The Origins of Olive Ateliers: From Backyard Drops to Design Powerhouse

Olive Ateliers started in 2021 as a side hustle among friends Kendall Knox (Chief Brand Officer), Ben Knox (CEO), and Laura Sotelo (Chief Merchandising Officer). They sourced unique vintage and antique items from places like Turkey, India, France, and Greece, sharing them through Instagram “drops” that sold out in minutes. Those early days were chaotic and magical—pop-ups in backyards, lines around the block, celebrities like Kendall Jenner snapping things up.

As demand exploded, they opened a massive 22,000-square-foot showroom in LA’s Arts District. But customers kept asking for more consistent availability, so the team shifted toward in-house designed pieces. First came Vestige in early 2025 (a Domino Awards winner), then Lieu de Vie later that year. Tetbury House builds on that momentum, expanding into lighting for the first time and focusing heavily on dining and living spaces.

What sets them apart? A commitment to “objects with old souls.” They study how antiques age—the way wood patinas, metal tarnishes, finishes crackle—and recreate that in new pieces using honest materials like solid oak, reclaimed pine, aged metals, and heavyweight linens. No plastic, no shortcuts.

What Makes Tetbury House Special: Inspiration from Heirlooms and the Cotswolds

The spark for Tetbury House came from the cozy, layered feel of England’s Cotswolds region—think stone cottages, mismatched wooden chairs around a hearth, and that sense of things passed down through generations. But it’s not strictly English; founders pulled from Northern European designs too, creating a broader, more universal antique vibe.

Laura Sotelo put it perfectly: “We are deeply inspired by the concept of inherited objects and family heirlooms, and the tradition of passing down pieces that are really well cared for and have a beautiful story behind them.” Ben Knox adds that timeless pieces show restraint—they’re not over-designed, they age gracefully, gaining character.

The collection evokes that thrill of discovery you get hunting flea markets or inheriting grandma’s dining table. Each item feels like it could have a story already, even though it’s new.

A New Collection From Olive Ateliers, Inspired by Antiques and Family  Heirlooms | Vogue

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A New Collection From Olive Ateliers, Inspired by Antiques and Family  Heirlooms | Vogue

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A New Collection From Olive Ateliers, Inspired by Antiques and Family  Heirlooms | Vogue

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Wuthering Heights Interiors: How to Use Dark Wood and Moody Lighting in  2026 - Los Angeles Times

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Key Pieces in the Tetbury House Collection

With 29 items, Tetbury House centers on furniture that anchors a home—dining tables, chairs, sideboards—plus decor and the brand’s debut lighting.

Standouts include:

  • Adlestrop Dining Table ($2,995): Inspired by a 17th-century Dutch piece the founders once sourced. It features hand-painted Delft-style tiles in crackled blue glaze set into dark stained wood. Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco snagged one early—talk about instant heirloom status.
  • Wishbone Oval Dining Table ($1,995) and Bilbury Round Dining Table ($1,495): Classic shapes with substantial presence, perfect for family gatherings.
  • Neverland Nightstand ($795): A standout with a detachable cotton dobby skirt and eight layers of wax for that smooth, lived-in feel.
  • Agatha Table Lamp ($295): Based on a petite 1920s design spotted on the Orient Express—elegant and brand’s first lighting step.
  • Langford Floor Lamp: Nod to 1930s Hans-Agne Jakobsson designs.
  • Devon Shell Dish ($45): Small but weighty, ideal for bedside silver or jewelry, echoing French bric-a-brac finds.
  • Cottage Row Counter Stool ($595), Austen Sideboard ($2,995), Crossing Coffee Table ($995): All built with traditional joinery for longevity.

These pieces mix and match effortlessly, encouraging personal layering—like how real homes evolve over time.

Pros and Cons of Choosing Tetbury House Pieces

Pros:

  • Built to last and age beautifully—solid woods and skilled craftsmanship mean they improve with use.
  • Evokes emotional connection; feels like family history without the hunt.
  • Versatile styling—from cozy cottage to modern eclectic.
  • Limited releases create excitement (replenished slowly by hand).
  • Celebrity-approved yet accessible pricing for quality.

Cons:

  • Higher investment than mass-market furniture (though justified by durability).
  • Limited stock—popular items sell out fast.
  • Best for those who appreciate patina; not for ultra-minimalist tastes.

Compared to pure vintage antiques (which can be inconsistent in condition or size), Tetbury offers reliability while capturing the same charm. Versus trendy fast-furniture brands, it’s worlds apart in quality and soul.

Why This Collection Resonates Now

In 2026, we’re all a bit tired of disposable everything. People want homes that feel rooted, especially post-pandemic when family time and personal spaces matter more. Tetbury House taps into that—encouraging us to buy fewer, better things that we’ll repair, refinish, and pass down.

It’s not just decor; it’s a mindset shift toward mindful collecting. As Kendall Knox notes, these are expressive yet restrained, working together as a family of objects.

People Also Ask (PAA)

What is Olive Ateliers known for? Olive Ateliers specializes in sourcing and designing “objects with old souls”—vintage-inspired antiques, pottery, garden decor, and now in-house collections like Tetbury House that feel heirloom-quality.

Where can I buy Olive Ateliers Tetbury House collection? Shop online at oliveateliers.com/collections/tetbury-house or visit their LA showroom (Wed-Sun, 10-4). Pieces are released in limited drops.

Is Tetbury House made from real antiques? No—it’s newly designed but heavily inspired by antiques, using techniques to mimic aged patinas, crackles, and finishes for that inherited look.

How does Tetbury House compare to Vestige collection? Tetbury is more expansive (29 pieces) and Cotswolds-inspired, with stronger dining focus and first lighting; Vestige was the debut designed line with a broader vintage recreation feel.

Who founded Olive Ateliers? Kendall Knox, Ben Knox, and Laura Sotelo launched it in 2021 as a passion project that grew into a major lifestyle brand.

FAQ

What inspired the Tetbury House collection? The cozy, timeless spirit of the Cotswolds and Northern European antiques, plus the emotional pull of family heirlooms—pieces meant to be cherished and passed down.

Are Tetbury House items sustainable? Yes—solid natural materials like oak and pine, traditional craftsmanship, no plastics. Designed for longevity and repair.

Can I mix Tetbury House with real antiques? Absolutely. The collection is made to layer with vintage finds, creating that collected-over-time look.

How long do pieces take to ship? As a limited-release brand, shipping varies; check oliveateliers.com for current details, but expect some wait times due to hand-production.

Is Tetbury House worth the price? If you value quality, story, and longevity over cheap trends—yes. These are investment pieces that gain character and value emotionally over time.

Tetbury House isn’t just a collection; it’s an invitation to build a home with meaning. In a sea of sameness, Olive Ateliers reminds us that the best things in life carry a little history—even if they’re brand new. Head over to their site and see if something calls to you. Who knows? It might just become your family’s next heirloom.

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