About Us

Patience & Gough, a distinguished design duo based in the Lake District, operates from their studio in Windermere. Founded by Alice Patience and later joined by Oliver Gough, the brand has gained a reputation for bridging the gap between art, interiors, and furniture design. Alice’s initial passion for interiors and the arts sparked the creation of Patience & Gough, which quickly evolved from an innovative venture in furniture upcycling to a recognized name in the design world. Their commitment to creativity and meticulous attention to detail led to their products being featured in Liberty London for a year, showcasing their unique pieces to a broader audience.

Expanding their expertise beyond furniture design, Patience & Gough now offers comprehensive interior design services. One of their most ambitious projects includes the transformation of a seven-bedroom manor house in the Lake District, demonstrating their flair for creating unique, tailored experiences for their clients. Additionally, their services extend to high-end bespoke projects, producing luxury furniture for homes and yachts. This versatility highlights their ability to adapt and innovate across various design challenges, always delivering exceptional results.

The studio’s latest work is a bold new furniture collection, “The Shokunin Collection,” exemplifying Patience & Gough’s dedication to craftsmanship and sustainable design. Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of Shokunin, which emphasizes mastery and dedication to one’s craft, each piece in this collection is a blend of traditional techniques and modern design. The collection uses locally sourced and sustainable materials, reflecting the brand’s commitment to environmental responsibility. Innovations such as fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles further underscore their sustainable ethos.

Patience & Gough’s ability to create world-class furniture is bolstered by their collaboration with a renowned workshop in Oman. This partnership allows them to incorporate never-seen-before marquetry techniques, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design elements. The result is a range of furniture pieces that are not only aesthetically stunning but also of exceptional quality, setting new standards in the world of luxury furniture design.

With a small yet highly dedicated team, Patience & Gough continue to push the boundaries of design, producing timeless pieces that honour both their craft and the environment. Their work is a testament to the beauty of sustainable design and the enduring value of artisanal craftsmanship.

How would you describe your style?

"I guess the best description of our style is blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. Our interiors feature natural elements like limewash, using colour wash to create a soft, subtle elegance. In our bespoke furniture, we combine high-end finishes such as gloss lacquer and dyed wood veneers with bold, yet subtle patterns and exceptional marquetry techniques. This fusion of classic and modern elements results in timeless pieces that are both sophisticated and innovative, reflecting our dedication to quality and artistry. Each creation is tailored to our client’s needs, maintaining our signature style of refined elegance and originality."

Please describe a recently completed project or tell us about the bespoke service that you offer

"The Shokunin Collection has been painstakingly developed over the last 3 years. Each piece in the Shokunin Collection is crafted with extraordinary precision. The collection features 4 main pieces, a tambour door sideboard, a luxury bar cabinet, an architecturally inspired side table and a plant stand/monolith.

The tambour doors of the sideboard feature intricate patterns of wood veneers and mother-of-pearl. As these doors glide open, they reveal an effortless fluidity, curving gracefully around the sides of the sideboard. This isn’t just furniture; it’s a choreographed performance, a seamless marriage of form and function that commands attention from any angle.

The Panthera Bar Cabinet is a standout piece in the collection. This marvel of design features a brushed nickel pattern set upon dyed figured sycamore. Its high-gloss finish and gracefully curved bottom create a visually striking silhouette.

Inside, the cabinet is equipped to hold 30 bottles of red wine and features a cocktail-making bar, complete with angled drawers and a metal mirror back. The striking pop of red in the diagonal drawers pays subtle homage to its intended contents, combining style with functionality.

Sustainability is at the core of the Shokunin Collection. Patience & Gough have prioritized the use of eco-friendly materials. The collection features innovative materials such as bamboo and Eco-Wud. These sustainable practices ensure that each piece is environmentally responsible while retaining an enduring quality that will be cherished for generations."

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