DESIGN DIALOGUES WITH FELIZIA BERCHTOLD AND OSKAR KOHNEN

We spoke with Felizia Berchtold and Oskar Kohnen, the duo behind the interior, architecture and design studio Tutto Bene, about the sensibilities and considerations guiding their work — and how these come together in spaces with clarity, depth, and quiet character.

As you look toward 2026, what overall shift do you think will shape interiors in a lasting way?

The overall shift is a move away from novelty as a value. We’ll see fewer trend-led decisions and more disciplined editing — not minimalism for its own sake, but a maturity: spaces designed to hold time, not chase it.

Are there any materials, colors, or moods you expect to feel especially relevant this year — either emerging or making a quiet return?

Pantone naming a white as Colour of the Year for 2026 feels telling. We’ve just come back from the snowed-in peaks of the Swiss Alps, and it’s a lesson in real life: white isn’t a ‘colour’ so much as a condition. It offers peace — but it’s never complete. It only exists through contrast: the trace of pollution, the dark treeline, a sparse house, sun-cut mountain faces reading like ones against zeros in a blue-white field. Even the sky can be white. That purist, reduced landscape is what we aim to achieve as designers – clarity without sterility, restraint that still feels emotional. Kenya Hara writes about white as emptiness and potential rather than decoration, and we expect that sensibility to show up in interiors: lighter forms, thinner profiles, more air — fewer statements, but sharper ones.

In 2026, what do you think people will value most in their homes that they perhaps didn’t a few years ago?

Atmosphere. Privacy from the feed. Spaces that feel real, not ‘content-ready’.

In a fast-moving design world, what feels truly lasting or essential to you — something every space will want to include?

Symmetry, true functionality, harmony, and thoughtfulness. A space should always consider its architectural envelope and environment. We don’t believe in gimmicky rooms made for the camera lens. The best spaces feel better in reality than in print.

Can you share a bit about your journey into design, art, and architecture, and what inspired you to establish Tutto Bene?

Both of us set out on creative paths early, pursuing design education and building careers in the field. When we met, the connection was instant — we realised our methods, sensibilities, and work ethic were remarkably aligned. Neither of us had considered teaming up before, but this time it felt natural, even inevitable. Founding Tutto Bene gave us the chance to combine our practices and with it, the freedom and lifestyle we’d both been looking for. Over time we’ve worked with many inspiring clients, mentors, and fellow creatives, and one thing became clear: creativity only becomes truly meaningful when it’s shared. Finding a likeminded partner — in life and in work — is rare. For us, being able to live, work, and create together has been the highlight of our journeys so far.

What does 'home' mean to you?

For us, home is more than a retreat — it’s an expression of identity and the culture you choose to live. We see Living Culture as a form of placemaking, which means we can create homes wherever we are. Home is not a storage unit; we are not crows that collect. Instead, we embrace a radical minimalism that keeps us light, agile, and free.

A place that means a lot to you?

Milan holds a special place in our story — it’s where we met, where we fell in love, and where we now share a home. The city embodies both our personal and professional lives: its mix of history, design, and everyday beauty continues to inspire us. At this point, it’s an important expression of who we are.

Where are you personally drawing inspiration — from travel, art, or certain eras and objects?

Inspiration comes from the rhythm of our lives — moving between cities, meeting new people, and engaging with different cultures. Travel keeps our perspective fresh, while conversations often spark the strongest ideas. We’re drawn equally to historical references and contemporary art, fascinated by the dialogue between the two. Objects with a sense of time — whether ancient relics or conceptual works — resonate deeply, feeding into our philosophy of romantic simplicity.

Lastly, your favorite Nordic Knots piece and why?

In our London loft, we have a massive walnut-brown Nordic Knots rug in the bedroom. With our bed set low to the ground, the rug feels like an extension of it — as if we’re sleeping within a blanket of warm, grounding colour.

Photography captured by Ludovic Balay.