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Welcome

“As a resident of the world of design since birth, I’d like to take some time to celebrate some of the people and things in that world that I admire. I hope you come along for the ride. And, as my name has really taken a beating these last couple of years, -thank you Mr. Bezos, - feel free to think of me here by my nickname: Lex. And, please also enjoy this completely un-recognizable and years old headshot.” - Alexa Hampton

Peter Dunham

Peter Dunham

Lindsay Calhoun

photo by Victoria Pearson

If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live? Water Island – A community of roughly 50 houses on Fire Island.

What are three words to describe your style? Eclectic, atmospheric, and layered.

Tell us about your childhood bedroom? I went to boarding school when I was eight years old, so I have memories of open dormitories.

What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? A red-painted George IV Partner’s desk that I bought at Christie’s Christopher Gibbs Auction in 2000. It seemed like an unconscionable folly, but it has found a place in every house for the past 25 years.

In the history of design, if you could hire any designer other than yourself, who would it be? The lovechild of Frances Elkins and Sir John Soane

No room is complete without art

People think of me as pattern-obsessed, but I am really materials and texture obsessed

Things you omit from

  • A flower arrangement: I’m not a fan of succulents in floral arrangements, and I like to keep the mix minimal. No more than two or three varieties.

  • An hors d’oeuvre platter: Anything that gives you bad breath; raw onions, fish, cheese…

  • A bar cabinet: Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur, or anything sweet.

A song for

  • Dinner at home: Anything Joni Mitchell

  • Working at your desk: Anything Diana Ross

  • Going for a run: Anything Adele

Biggest Vice? An auction paddle. It never ends well.

If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy? My internist refuses to prescribe Ambien to his patients, however, probably real estate.

Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility, if so, how? No. I prefer to dress quite plainly in somber colors. I like interiors to be FULL of personality and vibrant.

Who is your star crush? Robert Redford. The epitome of a sexy all American cowboy. Or Steve McQueen.

What is the thing you would never do on a project, but don’t detest when you see others do it? Work for free. That, or installing wall-to-wall carpeting.

What design book do you find yourself going back to again and again? David Hicks on Living – With Taste

For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? Timelessness

photo by Sam Frost

A Few Favorites:

  • Movie: Conversation Piece by Luchino Visconti

  • Scent: Cologne Indelebile by Frederic Malle

  • The fabric you always come back to: Spencer Velvet by George Spencer

  • Dream project: Redoing The Pierre Hotel New York. It would be a can of works but

  • should be the premiere hotel property in the United States.

  • Meal: Japanese food

  • Drink: Spicy, skinny mescal margarita at a bar called Employees Only in Greenwich Village

  • Hotel: Fort Ahilya in Maheshwar

  • Travel Destination: Anywhere new

  • Artist: Picasso

  • A cause near and dear to me: The Mojave Desert Land Trust or any other land and nature preservation organization.

  • Thing to collect obsessively: Art works on paper

  • Era in the history of design: Early 20th century english arts and crafts

  • Museum: The Calico Museum of Textiles in AhmedabadBenjamin Moore Paint Color: Simply White. One of the most perfect white solution on the market.

  • Favorite person to follow on Instagram: My friend @pieterestersohnphoto His posts are super informative and beautifully shot

  • Dogs, Cats, or No Pets?: Dogs and cats. NO reptiles and NO imprisoned birds.

Steven W Spandle

Steven W Spandle

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