Alfie di Trolio, a set designer based in London, is also the owner of Oculus, a vintage furniture and design business. Describing his creations, di Trolio says, “If you asked a child to sketch their dream chair or bed, it might look like an Oculus product.” His curated pieces are a mix of handmade, quirky, and slightly unusual designs. These objects are not just functional but are decorative and often playful, with exaggerated proportions that set them apart.
The Art of Metalwork: How Di Trolio Crafts Unique Designs
Di Trolio’s design taste is largely driven by intuition. He is especially drawn to wrought iron for its ability to create dramatic and elaborate shapes while maintaining a sense of lightness. However, he doesn’t shy away from heavy wooden pieces, such as large cabinets that seem to have been carved from solid trees. What defines an Oculus item is the feeling of mystery and intrigue it evokes. Di Trolio often imagines the backstory of these objects, wondering who crafted them and what inspired their creation.
Favorite Vintage Designers and Timeless Pieces
While Oculus is known for its artisan pieces, di Trolio does have favorite designers he regularly seeks out, including a 1980s coffee table by Matthew Hilton and a 1990s Conran bed frame. These items are visually striking and hold a special place in his personal collection. For di Trolio, the bed frame he acquired after years of disliking beds was a game-changer in his appreciation for design objects. “It’s very present,” he remarks, highlighting how the frame demands attention in his bedroom.
Oculus: A Pandemic Project Turned Business Success
Oculus began as a project during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. With time to spare during lockdowns, di Trolio decided to explore the world of vintage furniture and objects. What started as a way to combat boredom turned into a thriving business as others became equally interested in the unique items he sourced, ranging from small ceramics to large furniture pieces like chairs and lamps.
Living and Working in South London’s Creative Loft
Di Trolio operates out of a spacious live/work loft in South London, located in a former brick factory. This unique space allows him to both house his collection and live with the pieces he sells. He admits to being “greedy for lovely things” and enjoys having these unique objects around him. Some pieces that don’t sell immediately become part of his home, sometimes remaining there permanently.
Showcasing Design Masterpieces: The Role of Natural Light
The loft’s south-facing windows allow di Trolio to enjoy beautiful natural light throughout the day, which he uses to photograph the Oculus pieces. He works closely with photographer Richard Round-Turner to capture these objects in ways that highlight their scale, material qualities, and patina, giving potential buyers a better understanding of what makes each piece special.
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A Journey from Fine Arts to Set Design
Before starting Oculus, di Trolio had a background in fine arts and worked in retail, most notably at Liberty. This background in creative thinking shapes both his approach to set design and his work with furniture. Although his set design work is minimalistic and refined, Oculus allows him to embrace a more boisterous and experimental style, leaning into maximalism.
Oculus: A Passionate Pursuit, Not Just a Side Gig
Though set design pays his bills, di Trolio considers Oculus more than just a side project. The business allows him to take risks and indulge in his love for unique objects without the pressure of turning a profit. This freedom means that Oculus can be a space for experimentation, where each piece is chosen because of the joy it brings him.
Sourcing Vintage Treasures: Di Trolio’s Personal Approach
Most of the items di Trolio sells are sourced online or from a few lesser-known local shops. He doesn’t have a network of secret dealers or hidden treasures but instead curates his collection based on what resonates with him. The items are often not pristine but carry a certain amount of wear and character. Di Trolio’s aim is to preserve the original charm of these pieces while ensuring they are clean and functional when they reach buyers.
Building Personal Connections with Customers
Although Oculus has a presence at London’s Spotlight Market, most of the sales happen through direct communication with customers via Instagram DMs. Di Trolio enjoys the personal touch that comes with these interactions, feeling that they make the buying process more meaningful. “I like that you have to write away to someone in order for this thing to find its new home,” he says.
PHOTOS BY RICHARD ROUND-TURNER
