth, London, since it was founded in 1884, and this series celebrates our local partners within the Lambeth community and discovers their stories. Matteo Bianchi founded Daruma Design in 2006, a Peckham creative studio specialising in interior design, product design and creative direction.

Matteo Bianchi seated at a round table by the studio window in a patterned blue shirt and wooden bow tie, beside a wall in Drury Lane No.115 — Matteo Bianchi at Matteo Bianchi Studio in Peckham, the wall behind him in Drury Lane No.115

Matteo grew up in Venice, Italy, before moving to London to pursue his dream of becoming an interior designer. A firm believer in creating impactful change through his work, to 'turn chaos into order with style', he shares what made him want to become a designer, his favourite colours to work with, and the meaning behind his company's name, 'daruma'.

Welcome, Matteo. How did your interior design journey begin?

When I moved to London 20 years ago, I decided to take up several courses I'd always been interested in, from shiatsu to interior design. When I started the interior design course, a childhood memory came back to me of spending hours drawing everything and anything. Reflecting on it, I realised this was the career I wanted, though I had no education, budget or contacts. I'm glad I wasn't deterred and listened to my instinct rather than my logic.

Hand-drawn perspective sketch of a lounge in pen and marker, fluted walls in purple with magenta and yellow drapes framing a lit space beyond — Two of Matteo's concept sketches for the Harley Lounge

Hand-drawn perspective sketch of the same lounge in yellow and purple, a round central bar with planting beneath a canopy — Two of Matteo's concept sketches for the Harley Lounge

What is your biggest influence as a designer?

Mother Nature and society, when you look at society you gain a lot of insight into human beings as a whole and how they interact with nature.

Being born in Venice, what's the most iconic building of all time?

Growing up in Venice as a teenager, I was surrounded by magnificent buildings, canals, bridges, palazzos; I was spoilt for choice. Like most people, it's human nature not to appreciate what's around you until it's gone. Funnily enough, when I was younger I did an exchange to Paris, and back then the Centre Pompidou was so different from anything I'd seen before that it left a lasting impression. So perhaps seeing that building was the first time I knew I wanted to make a difference, and it inspired me to do so as an interior designer.

What's been your favourite colour combination from the projects you've worked on?

My favourite is from a project for a members' club in Cavendish Square, Mayfair, a dramatic clash between Mylands' Mayfair Dark™ No.218 and Soho Pink™ No.266.

Lounge with deep violet walls and cornice, tall sash windows framed in pink, two curved burgundy sofas and a constellation chandelier — The Harley Lounge, designed by Matteo Bianchi: deep violet walls with pink window joinery

You've long used Mylands. What do you like most about our paints?

What I like most is the outstanding quality. The paint is designed and made specifically for the English environment, something you learn when you arrive in the UK after living much of your life in sunnier weather; here, you don't chase the sun or how natural light plays in a space, you embrace the darkness and the grey skies.