Monaco, a symbol of luxury and elegance, inspires the essence of Haute Studio. Surrounded by historic palaces, the sparkling sea, and yachts, the Monegasque lifestyle blends sophistication and beauty. Giulia Brighi has captured this essence in Haute Studio, a space that reflects Monaco’s finely tuned elegance. The studio’s philosophy emphasizes exclusivity and timeless aesthetics, focusing on the essentials rather than trends.

More than just a design studio, Haute Studio embodies craftsmanship, emotion, and quiet elegance. Giulia’s work combines refinement with depth, guided by a personal vision. From private residences to yachts, boutiques, and hotels, Haute Studio offers a curated, holistic process, making each project a dialogue between client and space, guided by Giulia’s signature: timeless, intentional, and emotionally resonant.

Giulia, you grew up in a creative family and had early contact with fashion, art and interior design. Was there a key moment for you when you realized: “I want to set up my own studio?”

Yes, there was! Growing up, I was deeply immersed in my family’s businesses, which revolved around high-end fashion and interior design, that had a big impact on me. After my Interior Design studies and work in the field, I quickly realized this was my path. From the very beginning, I felt a strong ability to express myself through design.

Your mother in particular seems to have influenced you – what have you learnt about spaces, materials and style from this time together?

Even though our design styles are quite different, I’ve always deeply admired her. She broadened my perspective in countless ways. Growing up, I was constantly surrounded by her vast collection of books on design, interiors, gardens, and fashion – many of which I still treasure today. Together, we went on inspirational trips, attended textile and furniture fairs, explored antique markets, and visited beautifully designed hotels around the world, I was constantly surrounded by “beauty”.

How did those experiences and travels shaped your design philosophy?

Even at a young age, these experiences had a profound impact on me and became a natural part of my upbringing. I learned to appreciate the emotional power of spaces and their surroundings, and the importance of selecting materials that tell a story. Through my design, my goal has always been to evoke emotions.

“It starts with three questions I always ask myself: Is it timeless? Is it bold? And is it impactful?“

What does emotions in furniture/interior design mean to you personally? When does a piece of design touch you emotionally?

It starts with three questions I always ask myself: Is it timeless? Is it bold? And is it impactful? When a piece answers all three, it resonates with me on an emotional level. That connection can come from its materials, form, finish and feel. Each creation embodies years of research and Haute Studio’s philosophy – crafted with intention, built to endure, and held to the highest standards. We work with master Italian artisans and embrace a bespoke, sustainable approach, avoiding mass production and waste. We carefully select materials such as dark oak, walnut, ebony, Japanese and reclaimed woods, combining them with our distinctive finishes like brushed, lacquered, or burnt.

When you’re working on a new project, what do you start with: an idea, a feeling, a certain material?

Every project begins with our client – their needs, their aspirations, and the experience they want to shape. Whether it’s a private residence, a hospitality venue, or a retail space, that diversity is what drives us. Each space is truly unique—reflecting the essence of a person, the DNA of a brand, or a specific vision, yet all carry Haute Studio’s unmistakable identity. Everything can start with a feeling, an atmosphere we want to evoke or an emotional response we aim to.

How do you take this creative impulse into the process?

The initial spark might come from the surroundings, a material, a color palette, or the narrative behind a brand. From there, we shape the vision through a careful blend of intuition and structure – developing a clear concept, curating materials and colors that support it, and ensuring each detail aligns with our design philosophy. Our goal is to bring our client’s vision to life in the best way possible.

You mentioned that you’ve travelled a lot in the past – is there a place or an encounter that has particularly inspired you – perhaps even a moment that still resonates in your designs today?

It’s hard to pinpoint just one moment or place because inspiration is everywhere for me. My mind is constantly in motion, always observing and absorbing. Even in my free time I love visiting art foundations, galleries, and museums, or attending classical music concerts and operas. I also feel fortunate to be surrounded by a circle of inspiring people— artists, interior and fashion designers, established architects, gallerists, and other creatives. Those conversations and exchanges are a constant source of energy and insight.

Are there any different areas of design like fashion, car design etc. that inspire the way you’re working with furniture?

Absolutely. Fashion has always been a strong influence, not only because of my family background but also because it reflects personal expression. Designers like Yves Saint Laurent inspire me with their bold simplicity and timeless elegance. However, unlike fashion, we don’t follow trends. Instead, we carve our own path, guided by our ideas and true to our DNA. We consciously avoid the fleeting nature of trends because what isn’t trendy never goes out of style. This philosophy allows us to create pieces that remain relevant and valued over time. Our creations are designed to be timeless—pieces that not only accompany you but also evolve with you.

Further information can be found here: www.hautestudio.eu