Interview with Founder of Bertola Home Studio

Les Interviews / May 19, 2025

Interview with Poppy from Bertola Home Studio

What began as a creative outlet during lockdown has quietly flourished into one of the most charmingly distinctive design studios on the scene. At the heart of Bertola Home Studio is Poppy: a designer guided by intuition, sentimentality, and a bold love of colour. Her signature bobbin frames — nostalgic yet refreshingly modern — are more than just decorative accents; they’re vessels for memory and meaning. In this interview, Poppy shares how a single handmade gift sparked a journey into interiors, the emotional power of storytelling through design, and how unexpected materials and instinctive palettes give her pieces their quietly joyful presence. We also speak about heirlooms, hosting, and the brands and makers currently inspiring her world.

By Marie Winckler

Over-Sized Bobbin Mirror in Mustard

Your first bobbin frame was a personal gift, something sentimental and unique. How do you think personal storytelling influences home decor, and what role do your frames play in that?

I believe personal storytelling has a major influence on home décor because it transforms a space from being simply styled to something authentic and meaningful. Our frames have the power to incorporate elements that reflect memories, travels or passions and make people’s homes a narrative, with each piece reflecting a part of who they are and their rich experience.

Colour has played a major role in shaping your artistic perspective. Can you tell us more about how you choose your colour palettes and what emotions you hope they evoke?

The colour palette has naturally evolved over time, with new tones continually finding their way in. At its foundation, though, my approach to colour has always been instinctive. Earthy, warm hues offer a sense of calm and grounding that seems to resonate universally, while bold, high-contrast shades introduce a touch of drama and a dopamine-charged energy that is deeply satisfying

Crimson Bobbin Frame

Your frames feel nostalgic yet fresh. How do you balance traditional craftsmanship with a more contemporary style?

Forward-thinking design processes ensure the pieces are unique but remail familiar at the same time and I think the use of unconventional textures like ruffled linen and high-gloss lacquer creates a distinctive tension within the pieces. The unexpected materials introduce a sense of visual surprise, a break from the usual, yet they’re anchored by a commitment to tradition and craftsmanship.

Frames are such a versatile part of the home. What’s the most unusual or meaningful thing you’ve ever seen someone frame?

Our frames have found their place in weddings - a quiet honour that feels deeply precious. To know they hold memories meant to last a lifetime, to become heirlooms carried forward is very humbling.

Exclusie Bertola Studio x Maison Flâneur Gold Frame

For those looking to bring more character into their home with framed pieces, what’s your advice on styling and arrangement?

Starting with colours drawn from the artwork or the surrounding space is always a thoughtful approach. When working within a set palette, layering in varied textures adds depth, interest and a sense of personality that brings the whole composition to life.

Do you have a dream collaboration—whether with an artist, designer, or brand—that you’d love to explore?

I’m really drawn to the organic and expressive forms that clay allows - there’s a kind of quiet freedom in its manipulation, I think it would be cool to collaborate with a ceramist, bringing that materiality into play to create something truly unexpected and sculptural.

The Curation

Poppy's Edit

Light green candy stripe vase

£70.00

“This Kitchen Is For Dancing” Scalloped Tray

£104.42

Large Pink Serving Bowl

£99.00

The Ribboned Footed Bowl Piccola

£56.04

Pedestal Bowl - Pink

£140.00

Nouveau Mazagran Coffee Cup Caramel

£21.23

Woven Speckled Mug

£65.00

Augusta Glass Hazel

£113.84

Frank Lloyd Wright

Which artists or makers are inspiring you right now?

I adore AAKS, a gorgeous brand who handcraft raffia bags in Ghana. The colours, shapes and textures are so satisfying and feel more like pieces of sculpture you can carry with you.

Which Maison Flâneur pieces would we find in your home, and how do you like to style them?

I love it all, but as somebody who enjoys hosting, it’s the crockery and tableware that captivate me the most. There’s something so special about handcrafted pieces that are not only unique but that can elevate even the simplest meal into a memorable occasion.