NYC/NJ Design Trends with Interior Designer Sam Simon
New York-based interior designer Sam Simon got his start as a fine-art decorative painter, creating exquisite murals for an eclectic mix of celebrity clients (Betsey Johnson and Bryant Gumbel, to name but two) and a long list of corporate clients that includes ABC Carpet and Home, Versace and Bellini Baby. Since branching out into interior design, he has developed a strong client following in New York and New Jersey. Fellow designers have also sought out his services including the legendary Steven Gambrel, who commissioned a mural piece from Simon for a project in Bronxville.
A classically trained artist, Simon is never shy to infuse his projects with bold color and curated touches of glitz, glam, and glitter. Citing mid-century illustration books, Dolly Parton, Vintage Dishes and Art deco amongst his sources of inspiration, he says successful design is all about how you put things together; “Composition is very important when thinking of everything from furniture, textiles, artwork, even how to choose the right necktie. Everything benefits from good composition and editing. Getting rid of something is just as important as adding something.”
Here is Sam’s take on what’s happening now in interior design – and where to find it locally and online.
Is The Obsession with Grey On The Way Out?
“I think we are finally seeing the color grey reach its peak, in terms of dominance and popularity in design. At its height, it had a huge influence on design trends. As an example, think about the now ubitiquos grey and white chevron pattern. That started out as a high design concept, and now you can find it on a tissue box. The most popular greys have been cool greys, and now we find that customers want to move toward a warmer palate of neutrals.”
Not ready to say goodbye to grey? Sam suggests a warm grey like Benjamin Moore’s Nimbus (BM 1465).
Shifting and Mixing Styles
“Modern is here to stay, no question. But there is definitely a shift towards traditionalism. A lot of my clients have expressed a desire to create a current version of the house they grew up in, or have pointed out elements from their grandparents’ homes that they would like to recreate in their own homes. So it’s about mixing the two styles to create a new spin. The architecture of the brownstones and row houses in Jersey City suit this perfectly.”
What’s Behind the Traditional Trend?
“It’s hard to give a finite answer to that. But instinctually I think it has to do with the fact that we are living in uncertain times, overall. People are seeking out comfort, familiarity, and living in a way that brings back good memories.”
It’s Not Your Grandmother’s Wallpaper
“Wallpaper is huge right now, and the design options are incredible. My clients are having fun playing with scale and color. I am obsessed with Ellie Cashman’s floral wallpaper. She creates huge oversized florals with a dramatic black backdrop that is timelessly chic, classic and modern at the same time. I also love the Brooklyn Toile wallpaper from Flavorpaper. The design is classic French Country Toile, but when you get up close, the images are all Brooklyn specific. I recently used the Biggie Smalls Brooklyn Toile in the bathroom of a Philadelphia row house that belongs to a couple of recent Brooklyn transplants who were feeling homesick.”
Bold Backsplashes
“While white kitchens are always going to be classic, my clients are getting a bit more playful with color in kitchen backsplashes and bathroom tile. Allison Eden makes the most incredible custom mosaic tiles in every color combination imaginable. It’s kind of hard to go back to basic white once you see them. They are that breathtaking.”
Favorite Shopping Excursions
“I truly believe in shopping high low. I usually go to ABC Carpet and Home for textiles and accessories, and then make a loop to Homesense in New Jersey. Some of my best finds were a midcentury brass floor lamp for $149 that I used in a dining room on the Upper East Side, and a collection of organically shaped vases in a metallic rainbow finish. I grouped them in a cluster on the same client’s dining room table, and they look much more expensive than the $100 I paid for them.”
Online Finds
“Ebay and Etsy for vintage, and I have to admit I love zgallerie for whimsical, over the top pieces that liven up a room. A little goes a long way, though. My rule is no more than one piece per room.”
Shopping Sources
For Benjamin Moore Paint - Tsigonia Paint and Hardware located at 464 Communipaw Ave.
ABC Carpet and Home – 888 Broadway, NY. www.abchome.com
Homesense - East Hanover Plaza, 156 Rt. 10 East Hanover, NJ https://us.homesense.com
Online:
www.elliecashmandesign.com
www.flavorpaper.com
www.allisoneden.com
www.zgallerie.com
www.ebay.com
www.etsy.com
For more on Sam Simon, visit www.samsimon.nyc, or follow him on social media at @1samsimon (on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat).