Conversation with Talk to Official
Jun 03, 2025
Tell us a bit about who you are and how you work
– I’m Amy Thelwall – a British-Norwegian interior designer and founder of Alabaster Studio, a combined design studio and concept store based in Oslo. My work is rooted in a love for timeless aesthetics, natural materials, and creating spaces that feel both beautiful and lived-in. Outside of design, I’m passionate about travel, all things well-crafted and my English cocker spaniel Martin.
Congrats on Lilleaker! What inspired the idea, and what was your vision for the space?
– Lilleaker has been quietly growing in me for years — a vision of a space that feels like a real home, filled with beauty, history, and soul. After earning my design degree, I spent over a decade in banking, but the creative pull never left. A few years ago, I opened my first shop — my way back to design. Still, I dreamed of something more personal: a space that felt like home, with a garden full of my favourite flowers, where everything was handpicked and meaningful. 1.5 years ago, I found that house. I knew instantly. I signed the contract and began developing the concept in secret. We just opened and I couldn’t be more excited. Lilleaker is more than a store — it’s a love letter to craftsmanship, atmosphere, and everything that makes a space truly special. Here, we design and produce our own furniture — the way we’d want it in our own homes — mixed with handpicked vintage pieces and a curated selection of our favourite brands.
How would you describe your design aesthetic?
– I don’t follow trends I follow feeling. I’m drawn to pieces with soul: antiques, handcraft, textiles, flowers, art. It’s rooted in how I grew up — surrounded by old spaces, art, and travel. My work is all about creating homes that feel deeply personal, warm, and real.
Where do you find your inspiration?
– Travel always sparks ideas. A scent, a color, a warm breeze — I’m very sensory-driven. Places like Mallorca, Italy, the English countryside, or Thailand fill me with ideas. I’ve always had an active imagination and love being in my own creative headspace.
Advice for someone trying to find their style?
– Trust your gut. If something gives you a good feeling right away, that’s your cue. Start with timeless, quality pieces and layer in personal objects, textiles, and art. Let Instagram inspire — but never copy. Your home should reflect you, not someone else.
What’s a dream project or collaboration still on your horizon?
– I’ve always dreamed of an Oslo version of Ett Hem, the iconic Stockholm hotel. I even found the perfect building and did all the research, but sadly, it was sold and divided into apartments. Still, another exciting project — outside Norway — is quietly taking shape. I’m hopeful.