The Art of Deskscaping
We’ve caught up with three tastemakers on the most fundamental basis of everyone’s work - their desks. How do the spaces we create around us spark and influence our designs, ideas, and projects? What rituals do we follow when we sit down at our desk? And naturally, how do flowers come to play a part in our set-ups?
We spoke with Tobias Vernon, Lucy Mahon, and our very own Jess Piatigorsky to dive deeper into the art of deskscaping. From art and design down to trinkets, oddities, and charity-shop finds, discover more about how these three curate their creative spaces.
Artist and illustrator working across a mixture of mediums.
How have you curated your desk space?
There’s a real mix of stuff on there. I love that functionally the desk is big enough to spread work out on and for others to join me. It’s also a space for colourful little objects and oddities, stuff that feels friendly and optimistic and has a little story.
Do you have a ritual that helps you get ready and motivated to start your next creative project in this space?
Going through diaries and notes, either in books, on my phone or taped up on the studio walls over the course of months and years. Often getting out of the studio is the catalyst for new projects, before hibernating by myself for a while.
What’s one thing in your workspace that makes your desk feel like yours?
I really enjoy drawing on found items with past lives; the cushions on my desk chairs were from a local charity shop and they read ‘Can I sit with you?’ and ‘Yes you can sit with me.’
How does this space you’ve created help you be creative?
It’s a fun and relaxed space for me. I’ve gradually surrounded myself with a collection of things I pick up and take a shine to. Old storybooks, vintage clothes, and pennant flags. They make for an upbeat space, and someday they might feed into an idea or a project.
Do Flowers ever come into your creative space and if so do they help spark your creativity?
Some crochet flowers I got in Mexico City live on my desk and they're so cheerful. If I’ve got a particularly busy week ahead, I’ll treat myself to some studio flowers. I love walking into the smell of fresh flowers or foliage, especially lilies
Do you have a new year's intention for 2026?
Draw things I’m grateful for!
Interior designer, collector, and founder of 8 Holland Street gallery and design studio.
How have you curated your desk space?
I choose to not have a fixed desk space and work throughout our galleries. I find it helpful to move around and as our gallery installs are ever-evolving, there’s always new corners and spaces to enjoy. At the moment, I’m working from an ebonised table by one of my favourite French design duos, Guillerme et Chambron, and next to a screen by the Italian futurist painter, Giacomo Balla. There’s always piles of books, objects, and artworks around me.
Do you have a ritual that helps you get ready and motivated to start your next creative project in this space?
Again, it’s about moving around. For brainstorming with my team and meeting with clients, we often get comfortable and sit around a cluster of lounge chairs and sofas in another corner of the gallery. I believe our galleries and workspace should be one and we don’t have any back-of-house. Seeing all the action is as important for our creative process as it is for our visitors.
What’s one thing in your workspace that makes your desk feel like yours?
My closest friend, Taymoor Atighetchi, founded Papier, so I’m a loyal supporter of their notebooks. I’m analogue with notes and have to scribble down my list of things to do, so this is a vital aid and always next to me!
How does this space you’ve created help you be creative?
We have thousands of items across our galleries, ranging from ceramics and glass, to vintage furniture, textiles, and artworks. It’s a continuous visual feast and the immersiveness provides constant reference for future curation, sourcing, and our design projects.
Do Flowers ever come into your creative space and if so do they help spark your creativity?
Of course, flowers add an element of life and seasonality. We always work these into our design projects. Not that we are ever asked to do so, but it’s fun to give a client our take on the kind and variety of flowers we would pick ourselves to work alongside all the other design elements we have devised!
Do you have a new year's intention for 2026?
It’s definitely to take a breath. I would like to spend a little more time getting to grips with my garden in Somerset. And secondly, not to look at everything on a screen - and make sure I get out to visit the studios of all our wonderful artists, makers, and sourcing-spots!
Our very own Creative Director here at Freddie’s.
How have you curated your desk space?
Mainly through collecting art, objects, and books on my travels.
Do you have a ritual that helps you get ready and motivated to start your next creative project in this space?
Coffee, hand cream, and a great playlist.
What’s one thing in your workspace that makes your desk feel like yours?
Stacks of printed ephemera from trips and travels and Luna, my cat, desperately trying to get involved.
How does this space you’ve created help you be creative?
Browsing through art books, magazines, and found graphics - as well as my beautiful East London leafy view.
Do Flowers ever come into your creative space and if so do they help spark your creativity?
Always. Simple bunches with a just-picked-from-a-meadow feel.
Do you have a new year's intention for 2026?
Working with my amazing creative team at Freddie’s to refresh our desks and studio!
The thread that weaves through the answers of all three of our tastemakers is simple - surround yourself with things you love, things you’ve collected, things that set off sparks for your creativity - and of course, add a fabulous bunch of flowers to suit your mood!
