As Founding Partner and Creative Director of Oliver Burns Studio, Sharon Lillywhite is a well-known name in British Luxury, recognized as one of Walpole’s most influential people in luxury on ‘The Walpole Power 50’ list and as a recommended advisor on the Spears 500 Index. Her exceptional credentials and high level of personal service means that over the last 20 years, she has become a trusted advisor for the world’s most affluent families, developers, luxury brands and commercial clients, delivering UK and International projects with a combined value of over £1 billion to date. Sharon’s vision for the studio, ‘Thoughtful Luxury’, underpins everything the brand does, from the way they curate, collaborate and narrate, to delivering designs that go beyond the aesthetic. With such dedication and attention to detail, Sharon personally oversees the bespoke commissions undertaken by the studio, giving each project the exceptional level of service that they deserve. Working with world-renowned artisans and craftsmen to deliver elegant, quietly luxurious spaces that are felt rather than formulaic.

1. Could you tell us how your journey into interior design started?

My career began in Marketing, where I worked in the Brand and Innovation teams of some globally iconic brands. Working in this field always required a high level of creativity, but also a strong commercial understanding which I think is why I love working on special projects for luxury brands as well as private clients. My partner and I purchased a derelict, Grade II-listed country house that had squatters and a roof that was half burnt down. It was in a very sorry state. The development of the house became our first project and was a true labour of love! It required a painstaking renovation to restore it to its former glory. The concept for the project was that everything in the house could be purchased, from the reclaimed radiators to the bed linen. This concept attracted attention from everywhere and Dalton House went on to win a Civic Award for the sensitive restoration of a Georgian landmark building. Since then, we have completed projects across the world for a variety of private clients, developers and luxury brands and have won multiple awards.

2. Do you think there has been a defining moment in your career?

Over the past twenty years, there have been countless amazing (and not-so-amazing) moments, but a few stand out as particularly pivotal to me. One such moment that marked a significant step-change in the Studio’s trajectory was our Grade II listed Walpole Mayfair project, located adjacent to The Ritz London and once home to Britain’s first and longest-serving Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole. We transformed two historic residences into five extraordinary state apartments, each uniquely designed. The remarkable architecture and iconic London address took our design to new heights, and we received record highs for Mayfair and St James’s at the time, multiple awards and global press coverage.

Personally, a defining moment for my career was being recognised by Spears 500. This accolade is something I feel incredibly proud of, as it places me alongside so many distinguished trusted advisors from a wide variety of disciplines. I’m pleased to share that it’s just been announced that I am to be featured on the list again this year and hope that continues for many more! 

“Standing on the Juliet balcony and looking out over Buckingham Palace Gardens, I immediately knew the concept had to be a ‘love letter to the palace gardens.’, creating a modern retelling of the stories from the garden, which celebrates the unrivalled location and the very best of British Luxury.”

3. What do you think is the key to a successful interior design? And in your business in general?

It is crucial to have a detailed understanding of the client’s brief by asking the right questions, as this allows us to translate their vision into a design that is both specific to their needs and seamlessly woven into the narrative of the project. We don’t have a cookie-cutter approach to design, every brief is deeply personal and tailored to the client’s individuality and the unique character of the space we are working with. In terms of our business, relationships are paramount. We only work with the very best, ensuring that every relationship we foster is with trusted advisors or artisans who inspire us and who we genuinely want to collaborate with. Not only do we have an incredible list of suppliers and craftspeople, but we also have strong relationships with them, which makes the job so much easier and enjoyable.  Trust is at the heart of these relationships.

The concept is the foundation of the entire design, shaping every element of the project. It’s my favourite part of the process. Normally it emerges from our initial discussions with the client and the first visit to the site, understanding the architectural context and history of the building; this is when we get our inspiration. For instance, during our House of Walpole project, the initial visit was so inspiring. Standing on the Juliet balcony and looking out over Buckingham Palace Gardens, I immediately knew the concept had to be a ‘love letter to the palace gardens’, creating a modern retelling of the stories from the garden, which celebrates the unrivalled location and the very best of British Luxury.

5. How would you define your signature style? Do you have “a mantra” that encapsulates your taste in design?

At Oliver Burns Studio, we don’t have a signature style, but our ethos is ‘Thoughtful Luxury,’ which is evident at every stage of the design process. This is brought to life by the way we narrate, collaborate and curate; crafting designs that go beyond the aesthetic. From concept to completion, this approach ensures that all our projects are thoughtfully designed, thoughtfully built, and thoughtfully finished.

6.  Could you tell us about one of the favorite projects that you worked on?

We have worked on so many incredible projects and properties, and with such wonderful clients, that it’s difficult to choose. For me, however, there is always something magical about our beautiful Italian Lakehouse. I vividly remember waking up next to the lake and feeling incredibly fortunate to be restoring such a treasure to its bygone splendour. We built a new road to it and a basement and boathouse; it was such a passion project for us.  Even the locals fell in love when they saw it, and it’s now referred to as ‘La più bella casa sul lago’ – the most beautiful house on the lake. That’s the house I would buy if I could 😊 Another standout project is our House of Walpole apartment. We had the privilege of working with Walpole and some of the most iconic British brands, making it an extraordinary collaboration. It’s such a breathtaking space, with an unparalleled level of detail that reflects the craftsmanship woven into each stunning piece. From tailored suits by Dunhill hanging in the wardrobes, to the Bentley-crafted dining table, the stunning 4-metre feature art wall by Helen Amy Murray, and bespoke wallpapers by Cole & Son, the result is a true masterpiece of British talent, showcasing artistry and craftsmanship.

7. What would be your advice to beginner interior designers?

Make yourself indispensable. At Oliver Burns Studio, I have a team that gets things done and isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves. It’s about everyone working together for the greater good. Put yourself forward to help whenever possible; it will give you access to areas of the business you may not have been exposed to before, and soon you’ll become the go-to person the business and team value so much. We have an overwhelming number of CVs and portfolios daily. While we’d love to offer everyone an opportunity and personal feedback, it’s not realistic. So, make sure you’re standing out in a crowded market. Be creative, network with people to build good connections, have a strong portfolio, and of course, you need determination. You will get there!

8. What are your 3 favorite pieces from the Philia Collection?

9. What was one of the hardest learned lessons in your journey?

Trust your intuition. It’s a lesson that I learned early on, but I have ignored it on occasion – to my detriment!

10. What was the best advice you have received in your path?

‘”There is a gift in every situation”. It’s so true, though sometimes difficult to see in the darkest of moments.  It’s a question I ask myself often. What is the gift?  Even scenarios that seem negative often have a hidden positive, as every situation is an opportunity for growth.  Life is happening for us, not to us.

11. Are there any books/podcasts you would like to recommend to our readers?

• I subscribe to Masterclass app – lots of great content on a wide variety of topics.  I just watched one on CIA agents’ tips on the secret to success – from spotting red flags to leadership. I think my team were nervous when I told them what I’d listened to that weekend!
• The Real Rendezvous podcast with Priya Rawal and Caroline Donaghue – interviewing some of my industry peers – this is always a good listen to learn more about the person behind the reputation.
• Chicken Shop Date on YouTube always makes me smile

12. Finally, what are your upcoming projects? Anything you’d like to share or add to the interview?

We have been entrusted by the Heathrow VIP team to work across the phased refurbishment of The Windsor and Heathrow VIP which is very exciting working with such an iconic luxury brand. We also have some fantastic super-prime residential projects in the works, including a stunning duplex penthouse with additional roof terrace on Belgrave Square which starts on-site in the spring.

Thank you so much Sharon for your answers!

© Alexander James