DESIGN THAT FEELS LIKE HOME: AN INTERVIEW WITH NANOUK
CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND WHAT LED YOU TO START CIRCLE STUDIO?
I have always been drawn to spaces that tell a story, places that feel warm, personal, curious, and grounded in a sense of calm. With a background in photography styling, I have developed a highly visual approach to design. I naturally focus on the overall atmosphere, but also dive deep into the details, making sure every corner carries a sense of intention and quiet beauty. Playfulness is a big part of my work. I love weaving in small surprises, repeating patterns, unexpected objects, or vintage finds that add soul and character. My aim is to create spaces that feel effortless, but are thoughtfully layered with meaning.
Sustainability is central to what I do. I work with circular principles, choosing to collaborate with conscious brands and designers who share a respect for craft and material. Together with my creative partner Bregje, I founded Circle Studio to bring all these elements together. We create interiors that are soulful, playful, and kind to the earth. Whether it’s an office or a hospitality space, we want people to feel at ease, inspired, and a little bit curious when they step inside.
WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION BEHIND THE INTERIORS OF QUINTA FILIPPA, AND HOW DID YOU BALANCE HERITAGE WITH MODERN COMFORT?
The landscape surrounding Quinta Filippa was my starting point. So raw, pure, and grounding, it inspired me through the colors of the earth, the softness of the light, and the quiet strength of the architecture. Local craftsmanship played a huge role as well. We wanted to honor the heritage of the region through materials, textures, and subtle details that carry a sense of place.
The philosophy behind Quinta Filippa, as a place to rest, recharge, and reconnect, guided every decision. But beyond physical rest, I also wanted the interiors to support creative inspiration. A place where beauty, stillness, and curiosity can awaken new ideas. That is why we invited artists from our network to take part in an artist-in-residence program, bringing new perspectives, stories, and layers of meaning into the space.
Balancing heritage with modern comfort meant blending traditional elements with contemporary touches in a way that feels natural and effortless. Handmade ceramics sit beside minimalist lighting, vintage finds complement clean-lined furniture. The result is a space that feels timeless and deeply connected to its surroundings, where every corner holds a quiet sense of joy and creative energy.
HOW DOES YOUR DESIGN PHILOSOPHY AT CIRCLE STUDIO REFLECT IN THE SPACES YOU’VE CREATED HERE?
At Circle Studio, our design philosophy is all about creating soulful, layered interiors that feel calm, natural, and quietly surprising. That approach is deeply reflected in the spaces at Quinta Filippa. Every room is designed to invite you to slow down and truly feel, whether through the use of tactile materials, natural tones, or unexpected details that catch your eye in a subtle, playful way.
Everything is carefully considered, but never over-designed. It’s about soulful simplicity, playful layers, and giving each space room to breathe. In line with our philosophy, the interiors here are meant to feel effortless while being thoughtfully curated to evoke comfort, curiosity, and connection.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE PART OF BRINGING QUINTA FILIPPA TO LIFE?
The most special part for me has been working with my dear friends on a place that already meant so much to us all. I have been connected to Quinta Filippa from the very beginning, back when it was still an old family home that Mike and Nikki had just bought in Portugal, in the village of Mike’s family. We’ve shared so many beautiful holidays there with our families; I’ve cherished the atmosphere and the land for years.
So to now help shape this next chapter, together with Mike and Nikki, feels like such an honor. To turn a place that’s full of memories into something others can now experience, enjoy, and feel at home in… that’s really the heart of it for me.
