Self-isolation is not limiting these tastemakers’ creativity
Words by KERSTIN CZARRA
Normally knee-deep in floorplans and busy matching swatches and paint shades for tech giants and society A-listers, California’s top decorators have found themselves sequestered in their own dwellings for a change during this anomalous time. Like all of us, they too are reassessing what home means. While working on some projects remotely, their focus has turned inward to their own spaces. Some are spending time cooking in their kitchen, others are planting their first shrubs, but all are reconfiguring rooms to adjust to the new normal.
We checked in with four in-demand decorators to find out how they are spending quarantine, what’s keeping them creatively charged, and their tips on how to usher in some fresh design anywhere.
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WENDY HAWORTH
Home Base: Silver Lake, Los Angeles
Designed: Felix, Gracias Madre, Cafe Gratitude, the new Violet Restaurant and Cooking School
How are you keeping busy?
While my days are all spent doing designs, my own home usually doesn’t get much attention. Now that I am working and living here, it’s been nice to tackle some small projects. I planted a potted herb garden in the kitchen bay window and a larger vegetable garden outside — I can’t wait for the fresh tomatoes. I also installed a new light fixture from The California Workshop and am considering a wallpaper moment somewhere.
What’s inspiring you?
I have been pouring over 10 years of World of Interiors magazines, which are always inspiring, and I am loving the set designs of the neo-noir German television series Babylon Berlin. For a quick hit, I always enjoy the videos on Nowness.
Where are you heading once the self-isolation order is lifted?
I forever have the itch to travel somewhere exotic. The Palm Springs resort Korakia Pensione may have to do in the coming months. The property is transportive, with its Moroccan and Mediterranean villas. I will also head up to La Super Rica Taqueria in Santa Barbara for Mexican food.
Can you share an easy design tip?
It’s a great time to clear off some surfaces and start afresh. Doing this can shift the energy in a space as well as provide aesthetic oomph. I like to bring things together that mean something to me, like favorite art books, some handmade ceramics and something green, even if it is some inexpensive eucalyptus branches.
Find Wendy Haworth online.
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CHARLES DE LISLE
Home Base: Tamalpais Valley, Marin
Designed: Rachel Comey Melrose store and the original Lodge at Sea Ranch, Maximo Bistrot in Mexico City, Ernest Coxhead House in Presidio Heights, State Bird Provisions S.F., furniture featured at Art Basel
How are you keeping busy?
I have been doing lots of cleaning and getting all those socks finally paired up. I am still pretty busy with projects, so not as much time for all the projects I wish I could tackle.
What’s inspiring you?
Reality shows are my go-to. Personal transformation is always inspiring, and my favorite kind of story. Even better when it is lost in a cast of crazy characters. Tiger King aside, I think Cheer has been super inspiring.
Where are you heading once the self-isolation order is lifted?
The bar at Zuni Café. And then to Mexico City to open up a new restaurant we have been working on over the last year. Lastly, New York City — hopefully, while it’s still summer and everyone is out on the street again.
Can you share an easy design tip?
I find that being at home more requires good lighting. We live in an old 1948 house, and even during the day we add lamps and change the existing locations. It’s good to move around small lamps like our Linden Candle Stick designed for The Future Perfect.
Find Charles de Lisle online.
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TAMARA KAYE-HONEY
Home Base: Pasadena and Montecito
Designed: Otium Restaurant at the Broad, Colony Palms Hotel in Palm Springs
How are you keeping busy?
Working from home has helped me hone in on where I truly feel the best. Making my sunroom my personal space to plug in and connect with our team and clients has been a personal project I have enjoyed doing. It’s where I love to be, and it feels so great to have a part of my home dedicated to creativity.
What’s inspiring you?
Like everyone, we’ve been enjoying lots of great shows, including Ozark and Mrs. America, and listening to the amazing [band] Lake Street Dive — I was supposed to see them live in Austin this coming weekend. And there are always great ideas on feeds like @somewhereiwouldliketolive, @interiordesign_addict, @yellowtrace, @dezeen and @lamaisonpierrefrey.
Where are you heading once the self-isolation order is lifted?
To Otium for a great meal. It has my favorite chef, food and space that I designed. I am dreaming of a massage at The Now in Silver Lake and sunset cocktails at Little Beach House Malibu. This summer we are headed to Massachusetts to get my daughter settled for her first year of college at Wellesley, and maybe before that a road trip to Amangiri in Utah. It is one of my favorite places in the world.
Can you share an easy design tip?
Creating or reworking your space during a difficult time like this allows you to feel energized. Gather your existing art and create a salon wall. It doesn’t have to be serious. Keep it playful and have fun. I recommend just moving things around. Repurposing some of your existing pieces can reawaken a room.
Find Tamara Kaye-Honey online.
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NATHAN TURNER
Home Base: Ojai
Designed: Homes for Ione Skye, Eric Stonestreet, and Amanda Peet; The Turner House at Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort
How are you keeping busy?
I have been very busy recipe testing for a new cookbook. Being that this is our weekend home, I have a lot more time to look and think about the space differently. I have turned the dining room into a temporary design studio/office. The table is roomy enough to have my laptop as well as space to lay out plans, sketches and fabrics. When it’s time for dinner, I just roll it all up.
What’s inspiring you?
I have been loving the Home series on Apple TV+. Each episode explores one person and their distinctive dwelling. The first one is about a Swedish man who constructed a greenhouse over his existing log cabin. The homes are so unexpected and uplifting. I have also been digging through many of the design books that normally sit untouched. Flipping through them and marking them with notes is a way to connect with design in an old-school way.
Where are you heading once the self-isolation order is lifted?
After the hairdresser to get a real short haircut, I am headed to Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort with my 11-year-old goddaughter. We had a trip planned right before everything shut down. I’m excited to ride horses and eat barbecue. Otherwise, I want to explore more of the state and visit family in Lake Tahoe. So excited to embrace all of California’s open space.
Can you share an easy design tip?
Go foraging! It is giving me life these days. Gathering flowers, branches, leaves, herbs or fruit levels up your daily walk or hike. There’s so much abundance around us that we often don’t notice. You can either gather what is growing wild, or many people are willing to barter. Swap some fresh-baked bread for picking some fresh citrus from a bursting tree. I am trading what I am making in my kitchen for beautiful roses, fresh rosemary and avocados. Dotting your space with nature makes your home feel more abundant and alive.
Find Nathan Turner online.
May 7, 2020
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