Dee Gibson is the British-Sri Lankan designer and founder of Kalukanda House and the London-based design studio Velvet Orange. Known for her emotionally resonant, culturally rich approach to interiors and hospitality, her work is shaped by a career defined not just by creativity, but by reinvention, introspection, and a return to what matters.
A Life of Reinvention
Dee’s path into design was anything but conventional.
A creative by nature, circumstance led her to spend over a decade far removed from where her heart lay. Originally studying Engineering, she spent the following decade in a fast paced corporate world. This was a world defined by structure, logic, and momentum — one that promised “success”, but offered little space for creative expression or personal alignment. An increasing sense of disconnection and frustration led to the question, “what is success?”, and her final decisive shift to follow a long buried passion for design.
This transition marked the beginning of a new chapter rooted in creativity, learning and growth.
The Quiet Drift in Search of Meaning
Working through her studio Velvet Orange and delivering projects for clients from diverse cultures over 20 years developed an interest in exploring heritage, and its representation in the modern world.
The paradox of modern living is that the more we try to blend into societal norms, the easier it is to lose connection internally. Working with clients from around the world, this common theme arose time and again. The skill of the designer is to bridge the gap, and Dee built her career on creating spaces that would express a clients’ individuality while being aesthetically pleasing and emotionally uplifting all at the same time.
Emotional Design : Spaces You Feel
Through Velvet Orange, Dee began to shape a design philosophy that responded directly to this tension.
Her approach, known as Emotional Design, goes beyond aesthetics or function. It focuses on how spaces are experienced; how they support wellbeing, evoke memory, and create a sense of belonging. Mirroring her own journey from disconnection to alignment, the skill was honed over 20 years to go beyond the surface of pure aesthetic to consider the enrichment brought through storytelling via craft and curation.
Her projects are known for their tactile richness, individuality, and thoughtful layering of global influences. Sustainability and ethical sourcing are integral, reflecting a broader commitment to conscious living and long-term impact.
At its core, her work asks a simple but powerful question, How does a space make you feel?
A Return to Sri Lanka
In 2016 a trip to Sri Lanka to reconnect with roots quickly became something more profound . The trip was a return not just to place, but to memory and emotions of early years living with grandparents.
Sri Lanka bought Dee back to a time of simple living, uncomplicated days and a sense of freedom away from burnout and the pressures of modern city life. It was within this environment that the idea for Kalukanda House took shape.
Kalukanda House : A Personal, Creative Expression
Conceived and built from the ground up, Kalukanda House is both a design project and a personal philosophy made tangible. Set where jungle meets the sea, the house reflects a commitment to local craftsmanship, slow living and a deep respect for place.
Every element has been considered not just for how it looks, but for how it feels . Materials and textures have been woven together so that the spaces invite you to feel the same sense of connection that Dee experienced when she returned “home”.
More than a destination, Kalukanda House offers a different lens on travel. One that encourages guests to step into an uplifting and eye opening sensory experience exploring culture through design, creativity and people.
Since its opening, it has gained international recognition, featured by Condé Nast and HIP Hotels, and established itself as a leading destination for design-conscious, experience-led travel. In 2025, Dee was awarded Woman Leader in Hospitality by International Women in Travel and Tourism.
From Disconnection to Reconnection
In a world that prioritises speed, productivity, and constant availability, the ability to step back has become increasingly rare and increasingly necessary. This is something that Dee understands deeply and Kalukanda House has become a doorway to explore a more meaningful way to travel and discover the island.
The villa is dedicated simply to the joy of discovery and freedom. Guests are invited to recalibrate by moving away from picklist, trendy itineraries and towards experiences that are intuitive, adventurous, sensory and surprising.
Extending the Philosophy Beyond Place
Dee’s philosophy extends beyond Kalukanda House.
As a regular speaker and panellist for the British Institute of Interior Design and international design and travel forums, she explores themes including Emotional Design, Ethical Sourcing, Sustainability, Circular economy, and the role of design in shaping human experience.
She is also a passionate advocate for social impact through business, particularly in supporting women and underserved communities. She serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Sri Lankan NGO Their Future Today.
