Trevor Parker
photo by Sam Masters
If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live? Somewhere in France—probably Paris, or somewhere in the south near the water. That’s yet to be discovered.
What are three words to describe your style? Bold, minimalist, intentional.
Tell us about your childhood bedroom: In high school, I took over my sister’s room and painted it gold-yellow with black trim. My mom thought I was a little nuts, but years later I saw a designer in New York use the exact same palette. So, I wasn’t crazy—I was ahead of my time.
What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? A red Alexa Hampton lamp. It was the first time I spent real money on something beautiful for my space—before I even knew I’d end up in design or photography.
No room is complete without: Color. If you don’t have color, I don’t know what kind of life you’re living.
People think of me as serious, but I am really playful. If NYC sidewalks weren’t so rough, I’d be doing cartwheels everywhere.
Things you omit from...
A flower arrangement: Filler. I prefer sculptural, edited arrangements.
An hors d’oeuvre platter: Cherry tomatoes—great sautéed, not raw.
A bar cabinet: Oversized liquor bottles. A bar should be curated and beautiful.
A song for...
Dinner at home: Parisian jazz. Light, playful, modern—not too classical.
Working at your desk: Piano or strings. No lyrics, just clarity and calm.
Going for a run: Indie summer pop. If it’s Top 40, I’m skipping it.
Biggest Vice? Buying flowers. Always worth it. They spark joy and inspiration every time I see them.
If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy? Vintage lamps or chairs. If it’s one-of-a-kind and gorgeous, I’m not hesitating.
Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility? If so, how? I wish they did. I crave more pattern and color—like what I see in interiors. Men’s fashion is so limited. I want to turn interior fabrics into fashion.
Who is your star crush? Matt Bomer. Always has been, always will be.
What is the thing you would never do on a project, but don’t detest when you see others do it? Neutral artwork. For me, art should say something bold. Neutrals just don’t do that.
What design book do you find yourself going back to again and again? Ashley Andrews’ most recent book—such a beautiful balance of bold and clean. Also, Stephen Gambrel’s book—it’s a masterclass in dreaming without limitations.
For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? Helping people see what’s already around them, but in a new way. Cyan takes architectural detail that’s usually above eye level and brings it down where it can be lived with. It’s about rediscovering beauty in the everyday.
photo by Charlotte Moss
A Few Favorites
Book: A Little Life. Painful and powerful.
Scent: Otto by (the old) Malin + Goetz—musky, soft, nostalgic.
Fabric: Mohair. The texture, the way it photographs—perfection.
Dream project: Tons of light, high ceilings, and a client who’s fearless with color and custom everything.
Meal: Turkish—light, flavorful, and guilt-free.
Drink: Fresh margarita. Plenty of tequila, just a splash of agave.
Hotel: Hotel Emma in San Antonio. That’s where I first fell for design.
Travel Destination: Paris. Forever and always.
A cause near and dear to me: Feeding kids and families in need. In high school, I started a nonprofit that still feeds over 200 kids every weekend. It’s now in the hands of folks who’ve grown it even bigger.
Thing to collect obsessively: Small styling objects. Every photo shoot needs them, and you never have enough.
Era in the history of art and design: Art Deco. Maximalist, colorful, structured—what’s not to love?
Museum: Musée d'Orsay in Paris. The architecture alone is worth the visit.
Benjamin Moore Paint Color: Piñata. Orangey-red, looks good in any light.
Dogs, Cats, or No Pets? Team Dog. Always.
