Slow Living Stories: 100 Acres
We visited the dynamic couple duo Ricardo and Joana who founded Attica Studios, born out of a love for antiques and the intricacy of furniture design. From the restoration studio to their newly launched collections, they are an inspiration of slow making and intentional design that counters the current landscape of 'faster, cheaper, more convenient.'
What was the inspiration for Attica Studios?
It all started when we moved into our first apartment together. We loved antiques and they have always been a big source of inspiration for us. Joana particularly loved going antique shopping and finding unique pieces that you wouldn't see in many other homes. The more we looked, the more we realised we struggled to find pieces we really wanted and that matched our aesthetic. Some pieces had been badly restored or just painted over to cover up any damage. So we started restoring some pieces ourselves, and we loved uncovering the original materials and restoring pieces to their former glory.
Why do you take the approach of slow, sustainable restoration and making in today's landscape of fast interiors?
Because we started with restoring pieces that were hundreds of years old, we really came to see what materials, techniques and details stood the test of time, so what we try to create are pieces that will last a lifetime, using these techniques. We really want to bring back the little details that are time consuming and take real craft to create, but that may have been lost or forgotten over time because of time, cost, convenience and machines. But there is such beauty in this type of craftsmanship.
How did you get to learn these techniques?
It's been foundational working with craftsmen, because we have been able to learn so much from them. They are passionate about their craft and have taught us so many incredible techniques that we have been able to carry through in our restorations and collections. We hired Sam from the very beginning, and he is a fountain of knowledge and expert turner and craftsman, so we have learnt so much from him.
Where does sustainability fit into your story?
We knew when we started that we wanted to be as sustainable as possible. We love timber so much, and so the fact that you can responsibly collect it locally and use it to highlight it's natural beauty and create something beautiful from it in a sustainable way really resonated with us. That's why we partner with local timber suppliers who source sustainably and with local craftsmen and partners to try stay away from mass-production. When you buy restored pieces like ours, you are contributing towards circularity and a considered home, and we love that.
What does slow living mean to you?
For us, running a business is busy by nature, so having small moments at home at the end of the day to sit down and appreciate what we've created is so special. When we bring a completed piece home, just being able to look at it, take in all the details and beauty and take a moment to appreciate it, that's what it's all about.
Why is timber your favourite?
We fell in love with timber because of it's incredible natural tones, textures and patterns. It really makes a home feel grounded and comfortable when you add a lovely timber piece. But more than that, the pieces that survived the longest that we restored were often made from timber, so we realised that it really lasts. When you bring one of our pieces home, we like to say it's like welcoming a new member of the family. It's meant to stay with you.
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