The Style Files: Conversations with Creatives
By Paloma Contreras
Interior designer and tastemaker, Paloma Contreras takes you further into the beloved "The Style Files" column from her blog, La Dolce Vita, for thoughtful, engaging conversations with creative entrepreneurs. Delve into the journeys of design luminaries and design industry trailblazers through these fascinating talks.
The Style Files: Conversations with CreativesApr 05, 2020
00:00
57:49
Jane Churchill
Jane Churchill’s Interior Design work has made her a household name both at home and abroad. With more than 40 years in the business, Jane Churchill has a deep knowledge of the classic decorating tradition. Unlike many Interior Designers who work from a specific style, Jane combines classic and contemporary elements so that each project is unique and personal to the client.
Dec 30, 202046:12
Ariel Okin
Ariel Okin is the founder of her eponymous firm, Ariel Okin Interiors, a New York based, full service interior design firm specializing in luxury residential, commercial and hospitality projects.
Ariel’s portfolio ranges from traditional to contemporary, with a focus on elegant, livable spaces. A deft use of color, an emphasis on clean lines, and a mix of bespoke and antique items are hallmarks of her aesthetic; she believes every home should reflect its owner’s personality.
A graduate of Columbia University and George Washington University, Ariel has been featured and profiled in Elle Decor, Domino, House Beautiful, Architectural Digest, Vogue, The Wall Street Journal, and New York Magazine, among others.
Ariel is a contributing writer to Vogue.com, Architectural Digest and Domino, and was named one of the top 20 Interior Design Instagram accounts to follow by Domino.
Current projects include a full floor gut renovation on the Upper West Side, an Upper East Side pied-a-terre, a hospitality project in Palm Beach, and multiple homes in the tri-state area.
Ariel’s portfolio ranges from traditional to contemporary, with a focus on elegant, livable spaces. A deft use of color, an emphasis on clean lines, and a mix of bespoke and antique items are hallmarks of her aesthetic; she believes every home should reflect its owner’s personality.
A graduate of Columbia University and George Washington University, Ariel has been featured and profiled in Elle Decor, Domino, House Beautiful, Architectural Digest, Vogue, The Wall Street Journal, and New York Magazine, among others.
Ariel is a contributing writer to Vogue.com, Architectural Digest and Domino, and was named one of the top 20 Interior Design Instagram accounts to follow by Domino.
Current projects include a full floor gut renovation on the Upper West Side, an Upper East Side pied-a-terre, a hospitality project in Palm Beach, and multiple homes in the tri-state area.
Dec 18, 202001:01:13
Kit Kemp
Over the years Kit Kemp MBE has been forging an internationally-acclaimed reputation, not only for her unique hotel interiors as Founder and Creative Director of Firmdale Hotels but also as a successful textiles, fragrance and homewares designer, author and a highly-respected champion of British art, craft and sculpture.
With a collection of ten couture hotels in London and New York, Kit is celebrated for her individual and original approach to the way she transforms and arranges buildings, with a colourful and detailed storytelling in her design. She has won many awards for her designs including House & Garden’s Hotel Designer of the Year, The Crown Estate’s Urban Business Award, CN Traveller’s Best Hotel in the World for Design and Andrew Martin International Interior Designer of the Year.
Kit has collaborated with leading global design brands such as Wedgwood, Wilton Carpets, Andrew Martin, Anthropologie, Christopher Farr, Chelsea Textiles, C P Hart, Porta Romana and Fine Cell Work, creating collections including tableware, fragrance, furniture, fabrics and wallpaper.
In 2012, Kit published her first book, A Living Space which follows an inspiring personal voyage through the many spaces she has designed. This was followed by a second book, Every Room Tells A Story and her third and latest book, Design Thread. Kit Kemp has been invited as Guest Editor for Homes & Gardens and Hospitality Design USA.
In 2017 Shop Kit Kemp was launched. An online store complete with a range of products ready to buy for the home created by Kit Kemp and her design team. Spring 2019 saw Kit Kemp launch an exclusive collaboration with New York department store, Bergdorf Goodman. The Loft on the seventh floor was transformed into The World of Kit Kemp where her collections of furniture, fabrics, fragrance and home accessories were brought together for the first time.
In 2019, Kit Kemp launched a blog called Kit Kemp’s Design Thread. This new website showcases her world of colour and design including collaborations, films and an insight into her work and day-to-day experiences in her Design Studio
Kit Kemp is a Trustee of Fine Cell Work and the Heritage of London Trust.
Dec 11, 202049:11
John Robshaw
After earning a fine arts degree at Pratt and studying traditional block printing in China, John Robshaw journeyed to India to find natural indigo dye for his paintings. Instead, he fell in love with the fabric-making traditions of the local artisans. The hands-on immediacy and vitality of textiles piqued what was to become a lifelong fascination. His signature look was crafted: an updated spin on the traditional, handmade object; a vibrant mix of sophistication and romantic allure. "I want all the colors, techniques and designs from each culture to blend. I redesign them and mix up the processes. I edit them, learn from them, make them my own, but retain their essence. John's forays in Asia have taken him to the villages of Gujarat and Rajasthan; he has made court batiks in Yogakarta, Indonesia; block printed sarongs alongside a family who has been printing for four generations; he has vegetable-dyed ikats in Thailand. In India, John found that he could apply a painterly aesthetic to traditional methods by mixing up patterns and overlapping them in a more formally artistic way.
Dec 04, 202046:14
Markham Roberts
Born in Indianapolis, Markham Roberts graduated from Brown University and moved to New York to work with the late Mark Hampton, before opening his eponymous firm in 1997. Called “a master of timeless American style” by Vogue, Markham has earned the reputation as one of the top decorators of his generation. He and his work have been featured in Architectural Digest, Cabana, Domino, Elle Decor, Galerie Magazine, House Beautiful, House & Garden, Southern Accents, Town & Country, Veranda, Vogue and The New York Times. Since 2014, Markham has been named to the AD100, Architectural Digest’s prestigious list of the top 100 interior designers and architects in the world, as well as the Elle Decor A-List. And in the 2018 book Inspired Design, the 100 Most Important Designers of the Past 100 Years, Markham was honored to be included on this historic list with the all-time great decorators. Markham’s highly respected monograph, Decorating: The Way I See It, published in 2014 by Vendome Press, showcases his thoughtful, tailored, and refreshing approach to decorating and is widely praised as an essential design tome. His second book, Notes on Decorating, published in 2020 by Vendome Press, further illustrates his refined and singular approach to designing interiors.
Known for his creativity and his ability to work in a wide variety of styles, Markham adeptly interprets his clients’ needs and wants to seamlessly reflect their style and not merely his own imprint. Markham’s highly respected monograph, Decorating: The Way I See It, published by The Vendome Press, showcases his thoughtful, tailored, and refreshing approach to decorating and is widely praised as an essential design tome.
Whether working on commercial projects or for private clients across the country and abroad, Markham infuses interiors with his sophisticated and personal touch, applying his knowledge and experience individually and specifically to each project.
According to Senga Mortimer, the noted editor, “There is a distinct refinement that runs through all of his work and is, indeed, emblematic of his personality … Markham, with his unflinching ease, his assured eye, his natural understanding of how a house should function, and his total lack of pretense, creates rooms that are timeless.”
Markham Roberts lectures on decorating across the country. He sits on the board of the Cain Foundation, a philanthropic trust established by his late grandparents to support the arts, education, and to assist those in need.
Nov 23, 202054:36
Jaimie Dewberry
Following her undergraduate education at Georgia Southern University, where she nurtured an underlying passion for philanthropy, Mrs. Dewberry began her career with the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Alexander-Tharpe Fund in Athletic Development. From there she joined Dewberry Group as Director of The Dewberry Foundation, where she manages charitable requests, contributions and strategic planning. A native of Dalton, Georgia, and the daughter of design and home décor retail business owners, Mrs. Dewberry parlayed her appreciation for art and antiques into her latest role with at the helm of Dewberry Group’s Studio Dewberry. As Principal, she oversees design and procurement along with her husband, John.
Dewberry Group founder and CEO John formally started Studio Dewberry in 2014 to handle everything from architecture and interiors to product development and procurement, as well as graphic art and branding, for all of the real estate and hospitality properties within Dewberry Group’s portfolio. Their most distinguished project to date is the opening of the five-star Dewberry hotel in Charleston, South Carolina. Today, Mrs. Dewberry divides her time among the family’s homes in Charleston, Atlanta, and Doonbeg, Ireland.
Dewberry Group founder and CEO John formally started Studio Dewberry in 2014 to handle everything from architecture and interiors to product development and procurement, as well as graphic art and branding, for all of the real estate and hospitality properties within Dewberry Group’s portfolio. Their most distinguished project to date is the opening of the five-star Dewberry hotel in Charleston, South Carolina. Today, Mrs. Dewberry divides her time among the family’s homes in Charleston, Atlanta, and Doonbeg, Ireland.
Nov 13, 202052:07
Vicente Wolf
Acclaimed New York City-based designer, Vicente Wolf is known for his clear, restrained and elegant aesthetic. A passionate traveler, Vicente’s frequent jaunts to exotic destinations provide him with a global perspective that he weaves into his designs. His interiors incorporate these authentic, globally-sourced artifacts and furnishings with modern décor in a warm palette capturing a sense of earthy charisma and timelessness. Wolf’s spaces ‘travel’ through time and remain relevant and meaningful environments for his discerning client roster.
For over four decades Vicente Wolf has fostered the global development of his brand through a simplicity-driven principle that intermingle his many creative endeavors: interior design, photography, art collection and international travel. From the spacious light-filled loft in New York City where his company is headquartered, Wolf and his team at Vicente Wolf Associates build on his passion for design, maintaining an impressive portfolio that spans multinational conglomerates and private homes to hotels and restaurants across the globe.
Always on the lookout for new ways in which to inspire the world of design, Wolf’s eye for detail has fostered a reputation for quality appreciated by his discriminating clients and the creative industries alike. Throughout his illustrious career, Vicente has graced the pages of all the top shelter publications and received many of the industry’s top distinctions. Prestigious honors include perpetual listings as an AD 100, Elle Décor’s A-List, NY Spaces Top 50 Designer and House Beautiful magazine’s 10 most influential designers, to name a few, and has been inducted into Interior Design magazine’s Hall of Fame.
Wolf is an international speaker, book author with five titles to his name, lauded retailer and celebrated visionary. In 2012, Vicente received his PHD in Design & Architecture from Boston Architectural College and is currently at the helm of two companies: Vicente Wolf Associates and VW Home by Vicente Wolf.
Nov 11, 202056:40
Alfredo Paredes
"If it's good, you know it." That says, Alfredo Paredes, is the foundation of his design philosophy, one he's put into practice at his new, multi-disciplinary design studio committed to excellence in projects ranging from residential and hospitality, to special events and product development. The designer, who's been described as having "visually perfect pitch", is an industry veteran who spent 33 years creating environments, experiences, and products at Ralph Lauren, most recently in the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Office. During his tenure with the company Paredes was in charge of global store design and architecture, and was the creative force behind the Women's and Home Flagship on Madison Avenue, as well as the one on the Boulevard Saint-Germain in Paris. He also oversaw the creation of an array of stores the world over and was responsible for the famed visuals in the windows of the Madison Avenue mansion and other retail stores around the globe, not to mention the conception and design of the now legendary Polo Bar in Manhattan. Those are just the sorts of creative enterprises in which Alfredo Paredes Studio specializes-- the fashioning of spaces, home furnishings, and unique events designed to accelerate the pulse of clients with even the biggest dreams.
Oct 30, 202049:59
Aerin Lauder
A designer, tastemaker, and working mother of two, Aerin Lauder is a modern day style icon. Committed to living life more beautifully, she founded the luxury lifestyle brand AERIN in 2012. With a love for interiors and a talent for creating warm, inviting spaces, Aerin’s elegant, effortless aesthetic is a reflection of her unique upbringing. As she says, “Beauty is my heritage, but home and accessories are my passion. There was an opportunity in the market for a lifestyle brand based on feminine, modern and effortless products with strong heritage. I decided to launch AERIN and make the whole concept of beauty part of the way we live today.” Aerin brings ease and beauty into all aspects of life and, as a dedicated
philanthropist, into the lives of others. She is passionate about her work with The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and an active board member of the Education Committee for the Board of Trustees at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, International Council of the Museum of Modern Art, Foundation for Art & Preservation in Embassies, and Gods Love We Deliver. Aerin was presented with the Golden Heart Award for Lifetime Achievement at the 2013 God’s Love We Deliver Golden Heart Awards.
Oct 23, 202039:42
Peter Dunham
Peter Dunham was raised in France and educated in England at Stowe. He read modern languages at Exeter College, and business administration at the American University in Paris. After graduating he worked in real estate in New York City.
Peter moved to Los Angeles in 1998 and immediately started his interior design company. In 2003 he launched his eponymous fabric and wallpaper collection, now sold through 16 showrooms worldwide. To house a growing collection of handcrafted, made-to-order furniture, textiles and vintage finds, Peter opened Hollywood at Home in 2007. Located in the Los Angeles design district, it has become a leading destination for design lovers. In 2020 he established his third product arm, Peter Dunham Home, venturing into stocked, indoor/outdoor furniture.
At the firm, Peter and his design team split their time between restoring landmarked houses and collaborating with renowned architects on ground up projects. Current projects include a modernist Marmol Radziner house overlooking the Pacific in Montecito, residences in Los Angeles, the Bay area, Newport Beach, Montana and an iconic 1963 Horace Gifford house on Fire Island.
The Wall Street Journal described his style as “Merchant Ivory Moderne” and “restraint with a kick.” His international style embraces color and pattern, mixing bespoke furnishings, vintage finds and modern luxuries. His design work has been featured in Architectural Digest, ELLE Decor, House and Garden, House Beautiful, Coastal Living, WSJ, Veranda, Domino, Hollywood Reporter, Los Angeles Times, and more. Peter is on ELLE Decor’s A-List and included in Vendome Press’s new book, Inspired Design: The 100 Most Important Designers of the Past 100 Years.
Peter moved to Los Angeles in 1998 and immediately started his interior design company. In 2003 he launched his eponymous fabric and wallpaper collection, now sold through 16 showrooms worldwide. To house a growing collection of handcrafted, made-to-order furniture, textiles and vintage finds, Peter opened Hollywood at Home in 2007. Located in the Los Angeles design district, it has become a leading destination for design lovers. In 2020 he established his third product arm, Peter Dunham Home, venturing into stocked, indoor/outdoor furniture.
At the firm, Peter and his design team split their time between restoring landmarked houses and collaborating with renowned architects on ground up projects. Current projects include a modernist Marmol Radziner house overlooking the Pacific in Montecito, residences in Los Angeles, the Bay area, Newport Beach, Montana and an iconic 1963 Horace Gifford house on Fire Island.
The Wall Street Journal described his style as “Merchant Ivory Moderne” and “restraint with a kick.” His international style embraces color and pattern, mixing bespoke furnishings, vintage finds and modern luxuries. His design work has been featured in Architectural Digest, ELLE Decor, House and Garden, House Beautiful, Coastal Living, WSJ, Veranda, Domino, Hollywood Reporter, Los Angeles Times, and more. Peter is on ELLE Decor’s A-List and included in Vendome Press’s new book, Inspired Design: The 100 Most Important Designers of the Past 100 Years.
Oct 17, 202001:02:59
India Hicks
Designer, entrepreneur, best-selling author, and mother of five, India Hicks was born in London, England, and comes from both British and design royalty. Her father was famed interior decorator David Hicks, and her mother is Lady Pamela Hicks, whose father was the last Viceroy of India, hence her name.
India has always made bold life choices, which have led to a multi-faceted, unexpected life journey. She has authored four design books, modeled for Ralph Lauren, among others, and been an on-air personality for networks ranging from Bravo to the BBC. She has had her hand in the design world for over two decades – from hotels to home collections.
In 2015 India launched her eponymous Direct Sales brand. British Heritage and a fresh perspective on island life informed this exclusive lifestyle collection. Despite closing its doors after 5 years of trading thousands of women saw talents and qualities in themselves that had been undiscovered.
More recently India launched a Podcast series - a look into the life her extraordinary mother Lady Pamela - recording wonderfully intimate conversations between mother and daughter. With over 100,000 downloads already the Podcast repeatedly sits at the top of many charts.
The India Hicks company had a strong focus on Giving Back as has India herself. Having run 3 marathons in aid of Bahamian children’s education and cycling two 100 mile races raising funds for breast cancer in the Bahamas - a cause close to her heart as this disease took the life of her adopted son’s mother.
Living in the Bahamas for the past 25 years India is in the position to now partner with Global Empowerment Mission as an on the ground force, bringing awareness to the continuing crisis in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.
India has always made bold life choices, which have led to a multi-faceted, unexpected life journey. She has authored four design books, modeled for Ralph Lauren, among others, and been an on-air personality for networks ranging from Bravo to the BBC. She has had her hand in the design world for over two decades – from hotels to home collections.
In 2015 India launched her eponymous Direct Sales brand. British Heritage and a fresh perspective on island life informed this exclusive lifestyle collection. Despite closing its doors after 5 years of trading thousands of women saw talents and qualities in themselves that had been undiscovered.
More recently India launched a Podcast series - a look into the life her extraordinary mother Lady Pamela - recording wonderfully intimate conversations between mother and daughter. With over 100,000 downloads already the Podcast repeatedly sits at the top of many charts.
The India Hicks company had a strong focus on Giving Back as has India herself. Having run 3 marathons in aid of Bahamian children’s education and cycling two 100 mile races raising funds for breast cancer in the Bahamas - a cause close to her heart as this disease took the life of her adopted son’s mother.
Living in the Bahamas for the past 25 years India is in the position to now partner with Global Empowerment Mission as an on the ground force, bringing awareness to the continuing crisis in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.
Oct 02, 202059:49
Kathryn Ireland
British-born, pre-eminent interior designer Kathryn M. Ireland is a true citizen of the world. From her legendary “sympathetic restorations” of landmark architectural houses and hotels to extraordinary homes for the Hollywood elite, the star of Bravo’s Million Dollar Decorators brings the best attributes of grand European style and cool California chic to every project. A die-hard fan of bold color, the layering of pattern and texture, and the beauty of imperfection, Ireland’s interiors convey an easy, elegant vibe that is worldly and chic, yet effortless. Kathryn has also established herself as a major force in product manufacturing and has been dedicated to producing her bespoke textile collections, weave collections, and upholstered goods all locally in the United States.
Beyond her eponymous lines of textiles and furniture, Kathryn has most recently set out to disrupt the digital design industry with her newest venture, The Perfect Room. Backed by three decades of experience in luxury interior design, Kathryn has – through TPR – introduced the first luxury online concierge design service, providing curated products and unparalleled design expertise in a simple online platform. Kathryn has also authored 6 best-selling books, including her most recent, Kathryn At Home, and has collaborated with several home furnishing brands including Grange, Scalamandre, and C2 Paints. Kathryn has also acted as the North American Brand Ambassador for beloved European appliance brand AGA Rangemaster.
Adding to her long list of credits over her multi-hyphenate career, Kathryn has long developed and hosted Design Retreats each summer at her home in the south of France, and regularly hosts design bootcamps in Los Angeles. At each she offers insight on her favorite local resources, professional expertise and storied experiences to help others succeed in the design industry.
Kathryn has appeared as an expert on Good Morning America, Access Hollywood Live, Good Day LA, and E! News. A shelter magazine favorite, Kathryn’s design work appears frequently in Elle Decor, World of Interiors, House Beautiful, Veranda, Architectural Digest, Vogue and InStyle. Kathryn is consistently featured on Elle Decor’s A-List and is one of the Top 25 Interior Designers as listed by The Hollywood Reporter. When she’s not designing or entertaining, Ireland divides her time between her home in Santa Monica, CA and her restored farmhouse in southwest France.
Sep 30, 202001:03:44
Barrie Benson
BARRIE BENSON is a Charlotte-based interior designer best known for balancing the modern with the traditional in her signature interiors. She transforms residences like her iconic 1950s ranch with traditional pieces to create an interesting blend of periods, rooms, and moods.
Barrie is also known for giving architecturally traditional homes a dash of energy and color with her fresh take on European and American 20th-century furniture, art, and collections.
In addition to interiors, Barrie designs a signature line of furniture for Highland House and a line of decorative hardware and accessories in collaboration with Addison Weeks.
Top publications have featured Barrie’s work including AD, Coastal Living, Domino, Elle Dècor, Garden & Gun, House Beautiful, Southern Living and The Wall Street Journal.
A true lover of the arts, Barrie is an active board member of the Mint Museum and the Charlotte Symphony and regularly visits galleries and art fairs around the world.
Sep 23, 202001:06:17
Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen
Nicholas Haslam Ltd was established in 1980 by Nicky Haslam, who owned and operated the company in partnership with Paolo Moschino. Paolo bought the firm in 1995 when Nicky Haslam left to launch NH Design, and Paolo has since grown the company, which he now leads with Philip Vergeylen, into one of the most prominent and respected names in the design world.
Though Paolo and Philip are equally passionate about design, neither of them set out to be a designer. Born and raised in Italy, Paolo studied Political Science in Florence. It was at the age of 23, after university, that he came to stay in London for a few months. He ended up running an interiors shop—and never left.
Philip, who was born and raised in Belgium, says his parents gave him three choices of profession: doctor, banker or lawyer. However, during his first year at university, he found ten years’ worth of a design magazine in his grandmother’s library and eagerly read every issue cover to cover. (This might have been a clue to his real interests.) After studying Commercial Management Engineering in Brussels, Philip began an accomplished career in marketing in the financial-services sector which took him to far-flung spots across the globe.
Philip eventually settled in London, met Paolo and started to help him with some interior design projects. Not long after, Philip’s passion and natural instinct for design began to influence the direction of the firm, and over the past decade, his work has been pivotal to the company’s growth. Now leading the Design Studio, he oversees numerous residential, hospitality and commercial projects around the world.
Years ago, whilst Paolo was running the shop, he and Philip renovated and reconfigured a rambling, unconventional apartment, one that has since been photographed and published in countless top design magazines. Customers and friends would visit the apartment and then go to the shop to ask, “Won’t you please do my house?” That’s how the design business launched, expanding organically; today the firm has projects on every continent.
Though Paolo and Philip are equally passionate about design, neither of them set out to be a designer. Born and raised in Italy, Paolo studied Political Science in Florence. It was at the age of 23, after university, that he came to stay in London for a few months. He ended up running an interiors shop—and never left.
Philip, who was born and raised in Belgium, says his parents gave him three choices of profession: doctor, banker or lawyer. However, during his first year at university, he found ten years’ worth of a design magazine in his grandmother’s library and eagerly read every issue cover to cover. (This might have been a clue to his real interests.) After studying Commercial Management Engineering in Brussels, Philip began an accomplished career in marketing in the financial-services sector which took him to far-flung spots across the globe.
Philip eventually settled in London, met Paolo and started to help him with some interior design projects. Not long after, Philip’s passion and natural instinct for design began to influence the direction of the firm, and over the past decade, his work has been pivotal to the company’s growth. Now leading the Design Studio, he oversees numerous residential, hospitality and commercial projects around the world.
Years ago, whilst Paolo was running the shop, he and Philip renovated and reconfigured a rambling, unconventional apartment, one that has since been photographed and published in countless top design magazines. Customers and friends would visit the apartment and then go to the shop to ask, “Won’t you please do my house?” That’s how the design business launched, expanding organically; today the firm has projects on every continent.
Sep 18, 202001:02:07
Josh Young
Josh Young is a Chicago-based artist, designer, and tastemaker. A graduate of Italy's renowned Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Josh's 6 years spent in Milan heavily influenced and crafted his overall artistic style. After returning to the U.S., Josh began working as a designer in the textile industry, in New York City's Flatiron District.
Inspired by the fusion of old world elements married with bold, modern-day techniques, he has been experimenting with an avant-garde approach to classical portraits since 2009.
Josh has appeared in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Vogue Italia, GQ Italia, Domino Magazine, MyDomaine, O, The Oprah Magazine, House Beautiful and The Maryn. His collaborations have included work with Nate Berkus Associates, Paloma Contreras, Kate Marker and large-scale commercial projects like the newly built Draper Hotel in New York City and the Bulgari Hotel in London.
He has also collaborated with brands such as Williams-Sonoma Home, Circa Lighting and CB2. Josh is scheduled to show at next years renowned Salone del Mobile in Milan.
Inspired by the fusion of old world elements married with bold, modern-day techniques, he has been experimenting with an avant-garde approach to classical portraits since 2009.
Josh has appeared in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Vogue Italia, GQ Italia, Domino Magazine, MyDomaine, O, The Oprah Magazine, House Beautiful and The Maryn. His collaborations have included work with Nate Berkus Associates, Paloma Contreras, Kate Marker and large-scale commercial projects like the newly built Draper Hotel in New York City and the Bulgari Hotel in London.
He has also collaborated with brands such as Williams-Sonoma Home, Circa Lighting and CB2. Josh is scheduled to show at next years renowned Salone del Mobile in Milan.
Sep 09, 202055:06
Michael S Smith
Michael S. Smith is one of the most sought-after talents in the design industry today. With an international roster of high-profile residential, hospitality, and commercial clients, he is known for an effortless blend of all-American modernism and European classicism—always fresh, always surprising, always evolving.
A California native, Smith studied interior architecture at Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, followed by graduate work at the Victoria and Albert Museum Study Centre in London. He has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including being continuously named to the AD100 and Elle Decor’s A-List, and he was honored by the Hispanic Society of America with his partner, James Costos, the former ambassador to Spain and Andorra; they received the organization’s 2016 Sorolla Medal in recognition of their extraordinary support of Spanish art and culture. Smith was also the 2018 recipient of the distinguished Arthur Ross Award for Excellence in the Field of Interior Design from the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art.
From 2008 through 2016, Smith worked with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama on the design of the private quarters of the White House, as well as the refurbishment of some of its State Rooms, and their focus on showcasing works by a diverse group of artists and artisans was both groundbreaking and highly acclaimed. In 2010 Smith was appointed by President Obama to the Committee for the Preservation of the White House and he now serves on the Design Advisory Team for the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.
Smith’s extensive Jasper collection of fabric, wall coverings, furniture, and accessories and his Templeton line of fabrics are available at his showrooms in L.A. and Madrid and in multiline showrooms across America. The designer has published five books with Rizzoli: Elements of Style (2007), Houses (2008), Kitchens and Baths (2011), Building Beauty (2013), and The Curated House: Creating Style, Beauty, and Balance (2015). His latest book, Designing History: The Extraordinary Art & Style of the Obama White House, will be released this September. It documents Smith’s extraordinary collaboration with the Obamas through extensive photography, behind-the-scenes stories, and rich archival material. The book places the Obama White House within the context of the building's storied past and its evolution over the past two centuries, chronicling the process of updating the country's most symbolic residence and revealing how Smith's collaboration on the decoration, showcasing of art, and style of entertaining reflected the youthful spirit of the first family and their vision of a more progressive, inclusive American society.
Sep 04, 202001:16:09
Tom Scheerer
Tom Scheerer began his decorating career in the mid-1980s, after graduating from Cooper Union with a degree in architecture. He formed his own firm in 1995. His work is characterized by clear and logical architectural solutions combined with beautiful, comfortable furnishings. His work is regularly featured in AD, Town & Country, House Beautiful, and Elle Décor and is named annually to the AD100 list of top interior designers. He divides his time between New York, Paris, and the Bahamas.
Sep 02, 202055:37
Nam Dang-Mitchell
Long featured in the pages of Canadian shelter magazines, Nam Dang-Mitchell was named Canadian House & Home's designer of the year in 2019. The interior designer's spaces strike a delicate balance between classic and edgy, merging disparate styles into a seamlessly chic and livable whole. Dang-Mitchell often animates her neutral-toned color palettes with layers of pattern and textures that keep even formal spaces warm and lively. Her keen eye for combining furniture, accessories, and fabrics from different styles and eras is especially evident in her ability to select distinctively modern furniture and lighting pieces that are full of personality but still harmonize with an interior's overall look. Dang-Mitchell lives in Calgary, where she has recently expanded her practice to include a residential townhouse development.
Aug 26, 202049:45
David Jimenez
David Jimenez was born and raised in New York City, currently resides in Paris, and recently launched his own design firm David Jimenez LLC. During his career, David has played an important role in developing the visual aesthetic of Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Hallmark, Williams-Sonoma and Williams-Sonoma Home and, as a result, has influenced what constitutes style in the American home.
His work has been featured in a variety of print media, including Architectural Digest US, AD Italy, AD Russia, House Beautiful, the New York Times and in a variety of home decor books including House Beautiful The Home Book, The Find and Living Retro. You’ll want to check out his Instagram page #davidjimenezstudio. The photos are breathtaking and he shares entertainingly written, usable advice for creating glorious rooms.
His work has been featured in a variety of print media, including Architectural Digest US, AD Italy, AD Russia, House Beautiful, the New York Times and in a variety of home decor books including House Beautiful The Home Book, The Find and Living Retro. You’ll want to check out his Instagram page #davidjimenezstudio. The photos are breathtaking and he shares entertainingly written, usable advice for creating glorious rooms.
Aug 21, 202001:06:05
Serena Dugan
Serena Dugan is an artist and textile designer based in Sausalito, California. With an education in both Psychology and Fine Art, Serena has spent the past 20 years developing her imprint as a painter, product designer, and Chief Creative Officer of Serena & Lily, the home and lifestyle brand she launched in 2004.
In 2016, Serena stepped away from Serena & Lily to get back to her roots as an artist. While painting, she explored shapes and rhythms in her compositions, which she could not help but envision in pattern form. This is the inspiration for her new line of textiles, wallpapers, paintings, and objects for Serena Dugan Studio. The new collection will debut in select showrooms and online at www.serenadugan.com in early 2020.
Serena’s rallying belief is in the power of art to transform an environment into an experience. This can take the form of an energetic painting or a striking pattern that defines and enlivens a space. Her background in both mediums allows her to toggle between the two as she explores the themes of rhythm and form. With pattern, her focus is on creating harmony through repetition, shape and placement. With painting, she creates impact through layering and composition. Each art form sharpens the other by means of opposition — both equally representative of her aesthetic fingerprint.
Serena received her BA in Psychology from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC in 1994. She returned to school to pursue a BFA in 1997 and then expanded her design education by studying textile design and printmaking. Starting Art School in Denver, CO, at Metropolitan State College of Denver, she continued to Florence, Italy, to study painting at the Lorenzo de’Medici Art Institute of Florence. She studied textile design in Berkeley, CA at the Institute for Textile Print Design, and printmaking at the San Francisco Art Institute.
Serena and her two children reside in Sausalito, CA, close to her sun-filled studio on the waterfront.
Aug 19, 202001:06:52
Jeffrey Dungan
Jeffrey Dungan discovered a love for drawing and art at a young age while growing up on his family farm in rural Alabama. Being immersed in the powerful natural countryside would become inspiration for a life designing beautiful architecture and interiors.
Dungan’s creative work can been seen in his native South, and throughout North and Central America. Recognized for his clean and modern approach to traditional vernaculars and classical architecture, he is a fresh voice in the industry. In addition to his architecture, he brings passion, depth and an endless enthusiasm for the people he works with
Jeffrey has been honored with numerous awards from the American Institute of Architects as well as the 2017 Southeast Architect of the Year award by Veranda magazine and ADAC. The Institute of Classical Architecture and Art named him a Shutze fellow in 2015, and in 2018 he was a recipient of a prestigious Palladio Award, the only national award for classical architecture.
Jeffrey’s work has been featured in numerous books, as well as the Wall Street Journal, Veranda, LUXE, Garden & Gun, MILIEU, Southern Living, and House Beautiful. His book, “The Nature of Home”, was published by Rizzoli in September of 2018.
Aug 12, 202001:05:16
Sheila Bridges
Named “America’s Best Interior Designer” by CNN and Time Magazine, Sheila Bridges founded her own interior design firm in 1994. As Creative Director, Sheila has thoughtfully designed residences and offices for many prominent entertainers, entrepreneurs and business professionals including the 8,300 square foot Harlem offices for former President Bill Clinton and his staff. Sheila Bridges Design, Inc has also completed projects at Columbia University and Princeton University, bringing Sheila’s signature design aesthetic to interior spaces at both of these prestigious academic institutions.
Bridges has been featured in numerous publications including Architectural Digest, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Interior Design, House & Garden, Domino, and Traditional Home magazines. She has also been included in Gotham and New York Magazine‘s Top Interior Designer’s lists, House Beautiful’s “Top 100 Interior Designers” as well as Elle Décor’s 2011- 2020 A List, which recognizes interior designers who exemplify continually relevant design. Sheila is also the author of two books: Furnishing Forward: A Practical Guide to Furnishing for a Lifetime, which was released in 2002 and The Bald Mermaid, A Memoir, published in 2013.
Along with running a successful interior design business, Sheila hosted four seasons of Sheila Bridges Designer Living for the FINE LIVING Network, part of the Scripps Howard cable family. The sleekly produced half-hour weekly series and award winning hour specials showcased Sheila’s practical wisdom and hands-on advice. Sheila’s television show quickly became a trusted resource to help viewers define and express their sense of personal style in their own homes.
In 1996, Sheila’s passion for interiors inspired her to design furniture and home furnishings under the name Sheila Bridges Home, Inc. Sheila’s home furnishing collections have been sold to design conscious consumers online, through trade showrooms, mail order catalogues and at such notable national retailers as Anthropologie and Bed, Bath & Beyond. Sheila is honored to have her Harlem Toile De Jouy wallpaper represented in the Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum’s permanent wallpaper collection. Her designs have been showcased in many exhibits and museums throughout the country and Europe including The Museum of The City of New York, The Studio Museum in Harlem, The Museum of Art and Design in New York City, The Brooklyn Museum, Museé De La Toile De Jouy in Jouy-en-Josas, France and most recently The Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC.
Originally from Philadelphia Pennsylvania, Sheila Bridges moved to New York City in 1986. She holds degrees from Brown University and Parsons School of Design, and studied decorative arts at Polimoda in Florence, Italy. She lives in Harlem, New York.
Aug 07, 202001:08:08
Jan Showers
Dallas based designer Jan Showers believes, “Design should relate to the way we live—it also should be beautiful, glamorous, comfortable and luxurious, even when very casual.” Showers style has been described by one of her clients as, “The interiors of Jan Showers & Associates are chic and timeless. They exude glamour and grace with an approachable and at ease feeling, much like Jan herself.”
It’s fitting then that Jan has written two books on the subject: Glamorous Rooms and her follow-up, Glamorous Retreats, both published by Abrams. Glamorous Rooms is now in its twelfth printing. Together, her books display a cross section of the styles and decorative preferences that have made Jan and her firm one of the most prominent in the country. Jan’s third book, Glamorous Living, will also be published by Abrams in Fall 2020.
Over the course of her career—spanning three decades—she has received many of the profession’s highest honors. Her magazine credits alone place her in the highest echelon of designers. They include Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Veranda, House Beautiful, InStyle, Traditional Home, British Home and Garden, Harper’s Bazaar, and Luxe.
Architectural Digest has named Jan Showers & Associates to the AD100, its preeminent directory to the international world of design.
Jan’s to the trade furniture and lighting collection, the Jan Showers Collection, highlights her signature style. The Collection was created over 20 years ago and is available at showrooms throughout the U.S.
Jan Showers & Associates announced a furniture line, the 1308 Collection, in the fall of 2018 which is available only at her showroom in Dallas Design District at 1308 Slocum Street.
For more than 20 years Showers has been a pioneer of French antiques for the Dallas community and designers. She travels internationally in search of antiques she imports both for her Dallas showroom and for the specific needs of her design clients.
Collaboration is very important to Jan and her team. She has created a complete lifestyle collection for Kravet Couture, a line that includes fabrics, wall coverings, rugs, furniture, and lighting. Showers second Kravet furniture collection was introduced in 2019. Being released in spring 2021 will be her second line of fabrics with Kravet. Her other partnerships include a hand-knotted rug series for Moattar, Inc., a lighting series with L.A. based designer Joe Cariati and a cowhide rug collection for Kyle Bunting.
Aug 05, 202001:08:47
Tina Ramchandani
Tina Ramchandani Creative (TRC) designs warm, modern interiors that fully capture our clients’ polished lifestyles. The firm's passion -- Soulful Minimalism® -- allows their clients to experience life surrounded by the things that matter, so they can focus on the people that matter. Tina’s work has been nationally recognized by publications including Elle Décor, The Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Cottages & Gardens, Lonny, Gotham, and Cover. She was most recently named a “2018 Next Wave” designer by House Beautiful, the winner of the 2019 IDA by Cottages & Gardens and Rising Star 2019 by NY's D&D Building.
Jul 31, 202054:59
Timothy Whealon
Timothy Whealon Inc. specializes in high-end interior design with a focus on fine and decorative arts.
Mr. Whealon's design philosophy finds its roots in classicism; however, he approaches each project with a fresh, 21st Century eye that makes them both modern and timeless. He layers items from different periods and cultures, artfully mixing the pristine and the patinated. Each interior is unique, often incorporating custom pieces specific to the client and the environment. His work is enhanced by both his extensive knowledge of the international art and antiques market and by his team of skilled artists and craftsmen who adhere to Mr. Whealon's commitment to quality and attention to detail.
Timothy Whealon is a graduate of Kenyon College, where he studied English Literature and Art History. He moved to New York to begin a career in banking and completed a credit training program on Wall Street before pursuing his passion for the arts and design. Mr. Whealon completed the Sotheby's Works of Art course in London and the corporate management training program with Sotheby's New York before opening his offices in 1994. His work has been published in ELLE DÉCOR, House Beautiful, Veranda, House and Garden, Architectural Digest, Domino Magazine, The NY Observer, The New York Times – Home Section and numerous books.
Mr. Whealon serves on the board of the Gund Gallery at Kenyon College. The first monograph of his work, "In Pursuit of Beauty: The Interiors of Timothy Whealon," was published by Rizzoli in 2015.
Mr. Whealon's design philosophy finds its roots in classicism; however, he approaches each project with a fresh, 21st Century eye that makes them both modern and timeless. He layers items from different periods and cultures, artfully mixing the pristine and the patinated. Each interior is unique, often incorporating custom pieces specific to the client and the environment. His work is enhanced by both his extensive knowledge of the international art and antiques market and by his team of skilled artists and craftsmen who adhere to Mr. Whealon's commitment to quality and attention to detail.
Timothy Whealon is a graduate of Kenyon College, where he studied English Literature and Art History. He moved to New York to begin a career in banking and completed a credit training program on Wall Street before pursuing his passion for the arts and design. Mr. Whealon completed the Sotheby's Works of Art course in London and the corporate management training program with Sotheby's New York before opening his offices in 1994. His work has been published in ELLE DÉCOR, House Beautiful, Veranda, House and Garden, Architectural Digest, Domino Magazine, The NY Observer, The New York Times – Home Section and numerous books.
Mr. Whealon serves on the board of the Gund Gallery at Kenyon College. The first monograph of his work, "In Pursuit of Beauty: The Interiors of Timothy Whealon," was published by Rizzoli in 2015.
Jul 29, 202001:07:37
Lauren Liess
Lauren Liess is a decorator, product designer, shop owner, TV personality and author known for her natural, relaxed style and down to earth approach to design and living. Lauren writes the blog Pure Style Home, where she has been sharing bits of her life as a mother of five, interiors projects, and design philosophy for over a decade. She believes in living a simpler, more relaxed life in homes that are real, natural and lack pretense, and encourages an appreciation of the natural beauty around us and fully enjoying the present moment with those we love. She and her husband/business partner, David, host the HGTV show Best House on the Block, which features the design and renovation of Washington, DC-area homes by the couple. They recently opened up a real estate brokerage in Great Falls, Virginia where they rehab properties and sell them. Lauren’s first book, bestselling Habitat: The Field Guide to Decorating, was published in Fall of 2015 and was chosen by NPR as a “Book of the Year.” Her newest book, Down To Earth: Laid Back Interiors for Modern Living, was released in October 2019 and was also a bestseller. She has furniture collections, a tile collection, a kitchen cabinet collection, and a fabric line. Lauren and her projects have been featured in numerous national publications including Southern Living, Traditional Home, House Beautiful, Luxe, Better Homes and Gardens, Domino, Martha Stewart Living, and Country Living.
Jul 24, 202055:06
Charlotte Moss
With35 yearsin the business of design, Charlotte Moss has received numerous honors, including the New York School of Interior Design’s Centennial Medal, Housing Works’ Groundbreaker’s Award,The Royal Oak Foundation’s Timeless Design award, andis named one ofElle Décor’sGrand Master List of Top Designers.Charlotte has used her experience culled from thirty-fiveyears of decorating homes to design collections of furniture and upholstery with Century Furniture,fabricsand trimsfor Fabricut, carpets and sisals for Stark Carpet, china for Pickard, clothing with IBU Movement, and cuff bracelets with P.E. Guerin.Charlotte has re-launched her photography prints withSoicherMarin and created five distinct pillow collections with Eastern Accentsall available onPerigold. This Spring, she collaborated with Artemis Design Company to create the “Moss Mule”using ikat textiles from her world travels.Charlotte lectures widely and isa prolific author, having published ten books to date.CHARLOTTE MOSS ENTERTAINS, is her most recent title (Rizzoli, 2018).Of all her work,philanthropy plays an important role in her life.Charlotte is a Trustee of Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello, The Bone Marrow Foundation, American Corporate Partners, TheMadooConservancy, a member of the International Council of Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, and on the Advisory Board of The New York School of Interior Design where she holds an Honorary Doctorate Degree.
Jul 22, 202059:07
Robert Rufino
Design editor Robert Rufino has had a long and storied career in the design world. He is a man of impeccable style and immeasurable kindness as he has been quite supportive not only to me, but to many burgeoning designers in our industry. He is currently Style Director of House Beautiful where he oversees the style and design esthetic of the brand, leading partnerships with designers, managing the coverage of interiors, and overseeing all photography." Prior to joining House Beautiful in this current position, Rufino was Style Director of ELLE DECOR and held positions as interiors editor of Architectural Digest and senior editor-at-large at House Beautiful. From 1996-2009, Rufino was at Tiffany & Co., first as vice president of visual merchandising and then vice president of creative services, where he oversaw the brand’s global image, with responsibilities including store design and visual display, exhibits, and the company’s famous window displays. He began his career as visual planning director at Henri Bendel, worked as a freelance stylist, for clients including The New York Times Magazine and held editorial positions at a variety of titles, including Harper’s BAZAAR. Rufino takes great joy in helping to mentor young designers, sharing his insights on photography and styling to help them build a strong portfolio
Jul 17, 202001:09:12
Timothy Corrigan
Timothy Corrigan is one of the world’s leading interior designers. With offices in Los Angeles and Paris his firm has completed projects in Europe, the Middle East and across the United States. He has been named to virtually every top designer list including Architectural Digest’s AD100, the Elle Decor A-List, Robb Report’s Top 40 Designers in the World, the Luxe Gold List, 1stdibs 50, the Design Icon Award, ICAA Legacy Award, the Pacific Design Center’s Star of Design. He is the only American honored by the French Heritage Society for his restoration of several national landmarks in France. The firm’s work has been featured in over 1000 publications worldwide. Timothy has designed licensed collections for Perennials, Schumacher, Samuel & Sons, Fromental, Royal Limoges, THG-Paris, Fromental, and Kyle Bunting. He has two best-selling books, published by Rizzoli: “An Invitation to Chateau du Grand-Lucé,” that chronicles the restoration of his landmark chateau in France, and his second book, “The New Elegance: Stylish, Comfortable Rooms for Today” that features 11 of Timothy’s projects aroun
Jul 15, 202059:30
Roxy Te Owens
In 2011 Roxy Te Owens founded Society Social, the next generation e-commerce furniture brand that rose to prominence on Instagram. Roxy predated the direct-to-consumer movement and offered all the customization usually reserved for designers - color matching in any Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore finish at their North Carolina factory for grasscloth furniture pieces as well as custom tape trim, tassels, customer's own material, contrast piping and fringe to anyone ordering upholstery. Society Social is also known for their classic bar-carts, colored grasscloth furniture, and rattan pieces.
Roxy is a decorator in her own right, having appeared on national TV and hosted her own pilot "Carolina Reno" for HGTV. She has been featured in the press for her holiday cocktail recipes, bar-cart styling and fun colorful decorations. This fall she opened her first flagship store in Charlotte, North Carolina, and this spring Roxy debuted her first designer furniture collaboration with Ariel Okin. The collaborative collection marries traditional design with stylish and affordable customization options for the next generation.
Jul 10, 202059:42
Michael Amato, Creative Director of The Urban Electric Co.
Michael Amato has served as Creative Director of The Urban Electric Co. The Urban Electric Co. is a luxury lighting brand made by hand in Charleston, SC. Known for their innovative company culture and commitment to reviving American craft, their classic designs are found everywhere from famous restaurants, hotels and nightclubs to celebrity homes. They have recently opened their first international outpost in London where Creative Director Michael Amato resides. Prior to joining The Urban Electric Co., Michael had a long and fruitful career in retail merchandising and interior design.
The brand has recently expanded their headquarters in Charleston to add an additional 40,000 square feet and has opened their first showroom in Charleston and has launched their second volume of their printed book The Current, which pays tribute to the destinations and the perspectives that guide the company forward.
The brand has recently expanded their headquarters in Charleston to add an additional 40,000 square feet and has opened their first showroom in Charleston and has launched their second volume of their printed book The Current, which pays tribute to the destinations and the perspectives that guide the company forward.
Jul 08, 202049:24
Thomas A. Kligerman
Thomas A. Kligerman grew up on the East Coast but spent his high school years living in New Mexico. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Columbia University and his Master of Architecture from Yale School of Architecture. Before co-founding Ike Kligerman Barkley, Tom worked for Robert A. M. Stern Architects in New York City. He loves to travel and has lived abroad in England and France. In 2017, he spent six weeks in Italy as a Visiting Scholar at The American Academy in Rome. Tom serves on the board of several charitable and educational institutions, including The Sir John Soane's Museum Foundation. Tom lectures frequently across the country on many topics including the cultural and architectural history of Cuba, the influence of the Shingle Style in American design as well as the intersection of modern and traditional architecture.
Jul 03, 202001:00:46
Katie Ridder
Katie Ridder is a New York-based interiors and textile designer known for her bold use of color and penchant for pattern. Ridder’s work has been published in ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST, THE NEW YORK TIMES, ELLE DÉCOR, TOWN & COUNTRY, HOUSE & GARDEN, DOMINO, and HOUSE BEAUTIFUL. ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST, ELLE DÉCOR and HOUSE BEAUTIFUL have featured her projects on their covers. She has appeared on the “Top 100” list of designers for HOUSE BEAUTIFUL and ELLE DÉCOR. Katie’s first book, ROOMS, was published by Vendome Press in 2011 and is in its third printing. A House in the Country—Ridder’s second book, co-authored with her husband, architect Peter Pennoyer--has graced three AMAZON best-sellers lists. Katie is releasing her third book, MORE ROOMS, in September of 2020.
Katie’s design work extends to her involvement with many groups. She is currently a member of The Friends of Horticulture at Wave Hill, the Horticultural Committee at the New York Botanical Garden and serves on the board of directors of the Garden Conservancy.
Jul 01, 202053:12
Kate Rheinstein Brodsky
Kate Rheinstein Brodsky grew up in Los Angeles, California. The daughter of decorator Suzanne Rheinstein she grew up immersed in the world of interior design. After graduating from NYU, Katestayed in New York working for Jeffrey Bilhuber, Ralph Lauren Home, and Elle Decor magazine. In the fall of 2014, Kate opened KRB. Offering a curated selection of antiques, vintage furniture, and exclusive home accessories, the store combines the traditions of classical decor with Kate’s uniquely charismatic and colorful point of view. Located on East 74th street in New York, KRB brings a fresh perspective to timeless designs.
Jun 26, 202055:14
Carrier and Co.
Jesse Carrier and Mara Miller, the principals of Carrier and Company Interiors, are a husband-and-wife interior design duo who create rooms that offer a confident mix of timeless and contemporary design -both familiar and fresh at once. Their guiding philosophy focuses on connecting client with place in a manner that reflects the distinct and singular nature of both. From bohemian glamour to country charm, from modern luxe to the timeless and ineffable, from the historically informed to the tailored and refined, the Carriers delight in adapting their impassioned sensibility to the unique elements each project presents.Carrier and Company: Positively Chic Interiors(Vendome Press) their bestselling book, offers glimpses of the private spaces of influential tastemakers in the fields of fashion and media, and features the homes of Anna Wintour, Editor-in Chief ofVogueand Artistic Director of Conde Nast and studio of fashion designer Jason Wu, among others. All of the interiors presented inPositively Chicare characteristically imbued with the personality and style of their owners, while showcasing Jesse and Mara’s core dedication to decor that feels effortless, essential, and light of spirit.To be able to further share their unique vision of home and interiors, Jesse and Mara are partnering with leading manufacturers in the home furnishing industry.With Century Furniture, Carrier and Company has designed a collection of over 50 pieces, along with decorative lighting with Visual Comfort and, in Spring/Summer, 2020, a textile and wallpaper collection with Lee Jofa. A rug collection and bedding line are also in the works. These partnerships offer Carrier's talent for bucking trends whilestaying current and combining elegance with livability.Named to the prestigious Architectural Digest AD100 and Elle Decor A-List, the Carriers have garnered accolades from the world’s most prominent publications, includingArchitectural Digest,Vogue,Town & Country,Elle Decor,House Beautiful,Luxe Interiors + Design,Milieu,Oprah, andWorld of Interiors.Jesse and Mara met at The Fashion Institute of Technology and worked for a number of AD100 interior design firms before founding Carrier and Company Interiors in 2005. They live in New York City and upstate New York with their two children.
Jun 24, 202001:00:12
Season 1 Finale
A special message from Paloma as we wrap up our first season!
Jun 20, 202007:22
Ray Booth
An Alabama native and alumnus of Auburn University’s School of Architecture, Ray Booth began his career as an intern at McALPINE. Moving to New York soon after, he had successful tenures in the offices of such distinguished design talents as John Saladino and Clodagh.
A decade later, reuniting with Bobby McAlpine, his former professor, Ray returned to McALPINE as a partner in its interior design firm. These days, Ray divides his time between the firm’s Nashville office and its expanded New York office, which allows him to keep one foot in the city and other in his native south.
Ray is the author of Evocative Interiors, his bestselling first book published by Rizzoli in 2018. Ray’s work has received significant recognition from the nation’s most prestigious publications, including covers of Architectural Digest and features in Elle Décor, Veranda, Milieu, Wall Street Journal, and Vogue.com.
This year, Ray launches his inaugural furniture collection with Hickory Chair and his first accessory and lighting collection with Arteriors.
With an undimmed passion for beauty, Ray shares his life and homes in New York and Nashville with his husband, John Shea.
A decade later, reuniting with Bobby McAlpine, his former professor, Ray returned to McALPINE as a partner in its interior design firm. These days, Ray divides his time between the firm’s Nashville office and its expanded New York office, which allows him to keep one foot in the city and other in his native south.
Ray is the author of Evocative Interiors, his bestselling first book published by Rizzoli in 2018. Ray’s work has received significant recognition from the nation’s most prestigious publications, including covers of Architectural Digest and features in Elle Décor, Veranda, Milieu, Wall Street Journal, and Vogue.com.
This year, Ray launches his inaugural furniture collection with Hickory Chair and his first accessory and lighting collection with Arteriors.
With an undimmed passion for beauty, Ray shares his life and homes in New York and Nashville with his husband, John Shea.
Jun 19, 202054:54
Nicole Gibbons
Nicole Gibbons is an interior designer and entrepreneur best known for her fresh use of color and fashion-forward point of view on decorating. Her work and expertise has been sought by top media outlets like HGTV, OWN, The Oprah Winfrey Network, TLC, Good Morning America, The Rachael Ray Show, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Better Homes & Gardens and more. Before pursuing interior design, Nicole spent nearly a decade managing PR for one of the world’s largest retail brands. Not only has her experience given her first-hand knowledge of what it takes to build a world-class brand, but also deep and unique insights into what customers really want when it comes to designing their homes.
Nicole’s work in the design world enabled her to identify that the paint industry was one ripe for disruption. With a broken shopping experience and no legacy paint brand focusing on convenience and simplicity, or marketing to a creative, digitally-driven generation, she saw an opportunity to improve the process from start to finish. Nicole founded Clare to help people create spaces they love — and actually enjoy the process along the way.
Jun 17, 202001:02:49
Bonus Episode: Dennis Scully & Paloma Contreras
In this special bonus episode of The Style Files, Paloma chats with industry veteran and fellow podcast host, Dennis Scully about the way the design industry is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and adapting their businesses for the future. Paloma and Dennis turn the tables on one another and the hosts become the interviewees, sharing the stories of their respective career trajectories.
Dennis Scully is the host of the weekly Business of Home podcast, where he explores the changes and challenges facing the interior design community through interviews with industry thought leaders, entrepreneurs and creatives. In his Market Watch columns for BOH, Dennis calls upon his background as an analyst and longtime securities trader as he explores the ins and outs of the home industry’s publicly traded businesses. With a marketing, advertising, and business development career in the home furnishings space that spans more than 20 years, Dennis has helped some of the finest companies in the industry to manage their teams and grow their brands.
Jun 12, 202001:07:44
Alex Papachristidis
This episode begins with a personal message from Paloma regarding our mission with The Style Files and the ways in which we plan to be more inclusive moving forward before we delve into our chat with the talented Alex Papachristidis.
The work of interior decorator Alex Papachristidis, featured in this month’s Veranda, has been described as thoughtful, personal and eclectic. Having mastered the skill of fusing modern and traditional elements, editors, designers and clients alike use the word “sophisticated” to define his elegant approach, color palette and the delightful details that make a room sizzle with style.
Born and raised in New York City, Alex Papachristidis traveled widely in his youth, helping to cultivate his eye for interior decorating. Papachristidis established his own firm in 1987 and today is known for arresting, elegant interiors that meld classical motifs with a modern perspective and sophisticated details. Alex Papachristidis’ work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, House Beautiful, House & Garden, Southern Accents, InStyle and The New York Times. He has also been featured in a number of published works, and in 2012, his own book The Age of Elegance: Interiors by Alex Papachristidis was published by Rizzoli. Now in its 4th printing, the book has garnered praise from readers and critics alike. Papachristidis has been named to ElleDécor’s “A-list of Interior Designers”, and for several years, including 2020, the Architectural Digest’s AD100 List. His second book is slated to be published in 2022. Join us as we talk all things decorating, entertaining, and the future of design!
Jun 10, 202058:44
William Li
William Li is an authority in the design world, a seasoned and highly regarded media executive and television personality, a world traveler and, as food aficionado Ruth Reichl noted in her latest book, “the personification of hip elegance.”
Born in Manhattan, Li was raised in Chinatown by a single mother, an immigrant who instilled in him the importance of hard work and a lifelong appreciation for the art form that is food. From an early age, Li was drawn to the power of beauty and potential of storytelling.
A combination of hustle, humor, taste and endless creativity propelled Li to the top of two fast-paced creative industries—and helped him build a global network across the worlds of retail, design, fashion, media, art and culture in the process. During his 15- year tenure with CondéNastPublications, hewasthepublisherofthemostnoteworthymagazinelaunchesin recent publishing history, M en’s Vogue a nd Condé Nast Portfolio, where he notably was the first and only Asian-American publisher.
He continued on “to smash the bamboo ceiling” as a gay Chinese man in retail when he became Global Brand President of Ralph Lauren Home, responsible for the overall stewardship of the brand around the world.
For the latest chapter in his professional life, Li taps into his passion for artistic, thoughtful storytelling as a Contributing Editor for E lle Decor and Town & Country, and as co-host of Lucky Chow, the public television series exploring unique pockets of Asian American culture, affording him an unparalleled opportunity to celebrate the rich history of his heritage through the lens of food.
When he’s not globetrotting, he lives in Brooklyn, New York, with his husband and their whippets, Archie and Max, and spends his weekends in the Berkshires. He is a voracious gardener; a skilled home cook, a great collector of contemporary photography and drawing; and a connoisseur of dumplings and 90s R&B.
Jun 08, 202001:00:18
Caroline Gidiere
Raised in a small town in the South where professional decorators were not a thing, Caroline learned the important principals of interior design and fashion from watching her mother, who was a wicked seamstress and wasn't afraid of a complicated pattern or roll of wallpaper, and knew how to match a seam. Her mother created stylish and chic interiors and clothing for the family on a budget, guided primarily by her strict adherence to all things previously sanctioned by Jaqueline Onassis, Colonial Williamsburg, Princess Diana, Vogue or Emily Post.
As an adult, Caroline is sought after by her friends to help as equally with their daily fashion and entertaining decisions as with their interiors. Guided by her own creativity coupled with the principals that she learned first hand from her mother and in the pages of her enormous personal design library, Caroline turned away from a career in the business world and opened her own design firm when the interest and requests became a full time job. In today's episode, we discuss Caroline's transition from a successful law career to opening her own design firm.
As an adult, Caroline is sought after by her friends to help as equally with their daily fashion and entertaining decisions as with their interiors. Guided by her own creativity coupled with the principals that she learned first hand from her mother and in the pages of her enormous personal design library, Caroline turned away from a career in the business world and opened her own design firm when the interest and requests became a full time job. In today's episode, we discuss Caroline's transition from a successful law career to opening her own design firm.
May 29, 202001:07:02
Ashley Whittaker
Described as the “neo-traditionalist,” Ashley Whittaker reveals her fresh and modern perspective on traditional design and architecture in all of her work. The New York City decorator offers distinctly classic taste and chic sophistication to residential decoration and interior design. Characterized by tailored rooms that incorporate charming detail and engaging play on color and pattern, Whittaker’s signature style is immediately evident.
A Florida native, Ashley received her bachelor degree from St. Lawrence University. She has worked as a special events director at both Ralph Lauren in New York and the finance firm Forstmann Little & Co. Ashley credits her training in the design industry to legendary decorator Markham Roberts where she worked before starting out on her own.
May 27, 202050:57
Amy Meier
Amy Meier is the founder and Principal Designer of Amy Meier Design, a critically acclaimed residential design firm, and Amy Meier, a home goods destination that features exclusive collaborations with artists and craftspeople, as well as vintage, antique, and one-of a kind pieces for the home. Trained in photography and fashion at UC Boulder and Parsons, respectively, Amy sees design as composition: the creative process of assembly and arrangement of disparate parts into a cohesive whole. The key, she believes, is to not merely focus on pleasing aesthetics, but rather focus on the embodiment and elicitation of emotion. With projects all over North America that span the gamut of settings, styles, and clients, no two Amy Meier projects look, or feel alike, but her body of work is united as a collection of sophisticated, thoughtful, and edited compositions.
In today's episode, we discuss Amy's background in fashion, taking a leap and pursuing a new career, and what it's like to work with her husband everyday while running a successful design firm and a beautifully curated store.
In today's episode, we discuss Amy's background in fashion, taking a leap and pursuing a new career, and what it's like to work with her husband everyday while running a successful design firm and a beautifully curated store.
May 22, 202001:02:52
Palmer Weiss
Palmer Weiss is a San Francisco-based interior designer. Raised in Charleston, South Carolina, Weiss credits her Southern roots as a major influence on her design aesthetic. She admires the way Southerners embrace their family heritage, formality and tradition in their homes but are also not afraid to express a few of their eccentricities as well. Over twenty-five years of living in Northern California has allowed her to develop a unique style that both respects tradition and embraces new ideas. A mother of two girls and one yellow lab, Weiss also understands the need for a home to be as functional as it is beautiful. Never one to give into trends, Weiss is known for creating timeless, modern and livable interiors with her signature bursts of color and a little bit of that Southern eccentricity thrown in for fun.
Interiors and architecture are in Weiss’ blood. With an accomplished interior designer for a mother and a father in real estate development, Weiss spent much of her childhood touring construction and job sites. Though she was always toiling away in her mom’s sample closets and dissecting design trade magazines for inspiration, Weiss didn’t formalize her design career until 2002. Instead she held jobs in investment banking and retail merchandising. She believes her experience in the business world has helped her immensely in managing client budgets and meeting key project deadlines. She feels these attributes are as important to a successful client relationship as making inspired creative choices.
Weiss attended Choate Rosemary Hall boarding school, Brown University with a BA in History of Art, and received her MBA at J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. As an avid supporter of the arts, Palmer serves on the board of Spoleto Festival USA which is one of America’s premier performing arts festivals and held in her hometown of Charleston, SC. She resides in San Francisco with her husband, a cardiologist, and their two daughters.
Interiors and architecture are in Weiss’ blood. With an accomplished interior designer for a mother and a father in real estate development, Weiss spent much of her childhood touring construction and job sites. Though she was always toiling away in her mom’s sample closets and dissecting design trade magazines for inspiration, Weiss didn’t formalize her design career until 2002. Instead she held jobs in investment banking and retail merchandising. She believes her experience in the business world has helped her immensely in managing client budgets and meeting key project deadlines. She feels these attributes are as important to a successful client relationship as making inspired creative choices.
Weiss attended Choate Rosemary Hall boarding school, Brown University with a BA in History of Art, and received her MBA at J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. As an avid supporter of the arts, Palmer serves on the board of Spoleto Festival USA which is one of America’s premier performing arts festivals and held in her hometown of Charleston, SC. She resides in San Francisco with her husband, a cardiologist, and their two daughters.
May 20, 202001:02:21
Alexa Hampton
Since Alexa Hampton took the reins of Mark Hampton, her father’s iconic firm, as owner and president in 1998, she has advanced its legacy of elegant, practical, classically based interiors for modern living – and extended its global reach. From New York City to Hangzhou, China, her project portfolio encompasses luxe, beautifully layered urban apartments, expansive town and country residences, private airplanes, and yachts. Regularly named to Architectural Digest’s AD100 and House Beautiful’s Top Designer list as well as Elle Décor’s A-List, Hampton translates the classical principles of good design and decoration into some of today’s most elegant, enduring, and functional domestic landscapes.
An alumna of Brown University who took her degree with honors, Hampton pursued graduate studies at New York University's The Institute of Fine Arts and holds honorary doctorates from Moore College of Art & Design and the New York School of Interior Design. Honored with a Circle of Excellence Award by the International Furnishing and Design Association, she is an associate member of the American Society of Interior Designers. Her accolades also include Cosmopolitan’s Fun Fearless Female Award and Connecticut Cottage & Gardens’ Design Innovator Award. Like her father, Hampton is a highly regarded author. In addition to her two critically praised books on design to date – The Language of Interior Design and Decorating in Detail – she has contributed an essay to A Visual Life, Charlotte Moss’s 2012 volume. She has also contributed an essay to the compendium of essays, Interior Design Master Class: 100 Lessons from America's Finest Designers on the Art of Decoration. She is a contributing columnist for The Wall Street Journal’s weekend Off Duty section. She is included in Jennifer Boles’ recent book: Inspired Design: The Most Important Designers of the Past 100 Years, Thomas Jayne’s book: The Finest Rooms in America, William Norwich’s book, Interiors: The Greatest Rooms of the Century.
In an ever-expanding portfolio of acclaimed products, Hampton provides smart, stylish, design-rich solutions for every aspect of the home. On-going Hampton-designed collections include furniture for Theodore Alexander, lighting for Visual Comfort & Co. and Generation Lighting, fabrics and trims for Kravet, broadloom carpet for Stark, pillows and bedding with Eastern Accents, table linens for La Gallina Matta, hardware for SA Baxter, mantels for Chesney’s, architectural mouldings for White River, and flooring for Globus Cork.
An industry force who honors tradition and commits to the future, Hampton sits on the board of trustees for the New York School of Interior Design and the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art.
May 15, 202056:48
Dara Caponigro
Dara Caponigro is a force in the world of design and interiors. Dara is currently the Creative Director of one of the most well-respected fabric houses in the industry, F. Schumacher & Co, where she directs and oversees product development, advertising and marketing, visual merchandising, and the website. Dara's presence at the company has seen a total change in the marketing and branding at the company, both of which feel fresh, editorial, and inspiring. Prior to joining Schumacher, Dara held a slew of illustrious positions as a magazine editor. She was the Editor-in-Chief at Veranda and before that, she was the founding editor at the original Domino and held several senior editorial posts at House Beautiful and ELLE DECOR.
May 13, 202051:01
Christopher Spitzmiller
CHRISTOPHER’S ICONIC CERAMIC LAMP DESIGNS draw inspiration from classical forms and traditional gem like glazes. He began his career in Georgetown in Washington, D.C. where he worked out of an old school house near Dumbarton Oaks. Shortly thereafter, his work received critical acclaim and his reputation as a noteworthy ceramicist began to emerge. In the summers, he worked from Mecox Gardens in Southampton as an artist in residence and such designers as Albert Hadley, Richard Keith Langham and Suzanne Rheinstein began to commission his work.
Since 1996, Christopher has been concentrating his efforts on his unique lamp designs. In the fall of 1999 after outgrowing his Washington studio he moved to New York City where he now creates his one of-a-kind lamps with his crew of skilled artisans. The lamps are of timeless appeal and luxurious quality. Beautiful classic forms are drenched in bold vibrant rich glazes. Each one of a kind lamp is set in a hand turned hardwood base, which is water gilt with 23k yellow gold or 9k white gold for a silver finish. Currently, Christopher recently expanded his designs to table ware and other ceramic accessories.
Christopher’s work is often featured in celebrated publications such as Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Elle Décor, Departures, The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. He has had the honor of making lamps for the past three White House Administrations, as well the Blair House and other distinguished American homes.
When not in the Studio, Christopher can be found at his farm in Millbrook, NY gardening, bee keeping, making jam, cooking for friends, or tending to his flock of heritage breed chickens. He also enjoys the pleasure of giving back to the community by serving on the board of the local time-honored Lenox Hill Neighborhood House and as the Vice Chair of the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club President's Dinner. In today's episode, Chris shares how his lamp business came to be and also tells us all about cooking, baking, gardening, and tending to his animals on Clove Brook Farm!
May 08, 202048:55
Suzanne Kasler
Inspired by architecture, art, fashion, and travel, Suzanne Kasler designs spaces and products that are luminous, distinctive, and timeless. Suzanne’s designs always reference the past but move towards the future with an edited and discerning eye on the present. Mixing the high and the low, traditional and contemporary, the new and the old — creating signature interiors and products that convey a sophisticated simplicity. Her designs inspire everyone to live a more beautiful, stylish, and authentic life.
Suzanne’s work has been published in major design magazines, including Architectural Digest, Elle Décor,House Beautiful, Traditional Home and Veranda. She has been named to Architectural Digest’s AD100 and Elle Décor’s A-List. Her award-winning interiors have been captured in three books with Rizzoli, Inspired Interiors, Timeless Style, and her most recent title, Sophisticated Simplicity.
In addition to designing timeless interiors for her clients, Suzanne has produced signature lines for Ballard Designs, Hickory Chair, La Cornue, Lee Jofa, and Visual Comfort.
Suzanne’s work has been published in major design magazines, including Architectural Digest, Elle Décor,House Beautiful, Traditional Home and Veranda. She has been named to Architectural Digest’s AD100 and Elle Décor’s A-List. Her award-winning interiors have been captured in three books with Rizzoli, Inspired Interiors, Timeless Style, and her most recent title, Sophisticated Simplicity.
In addition to designing timeless interiors for her clients, Suzanne has produced signature lines for Ballard Designs, Hickory Chair, La Cornue, Lee Jofa, and Visual Comfort.
May 06, 202001:03:51
Gen Sohr
Style-maven Gen Sohr believes in taking color and pattern to the hilt. And that one can never have too many vintage bangles. The multi-hyphenate entrepreneur embraces a signature blend of classic and modern, high and low, sophisticated and fun, while serving up inspiration for fashion, interiors, travel, and entertaining. A veteran of both retail and interior design, Gen has cultivated a one-of-a-kind online shopping experience curating daily fashion and décor finds for color-loving, pattern-obsessed women like herself.
During her twenty-year retail tenure, Gen spearheaded numerous launches for brand behemoths Old Navy, The Body Shop, and Victoria’s Secret. In 2012, she and husband Benjamin relocated to his hometown of Nashville, where the duo co-founded Pencil & Paper Co. Gen proceeded to make waves in the interior design world with bright, welcoming homes that effortlessly mixed big-box finds and patinaed gems. Her residential projects have been featured in top shelter magazines: House Beautiful, Southern Living, Domino, HGTV and Better Homes and Gardens. Under the Pencil & Paper Co. umbrella, Gen has also developed her own product lines—Color Studies, Alphabet Art, Signature Totes, and the pattern-packed P+P Dress Collection. (The latter sold out in under an hour.) There is just as much on the horizon for this Southern Living Tastemaker, including an expansion of her Creative Camp social events and forthcoming collaboration with Anthropologie. No matter the project, you’ll find Gen sporting a strong red lip, donning a vibrant frock, and unabashedly embodying her motto: “Color Makes Us Happy.”
May 01, 202001:01:40