Who is April One

The minimalist version: we’re an interior architecture and design studio founded by Karine Ribbens in 2014. To give a truer, more holistic picture of April One: we’re a design firm that blends sophistication, beauty, boldness and power for surprisingly delightful results for hospitality, retail, office and residential projects. We study, inhale –and love– form and function, texture and color, space and shape, light and shadow.

We look for the unexpected in contrasts; we conjure combinations of straight & curved, solemn & luminous, mirrored & frosted, saturated & pale, soft & bold, antique & contemporary to create memorable and evocative work.

Functionality is paramount, but not at the expense of detailing. We want to lift a design to a higher level, but also stay true the client essence. 

We’re collaborative and team-oriented and determined to create outstanding interiors.

And in the event you’re wondering, the name is nothing more than an homage to the day Karine’s mother gave birth and the journey towards exceptional design started.

How we work 

Our day begins with tea, either green or ginger.

From there, it starts with deep thinking about the needs. How will the space be used? What are the most essential functions?

Next, we think about the feel. Do you want a space that is warm and soothing? Eclectic and interesting? Or, sober but sophisticated?

We translate client needs into a synthesis of authenticity, functionality and materials to breathe life and originality into the building’s space. 

Inspiration comes from a wide range of sources: it can be a pattern in the doorframe, an old paint spot on a wall, the colors and textures of fruits, shapes and lines of ancient architecture, variations in earth tones, different cultures and traditions… materials and textures from all over.

Concepts are honed and worked out with a mix of intuition, experience and passion. Often, the best ideas come in spontaneous moments, while relaxing or in the middle of the night.  

The best part is watching a plan come together and the magic unfold.