Meet Charlotte Marra | Creator of Ottoline Interiors

We had the good fortune of connecting with Charlotte Marra and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charlotte, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I embarked on the journey of starting my own business, the inspiration was very personal and deeply rooted in the joy of becoming a parent to my daughter, Audrey Ottoline. As any parent knows, creating a soothing and conducive environment for a newborn is of paramount importance, and blackout blinds and shades are often at the top of the wish list for new parents.

However, as I began my search for these essential items, I found myself faced with a rather uninspiring array of drab greys and plain white pull-down shades. While they were undoubtedly functional, they lacked the beauty and charm I envisioned for Audrey’s nursery.

Faced with the dilemma of these unremarkable options, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I painted a mural on a plain blackout blind – a creation that Audrey could gaze at and find comfort in, something that possessed both utility and beauty. It was in that moment that Audrey the Bunny, shade #1, came to life.

This initial creation set the stage for a series of innovative products, from reading stools to quilts, rugs, and more, all bearing my signature hand-painted style, adorned with elegant bunnies and friendly giraffes. It was at this juncture that Ottoline Interiors truly emerged as an idea and an ambition.

At the core of Ottoline Interiors lies a commitment to nurturing the sophisticated imagination of children. My design inspirations draw from a rich tapestry of sources, including Victorian illustrations, botanical drawings, French lithographs, and Italian textiles. Beyond the realm of design, my creative impetus is rooted in a bygone era, one that valued a child’s ability to explore their imagination freely, to journey into different worlds without the constant guidance of television or video games.

My goal has always been to take classic forms and timeless subjects and reinterpret them in a captivating and enduring manner. The designs are intricate enough to captivate a child’s curiosity while still embracing the simple pastoral themes that have fueled the wonder and dreams of children for centuries. Ottoline Interiors seeks to immerse children in a fantastical, dreamlike world where their imaginations can run free, just as they have throughout the ages.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have a background in fine art and a Master’s degrees in Art History, Theory and Criticism. My studies embedded me firmly in the art world and subsequently I. spent ten years working in galleries across the globe as a gallery director. My career has taken me from New York, through Chicago, Zurich, and London to my current home in Charleston, SC. Although I loved traveling and working with artists I missed paintings and creating things with my hands. Once I had my daughter and started to buy things for her I realized how hard it was to find truly unique items. I wanted the objects around her to be special and imaginative. The urge to return to a more creative bent along with the desire create beautiful things for children’s rooms set me on a path to transform the ways in which we design and equip our children’s nurseries, playrooms and bedrooms. The most significant challenge I face is also what I cherish most about my brand. I personally paint each blind and craft every stool, committing a substantial amount of time to each piece. As a result, I operate on a smaller scale. But this is the essence of the brand’s beauty because every stool and blind is entirely unique and special, destined to become an heirloom rather than a disposable item, passed down through generations.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
It’s no secret that one of the magnetic charms of Charleston is its extraordinary culinary scene, where something delicious seems to await at every corner. Be it a morning feast of shrimp and grits at The Marina, low key but delectable lunches at Babas On Cannon and Jackrabbit Filly, or an evening rendezvous at Vern’s, La Farfalle, Xao Bao Biscuit, or the beloved Chubby Fish… from the delicate tuna crudo to the freshest oysters, it never fails to delight.

Our decision to make Charleston our home was deeply influenced by our longing for a European-style city that beckoned exploration on foot. As a result, much of our time is devoted to leisurely strolls, often with our poodle, Martha, as our companion. Whether it’s wandering through the historic streets of South of Broad, meandering the charming alleys of the French Quarter, or unearthing hidden gems in local parks, Charleston offers an abundance of captivating paths to traverse.

Our explorations often lead us to Charleston’s cultural treasures, such as the Gibbes Museum, where art and history meld into a captivating experience. In the later part of the day, you might find us on a quick jaunt to James Island’s Terrace Theatre, catching a movie.

And of course, the beach! Our favorite spot is Sullivan’s Island. There, you’ll find us swimming, lazing on the shoreline, and perhaps indulging in a Froze from The Coop. As the day winds down, we’ll gather the kids for an early dinner at Fish Camp or The Obstinate Daughter. It’s a great place to create treasured family moments.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ve always had this innate drive to be independent and create, and a big part of why I’ve been able to turn my passions into a successful business is thanks to my incredible mother. She’s been my biggest cheerleader, nurturing not only my artistic talents but also fueling my entrepreneurial spirit, which has played a pivotal role in the success of my journey.

Otttoline Interiors came to life in the heart of London, a city my husband and I once called home. During those early days, I found great visual inspiration in the works of the British Victorian artist and textile designer, William Morris. His distinctive style added a touch of whimsy and wonder to natural imagery, becoming a defining influence on my creative path.

In my family, which includes my husband and our children, Audrey and Fred, I discover an endless source of motivation. They serve as my sounding board for new concepts and products, helping me stay closely connected with the changing preferences and requirements of our expanding clientele.

Website: https://www.ottolineinteriors.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ottoline_interiors/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ottolineinteriors/