Photographs by Kate S. Jordan
We will’t get sufficient of Somsack Sikhounmuong, the artistic director of Alex Mill and possibly the nicest individual working in style at this time. (Enjoyable reality: this CoJ put up about Somsack was the inspiration for Massive Salad!) Immediately, we’re excited to share a tour of his Queens condominium, the place the rugs are layered, the artwork is leaning, and the windowsills are full. “I’ve a whole lot of stuff,” he warned us, “however each bit jogs my memory of a visit I took or the place I used to be in my profession when I discovered it.” Right here goes…
LIVING ROOM
Paint: “Manchester Tan” by Benjamin Moore. Desk: Paul McCobb through Modlivsup. Couch: ABC Carpet + Dwelling. Standing lamp: Radilum in shiny orange. Pillows: “from John Derian and travels to Hawaii, France, and Italy.” Textiles: “Classic finds from Portland, Tokyo, and Paris.” {Photograph} above couch: Jamie Hawkesworth.
On mixing kinds: I like mixing industrial items with romantic issues which have texture. If a room was all one or the opposite, it will be lots much less attention-grabbing to me. That rigidity is sweet.
On beloved artwork: I’m an out-and-about kinda individual. However once I’m dwelling, I’m hanging on my own, and 95% of the time I’m on the sofa. The photograph above is by Jamie Hawkesworth. I purchased it as a present for myself after I obtained a giant promotion at J.Crew.
Checkered rug: Kat + Mouche. Tripod standing lamp: Marc Hundley. Textile on desk: Hawaiian quilt from Honolulu. White ceramic dish: “my very own.” Yellow vase: Gayle Spannaus.
On a journey technique: Earlier than a visit, I’ll analysis one must-visit retailer that’s off the overwhelmed path. Then, as soon as I get there, I’ll ask the shop individual for just a few of their native suggestions. This usually unlocks a bunch of unimaginable locations I by no means would have recognized about, and it doesn’t require an excessive amount of prep beforehand.
Chair and console: Rett of Joyful Medium. Pillow: John Derian. Pedestal: Mattias Vriens.
On a not-so-green thumb: I’ve had a whole lot of vegetation, however the ones which might be nonetheless listed below are those that don’t require a lot water. The one on the pedestal was once far more lush — I at all times joke that it’s my model of the Charlie Brown Christmas tree. My ritual with the vegetation is that if I have a look at them and really feel dangerous for them, then I water them.
Left: Ceramics: “most are mine.” Marble fruit: John Derian. Proper: Desk: Marc Hundley, “I consider this stunning little crimson desk as my desk of recollections.” Objects: “Discovered and given, together with a seal from Alaska.”
On a brand new passion: I began making my very own ceramics post-Covid. I took some lessons on the wheel, however I used to be horrible. I left considering, I don’t know what’s mistaken with me. Then I attempted hand constructing and by no means seemed again.
{Photograph} on left: Jamie Hawkesworth. Portray on ground: Jeanne Thomsen. Wax seals in body: eBay. Bull-fighter jacket: eBay. Crimson metallic shelving unit: related.
On gathering: “I obtained this classic bull-fighter jacket on eBay; I like the beading and embroidery. I’ve collected classic clothes for many years, in addition to outdated magazines and books. Pinterest is nice, however you usually see the identical batch of photos again and again. While you open an outdated ebook, none of these photos are even on the Web.”
DINING CORNER
Stools: BDDW. Tablecloth: Xenomania. Checkered rug: Kat + Mouche.
On rugs on rugs on rugs: Over time, I’ve introduced dwelling a whole lot of smaller rugs as a substitute of 1 large one. I just like the layered look higher, and, actually, beneath among the rugs are extra rugs that I simply don’t have room to retailer anyplace else.
On a rescue mission: In fourth grade, our instructor had magazines for folks to chop up and paste with. My sister and I’d rescue them and take them dwelling as a result of we thought they have been too nice to chop. I don’t know why youngsters that age would ever be considering that, however we have been. I now have each concern of Vogue since 1995.
KITCHEN
Print: Hugo Guinness. Bowl: Atelier Saint André Perrin.
On purchasing for one: Somebody must give you a retailer that sells groceries for a single individual as a result of I’ve by no means, ever used all of the parsley. If a recipe has greater than 5 substances, I’ll most likely skip it.
On the essential issues: What would I save in a fireplace? In all probability my passport and the little playing cards and pictures on my fridge.
BEDROOM
Paint: “Metal wool” by Benjamin Moore. Quilt: “Hawaiian quilt from Honolulu.” Striped blanket: present, related. Gingham pillowcase: Muji, related.
On sleeping effectively: I sleep higher in darkish bedrooms, however I felt nervous about portray my complete room in a darkish colour. So, I painted one wall. It’s simply sufficient.
Lamp: set from Cafiero Choose. Matchbox print: Hugo Guinness. Bat print: Deyrolle. Nightstand: customized from Sean Biloski of Iron Oaks.
On ground artwork: Not all my artwork is hung up. A few of that’s laziness, however a few of that’s intentional. While you put one thing on the ground or stack it behind one thing else, you’re taking the white gloves off. It’s not unkept, it’s simply extra informal. There are a whole lot of methods to make a house really feel inviting, and that’s one among them.
On dressing waaaay up: Final yr, a bunch of coworkers and I dressed up as Marie Antoinette’s truffles for Halloween. We made our costumes within the workplace. One other yr, I went to a celebration with a buddy who’s equally into costumes. After we obtained there, we seemed round, and it was similar to somebody with cat ears on and Bob over there with a faux nostril. In the meantime, we had gone all out.”
Thanks a lot for the tour, Somsack! You’re one of the best. You could find his designs on Alex Mill and observe his e-newsletter, Somstack.
P.S. Extra dwelling excursions, together with a cluttered-in-the-best-way Minnesota dwelling and our most colourful home tour ever.
(Photographs by Kate S. Jordan for Cup of Jo.)
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