A stage for heritage: Orchestrating the design for House of MOBO

Interior design with culture and community at its core 

At the heart of the project sits the vision of founder and CEO Kanya King CBE, whose commitment to celebrating Black creativity, fostering opportunity and building community shaped the soul of the House of MOBO, guiding the emotional intention behind the design direction of the space. 

The concept emerged through early mood boards that explored two interconnected worlds: the nostalgic comfort of a 1970s home and the expressive, vibrant language of Black music and culture. A palette of earthy greens, terracotta tones, brass accents, graphic patterns, velvets and warm timbers created a visual rhythm that now threads through the entire space. Every design decision was guided by a desire to create a venue grounded in memory and belonging, while celebrating the energy and influence of MOBO’s legacy. 

An inspiring space that unfolds through experience 

From the moment guests enter, the space blends cultural storytelling with the familiarity of a neighbourhood venue. Soft green panelling, curated shelving and warm lighting frame the MOBO emblem, establishing a strong sense of identity and welcome. 

The bar and lounge areas build on this warmth, introducing richer tones, elegant mirror-backed shelving, antique brass details and plush upholstery to create a setting that feels both relaxed and inspiring. It is an environment designed for gathering, where conversations flow easily and the hospitality experience feels genuinely personal. 

Moving deeper into the venue, the mood becomes more intimate. Sage green ceilings, velvet textures and soft accents introduce a more relaxed atmosphere, with refined joinery and integrated lighting bringing a sense of cohesion and calm. The design balances how the space feels with how it performs, ensuring their team can move through it effortlessly and guests feel immersed in a thoughtful venue full of character. 

Walls adorned with album artwork and cultural references help shape a space where the music, memories and achievements of Black artists become part of the guest experience. 

A people-centred experience beyond the interior 

The garden dining area expands the story outdoors, blending natural materials, rustic timbers and warm tones to create smaller pockets of connection. Durable leather upholstery finishes are paired with softer patterned fabrics to ensure comfort without compromising longevity. We designed the space to feel inviting even in colder months, allowing it to function as a comfortable extension of the venue throughout the year. 

A stage for artistic expression 

At the heart of the venue, the performance stage is the centrepiece that brings the whole space together. Carefully integrated into the overall design, it feels like a natural extension of the environment that blends naturally with the holistic design, reinforcing this as a space where creativity is not just accommodated but championed. Designed to host live music, spoken word, community events and more intimate performances, it reinforces the House of MOBO as more than a hospitality venue, establishing it as a cultural home for expression, creativity and shared experience. 

Built on trust and collaboration 

The spirit of collaboration underpinning this project is reflected powerfully in the words of Jess Neil, Project Consultant for MOBO, who described working with Design ID as “one of the most joyful parts of the project.” She spoke of the team’s warmth, professionalism and ability to hold the emotional nuance of the brief alongside the practical demands of compliance, technical detail and hospitality functionality. She shared that the team “made us feel truly seen and held,” adding that there was “a delicate balance” between guidance and openness that ensured the final design felt both expertly crafted and deeply personal. This sense of trust and her reflection that our partnership will continue long into the future stands as a meaningful testament to the values we bring to our work: we are passionate, we are proud and we are a partner. 

Delivered over nine weeks, the project encompassed a complete ground-floor refurbishment, kitchen reconfiguration, compliance upgrades, external decoration and signage. We also conceptualised and designed a full garden transformation and the new performance stage, both acting as the physical heartbeat of the MOBO experience. 

Today, the House of MOBO stands as a vibrant and meaningful destination, a space where culture, community and hospitality come together with purpose. It is a place designed not only to be experienced, but to evolve, bringing people together through music, creativity and shared moments. We look forward to seeing it evolve as a true home for its community for many years to come.