Introducing The Lifestyle Edit.

A visual and written journey through spaces that move us - from boutique hotels and hidden bathhouses to reformer studios and restaurants where design becomes an experience.
Each story explores how interiors shape the way we feel, connect, and live. Think of it as a curated diary of spaces that linger - places that inspire creativity, calm, and curiosity.

A Journey Beyond the Studio

There’s something extraordinary about stepping away from the drafting table and into a place where time slows down.
On a recent trip to Sumba, Indonesia, I found myself immersed in a world where design is not dictated by trends or perfection - but by rhythm, ritual and connection, as well as an imperfect timelessness.

The villas we stayed in were beautifully raw - woven thatch roofs, open-air living, imperfect finishes that somehow made everything feel more whole. Every texture told a story. Every space invited you to pause.
And, Nihi, Sumba seriously stole our hearts in the most memorable way.

It reminded me that good design isn’t about adding more, but about knowing what to leave out.

Wabi Sabi & The Beauty of Imperfection

Sumba’s approach to living mirrors the Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi - finding beauty in imperfection and impermanence.
In the West, we often chase symmetry and polish. But here, there’s freedom in letting things be.

A hand-carved door that’s a little uneven. A clay wall that shifts with the seasons. A dining table that’s weathered from years of shared meals.
This kind of authenticity can’t be replicated - it’s felt.

At Unfolded, we’re always exploring this balance: spaces that are considered but not contrived, elegant yet grounded. The Sumbanese way of living is a gentle reminder that design should not only look good, but feel lived in.

The Deliberate Art of Living

In Sumba, happiness is found in the smallest of rituals - morning coffee overlooking the rice fields, the laughter of locals, the patina of time on every surface.

There’s a quiet intentionality in the way they build, decorate, and live. Every choice feels purposeful - often shaped by materials sourced directly from the land. Key elements like pavers and timber are thoughtfully repeated in different ways throughout the spaces, creating a natural rhythm and harmony. It’s a true craft - the ability to reinterpret the same materials across landscapes, villas, and pathways, each with its own character yet deeply connected.
As I return to the studio, I bring with me that renewed sense of intentionality - the reminder that thoughtful design doesn’t start with a Pinterest board, but with a way of seeing.

It’s in the textures we choose, the balance of light and shadow, and the courage to embrace imperfection.

Design is a living practice - shaped by culture, experience, and the people we meet along the way.
Sumba reminded me of the essence of Unfolded: to craft spaces that connect the human spirit with beauty, function, and feeling.

We invite you to GET IN TOUCH with us and we look forward to working with you on your next project, whatever it may be!