London lawyers’ office unites British heritage with a Scandinavian twist
Barristers Twenty Essex embrace home comforts with newly designed offices by Pernille Lind Studio

The barristers’ chambers of Twenty Essex have had a complete interior overhaul revealing a practical working space inspired by British heritage. The London lawyers wanted to extend their current space at 20 Essex Street in Temple, to coincide with the company's rebranding.
Twenty Essex offices by Pernille Lind Studio
London-based Danish designer Pernille Lind took on their vision: to incorporate conference rooms, workstations, seminar rooms, a café, and an event space, while keeping things inviting and comfortable. Lind knew it was important to not stray far from the building's roots, with location in such a quintessentially British area.
The idea flourished during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the purpose of creating an inspiring office design that would entice people back to the workplace and improve on the existing environment. The use of British craftsmanship and suppliers such as Benchmark, Trees Lounge, George Smith, Sinclair Till, NOVOCASTRIAN, Rough Living, Lind + Almond, and Denne Joinery, was key in creating a space that interlinks office functionality with a classically timeless interior.
The art around the interiors was sourced via Wandering People and McCully + Crane. FF&E Procurement was supplied in collaboration with Dodds & Shute.
With the building extending over six floors, there was an initial overhaul of the floorplan to make each level have a distinct purpose. The basement welcomed an open kitchen and café, with terracotta and cream floor tiling, and minimalistic seating keeping the space clean and adaptable for client-held events. Low lighting above the countertop sets a cosy mood for the colder months, a classic Scandinavian design element from Pernille Lind Studio.
With a homely ethos in mind, each room throughout the levels features warm lighting that is adaptable to meet the specific needs of the space, while keeping a calm appeal.
The colour palette throughout the interior is reminiscent of an autumnal English countryside: forest greens, burnt oranges and chestnut woods showcased on deep seating sofas, and soft carpets. Contrasting materials come together to create a contemporary feel while complementing the building's historic prestige.
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
The inviting space extends to a terrace, with industrial lighting and outdoor furniture, perfect for hosting casual meetings, or simply a place to enjoy a drink after work.
Attention to detail is a theme throughout the project, from the custom horseshoe-shaped desks, to bespoke joinery to accommodate computer monitors, and glazed partitions for functionality and contemporary character.
The interior nods to a British countryside aesthetic, bringing a sense of calm to a usually fast-paced environment.
Tianna Williams is Wallpaper*s staff writer. Before joining the team in 2023, she contributed to BBC Wales, SurfGirl Magazine, Parisian Vibe, The Rakish Gent, and Country Life, with work spanning from social media content creation to editorial. When she isn’t writing extensively across varying content pillars ranging from design, and architecture to travel, and art, she also helps put together the daily newsletter. She enjoys speaking to emerging artists, designers, and architects, writing about gorgeously designed houses and restaurants, and day-dreaming about her next travel destination.
-
ICON 4x4 goes EV, giving their classic Bronco-based restomod an electric twist
The EV Bronco is ICON 4x4’s first foray into electrifying its range of bespoke vintage off-roaders and SUVs
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
‘Dressed to Impress’ captures the vivid world of everyday fashion in the 1950s and 1960s
A new photography book from The Anonymous Project showcases its subjects when they’re dressed for best, posing for events and celebrations unknown
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Inside Camperlab’s Harry Nuriev-designed Paris store, a dramatic exercise in contrast
The Crosby Studios founder tells Wallpaper* the story behind his new store design for Mallorcan shoe brand Camperlab, which centres on an interplay between ‘crushed concrete’ and gleaming industrial design
By Jack Moss Published
-
A new London show explores material magic with medieval melancholy
Inspired by deconsecrated monasteries, interior designer and curator Jermaine Gallacher takes us on a journey through time and mood in a London exhibition at The Ragged School
By Billie Muraben Published
-
William Morris mania meets the design industry’s darker side in a new London show
‘Morris Mania’ at the William Morris Gallery explores the British designer’s complicated legacy in an ever-more commodified world
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Wallpaper* takes a turn around Somerset House for Collect 2025
Our round-up of the highlights from the 21st edition of the collectible craft and design fair in London
By Malaika Byng Published
-
‘It’s a museum-like jewel box’: L’Objet marks 20 years of elegant design with a new London flagship
Opening on 12 March 2025, L’Objet’s new London boutique is rich in chocolate colours and velvet detailing
By Tianna Williams Published
-
This Beirut design collective threads untold stories into upholstered antique furniture
Beirut-based Bokja opens a Notting Hill pop-up that's a temple to textiles, from upholstered furniture to embroidered cushions crafted by artisans (until 25 March 2025)
By Tianna Williams Published
-
'A creative explosion' in the West End: Sarabande Foundation takes residency at Selfridges
Sarabande Foundation's ‘House of Bandits’ takes up residence with gusto in Selfridges for nine weeks
By Hugo Macdonald Published
-
‘I began experimenting and haven’t really stopped,’ Miranda Keyes on working with glass
In a rapidly changing world, the route designers take to discover their calling is increasingly circuitous. Here we speak to Miranda Keyes about her forging her own path to success
By Hugo Macdonald Published
-
Feldspar makes its mark on Whitehall with a festive pop-up at Corinthia Hotel
Devon-based bone china brand Feldspar makes its first foray into shopkeeping with a pop-up at London’s Corinthia Hotel. Ali Morris speaks with the founders and peeks inside
By Ali Morris Published