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MAY 2022 CONTENTS THE FAMILY ISSUE 82 The exterior of Alyse FRANCESCO LAGNESE Archer-Coité’s Georgian- 70 KITH AND KIN style home, which dates HIS NEXT ACT How one ex-Brooklynite deepened her to 1770, in Poughquag, sense of community by moving into a 1770 Apparatus’s new studio—and its house in Dutchess County, New York. New York (page 82). CEO’s apartment—show off an audacious, theatrical vision. BY ASAD SYRKETT 100 BY CAMILLE OKHIO HOMEOWNER ALYSE ARCHER- COITE´ DESIGNER GABRIEL HENDIFAR THE FAMILY STONE 90 The scion of a renowned textiles empire has IT’S ALL RELATIVE transformed an 18th-century French farmhouse into a warm, welcoming retreat. In Milan, the descendants of legendary BY JAMES MCAULEY architect Piero Portaluppi live and work DESIGNERS PATRICK AND LORRAINE FREY together in a centuries-old palazzo. 106 BY CHRISTOPHER GARIS ARCHITECT PIERO CASTELLINI SOCIAL STUDY BALDISSERA In their upper Manhattan townhouse, two writers entertain their friends and neighbors—and themselves. BY KATE BOLICK HOMEOWNERS JAMES FENTON AND DARRYL PINCKNEY 24 E L L E D E C O R Subscribe to ELLE DECOR at elledecor.com/join
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CONTENTS 34 56 EDITOR’S LETTER TALENT 37 See how the Yee siblings are carrying on the design traditions WHAT’S HOT of their mother The best design discoveries. 61 Plus: The relaunch of Fendi Casa BUILDER 42 The secret ingredient to living TRUTH IN well at home? A dramatic, DECORATING exceptionally equipped kitchen. BY JULIE LASKY The principals of Me & General Design dish on the 114 spiciest new dining chairs RESOURCES 44 116 SO COURANT MY KIND Are dogs the new babies? In the OF ROOM design world, all signs—and snouts—point to yes Why designer Christine Gachot loves an image of a children’s 47 room by André Arbus POINT OF VIEW 65 This writer was raised as a SPOTLIGHT hoarder. Now she finds beauty in the chaos of her home. Six designers put their spin BY SADIE STEIN on the brand DNA of Italian furniture maker Poltrona Frau. 50 PRESENTED BY POLTRONA FRAU SHORTLIST A view into Monica Khemsurov and Jill a lounge in Singer of the online magazine the Manhattan Sight Unseen share eight things studio of design they can’t live without firm Apparatus, seen from co- 52 founder Gabriel Hendifar’s office SHOWCASE (page 70). A legacy of feline inspiration animates a new collection of hauts bijoux from Cartier 54 STUDIO VISIT A Hamptons house with an art-world pedigree is reborn as a gathering and exhibition space for creatives. BY JACOBA URIST ON THE COVER Scan the QR code below for exclusive digital tours The living room of Apparatus CEO and artistic of design-minded families director Gabriel Hendifar’s New York City apartment. at home! PHOTOGRAPH BY STEPHEN KENT JOHNSON elledecor@hearst.com STEPHEN KENT JOHNSON @elledecor facebook.com/ELLEDECORmag WRITE TO US: Mailbox, ELLE DECOR, 300 W. 57th St., 27th Fl., NY, NY 10019 Visit elledecor.com/service to order a print subscription, pay your bill, renew your subscription, update your mailing and email addresses, and more. Or write to: Customer Service Department, ELLE DECOR, P.O. Box 37870, Boone, IA 50037. One-year subscription rate $15 for U.S. and possessions, $41 for Canada, and $60 for other international. To purchase digital back issues, please go to backissues.elledecor.com. 26 E L L E D E C O R
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EDITOR’S LETTER FROM FAR LEFT: The living room of Apparatus cofounder Gabriel Hendifar’s Manhattan apartment. ELLE DECOR editor in chief Asad Syrkett with his mother, Mecca, in 1993. DESIGN THAT Our cover story, the New York City apartment of INTERIOR: STEPHEN KENT JOHNSON; PORTR AIT: NAIMA GREEN BINDS Gabriel Hendifar, artistic director and cofounder of the furniture and lighting supernova Apparatus, explores ASSEMBLING OUR FIRST-EVER FAMILY ISSUE GOT US THINKING family through two lenses: passion and profession. After an amicable but inevitably challenging split from about what “family” means—and just what we wanted Jeremy Anderson, his partner in life and work, Hendifar to include in these pages. Did the theme necessitate a set out to redefine his living space—and the offices the focus on children? Would we turn the idea of what close-knit Apparatus team calls home—for a new constitutes a family on its ear and highlight creative chapter. The result in both environments is a case study communities linked not by genetics but by a shared in restrained grandeur and a showcase for Hendifar’s interest in, say, what good upholstery can do? And, as stunning style, with its many familial and cultural one editor implored, would we spare a thought for pets? inf luences, writes our senior design writer, Camille Okhio (page 70). The way that Hendifar’s parents, who The answer to all of those questions, it turns out, is immigrated to the United States from Iran in 1979 and “yes, and.” In this issue, we take a look at family in all its built a new life in Los Angeles, impacted his sensibility forms within the world of design—from siblings whose and approach got me thinking about my own parents, furniture line was inspired by Chinese craft traditions four siblings, and the constellation of elders, aunties, they learned from their mother, to a Milanese clan and cousins who raised me—and who nurtured my love united by both blood and business across generations. of home and of kinship. What a gift. ◾ And, of course, we have style tips for kids of all ages and for the pups in our lives. @as4d 34 E L L E D E C O R
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WHAT’S HOT PLAYING FOR KEEPS These game-changing designs for family fun don’t skimp on style. BY RIMA SUQI HAAS CHESS SET The Haas Brothers score again, with a whimsical chess set featuring individually sculpted brass pieces on a black- and-white stone board. 19″ w. x 19″ d. x 3″ h.; $3,850. l-objet.com E L L E D E C O R 37
WHAT’S HOT PING-PONG TABLE DELUXE BASKETBALL GAME Crafted from a quartz material, this game table can also be ordered with a removable Mermelada Estudio’s haute net to convert to a dining table and is available in almost 200 surface variations. interpretation of an arcade 108″ w. x 60″ d. x 37″ h. (with net); classic is a black-leather-clad price upon request. cambriausa.com wonder with a cast-brass BLACK SMALL GLASS SPEAKER backboard, hoop, and chain. The aluminum-and-glass Bluetooth and cable speaker by Transparent produces serious sound from a compact, 30″ w. x 91″ d. x 91″ h.; minimalist package. Compatible with Apple AirPlay, $2,499. cb2.com Sonos, Amazon Echo, and Google Cast. In black or white. 10.5″ w. x 3.5″ d. x 8″ h.; $550. ssense.com OPENING MINDS 90° MINUTO MATTE DEATH OF ST. JOSEPH: BRAD OGBONNA PING-PONG PADDLE This ultramodern foosball table Vibrant work by Miami-based artist and musician Lola Blu by Adriano Design comes in four colors, adorns these collectible paddles. complete with a lacquered-beech frame, 6″ w. x 10.5″ h.; $115. round21.com aluminum handles, and glass casing. HOOP DREAMS 55″ w. x 46″ d. x 36″ h.; In hand or on a plinth, these fun takes on the classic from $12,266. teckell.com basketball are sure to make the design crowd go wild. Death of St. Joseph Barocco Print Globe Basketball Basketball Basketball A Swarovski collaboration This limited-edition ball An allover botanical design features Kehinde Wiley’s with Market Smiley, this ball 2017 work of the same name. displaying the house of is embellished with about 9″ dia.; $175. Versace’s signature flair sets kehindewileyshop.com 15,000 colorful crystals. apart this standard-size ball. 9.5″ dia.; $15,000. 9.5″ dia.; $250. versace.com swarovski.com 38 E L L E D E C O R
WHAT’S HOT CIAO, ROMA Collaboration proves key for an iconic fashion family in the Eternal City. FENDI IS ROMAN BY BIRTH, HAVING STARTED IN THE CITY AS A and Design Holding have birthed Fashion Furniture TOP: ANDREA FERRARI Design (FF Design), a venture focused on developing fur and leather workshop in 1925. The striking Palazzo Fendi Casa’s business and strengthening ties between della Civiltà Italiana is its storied headquarters, the the house’s trend-driven fashion collections and its inte- financial and artistic command post of the company. It’s riors arm. here that we’re introduced to the relaunched Fendi Casa, a marriage of sorts between Fendi and Design Holding, Silvia Venturini Fendi, the house’s artistic director the owner of a number of legacy brands in the world of of accessories and menswear, has signed on as creative luxury furnishings and lighting. Newly joined, Fendi director, taking over the interiors business that her mother, Anna Fendi, launched in 1987. The house codes Silvia Venturini Fendi, are evident throughout the new introductions: Rugs fea- pictured at Fendi head- ture the interlocking FF of the famous Baguette bag as quarters at Palazzo della well as the “Karligraphy” script logo, designed by the late Civiltà Italiana in Rome. Karl Lagerfeld; the armrests of one luxe sofa style are ABOVE: A living room suite an outsize take on the house’s signature Pequin stripes. from the new Fendi Casa Collaboration is crucial at the new Fendi Casa, with collection. fendi.com contributions from Cristina Celestino, Atelier Oï, and Toan Nguyen, among others. “It’s key to engage with international talents who can add to the evolution of our aesthetics,” Venturini Fendi says. “Creativity should not be reined in.” To that end, April marked the opening of a new Fendi Casa flagship in Milan, in the hopes that some of the brand’s next collaborators will be curious shoppers, eager to bring Fendi home. —Sean Santiago 40 E L L E D E C O R
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TRUTH IN DECORATING 2 1 3 4 PLEASE BE 1. SORCEROUS BY SEATED CHRIS SCHANCK 42 E L L E D E C O R Design power couple General Judd CRISTINA CASAÑAS- and Cristina Casañas-Judd of JUDD: There’s a richness, like an undiscovered Me & General Design dish on the treasure found on a spiciest new dining chairs. sunken pirate ship. GENERAL JUDD: It’s BY RIMA SUQI the perfect combination of lavishness and 5 deconstruction, bestowing instant swag as you swivel. 1: CL ARE GATTO; 3: JOHN MERKL; 6: DAVID SIERRA; 26″ w. x 21″ d. x 40″ h.; 9: JEAN-PIERRE VAILLANCOURT price upon request. friedmanbenda.com 2. HYDRO BY TOM DIXON GJ: This could be poolside in a lush Art Deco setting in Miami. CCJ: It’s so sexy but also practical because it’s light and stackable. 21″ w. x 24″ d. x 33″ h.; $2,021. tomdixon.net 3. DAISY DOO BY LAUREL HARRINGTON CCJ: I like the attention to detail in the flower. GJ: These are vibrant and fun but seriously crafted. 19″ w. x 19″ d. x 38″ h.; from $6,300. honeydudley.com 4. EDITH BY MASSIMO BROGLIO GJ: It’s a classic shape that would work in most settings. CCJ: I could see a rainbow of these around a table. 18″ w. x 16″ d. x 30″ h.; $990. artemest.com 5. MADUO BY PETER MABEO CCJ: Fashion and furnishings collide. GJ: This pushes boundaries of traditional techniques to an extreme. 24″ dia. x 31″ h.; price upon request. fendi.com
7 6. ORO BY 6 CHRIS WOLSTON 8 CCJ: The craftsmanship is 9 so intricate that this is an art installation for me. 10 GJ: It feels like fashion. This chair is saying, “I’ve got the perfect outfit on, and I am comfortable.” 18″ w. x 17″ d. x 32″ h.; price upon request. thefutureperfect.com 7. MISS WOOD GJ: It has a lightness about it because it has no hard edges, only organic contours. For a simple chair it is quite effective. CCJ: I do love the ombré effect. There’s something pleasing about gradient color—it feels like sunrise. 20″ w. x 20″ d. x 30″ h.; $2,940, by special order. missoni.com 8. SUNNY 1 BY UCHRONIA GJ: The shape is natural and graphic. CCJ: This is striking. It has a really nice, patterned feel to it and redefines what a typical dining chair could be. 22″ w. x 24″ d. x 32″ h.; $5,880. theinvisiblecollection.com 9. HEXA BY PIERRE YOVANOVITCH CCJ: It’s a friendly piece that can fit in almost any- where with that shape. GJ: Pierre revitalized a chair from a Swedish designer who died in 1959. It would be great at a large dining table. 20″ w. x 23″ d. x 35″ h.; price upon request. pierreyovanovitch.com 10. DULCES BY LAURA KIRAR FOR STACKABL GJ: I love the use of recyclable materials. CCJ: There’s something fun and crafty about the legs. 18″ w. x 24″ d. x 33″ h.; $9,500. maisongerard.com E L L E D E C O R 43
SO COURANT The Théodore kennel by Maison Taillardat. Price upon request. emblemparis.fr BEST IN SHOW Are dogs the new babies? In the design world, all signs—and snouts—point to a resounding yes. WRITTEN AND PRODUCED BY SEAN SANTIAGO PHOTOGRAPHS BY DAVID LEWIS TAYLOR 44 E L L E D E C O R
At some point over the past few months, my land- As family units evolve, lord, who lives above me, acquired a litter of our relationships puppies. I can’t quite remember when the yelps started coming in successive waves every morning, but with our dogs have that and approximately 1,000 scurrying footsteps are to as well. now a reliable feature of my daily routine. who also characterizes her dog, a Mudi named Loki, as a Being surrounded by new-dog energy feels like a “COVID puppy,” notes that “he’s the first dog I’ve owned sign of the times. If you didn’t have a dog pre-pandemic that I allow on furniture.” but could have, you probably do now. If you did have one before 2020, it has since become your de facto child. If indulgence is one keyword to pin on the current More than a cat—or, say, a goldfish—our bonds with canine ascendancy, then mutual is surely its companion. dogs come closest to human companionship. Designer Bunny Williams’s two rescue dogs, Annabelle and Bebe, became accustomed to “chasing squirrels” in And you don’t have to take my word for it. The the Connecticut countryside during the pandemic. “I’m designer Oliver M. Furth, who has a four-and-a-half- more attuned to them, but I think the bonding worked year-old poodle named Murphy with his partner, both ways,” she says. admits: “We talk to him as if he’s another person in the room, which I guess makes us crazy dog people.” As family units morph and evolve, our relationships with our dogs have to as well. “They are the new children But is our old crazy the new normal? Designer of our era,” says Aiden Bowman, cofounder of the lighting Allison Caccoma, who got her French bulldog, Louis, design studio Trueing and the proud co-parent of a pup during the pandemic, says, “I don’t have children, so he called Enzo. “Who can afford human children anyway? is truly my baby.” She describes the relationship They eat different food every day and go to college.” between herself, her husband, and Louis as one of “mutual unconditional love.” Designer Sheila Bridges, Ladies and gentlemen, I rest my case. ◾ TAILS WAGGING Indulge man’s best friend (and maybe yourself) with a few of these choice accessories. BY HELENA MADDEN 1 2 2. MOGO BOWL AND STAND 3 1. DOG BOWL 4 Jay Sae Jung Oh The refined pooch will elevates the canine appreciate the healthy culinary experience dose of elegance this with this chic pairing sleek sterling silver dish from Boo Oh, her pet from Tiffany & Co. accessories brand. provides. Bowl, $45; stand, $115. $2,000. tiffany.com boo-oh.com 3. MEDOR LEASH The stud motif has appeared on Hermès belts, earrings, and now a graphic leash. It’s accented, of course, by the brand’s signature bridle leather. $770. hermes.com 4. PET COLLAR The Prada logo is unmistakable, and the pop of scarlet is eye-catching. $340. prada.com E L L E D E C O R 45
POINT OF VIEW A mix of ephemera accumulated over decades by writer Sadie Stein. BLESS THIS MESS Raised as a hoarder, one writer finds beauty—and family connection—in the knickknack chaos in her home. BY SADIE STEIN PHOTOGRAPHS BY DAVID LEWIS TAYLOR Recently, a 17-year-old neighbor came by to babysit furniture and china—that my family has been here for for the first time. As she was leaving, she said, generations. In a way, they’re right. shyly, “I love your decor. Can I ask where you got the old things in your apartment?” I was very flattered What I usually say is some variation of: “A lot of it but didn’t know how to answer: My family and stuff comes from my parents.” Or, “I love flea markets and have a sort of complicated relationship. prefer things with history and wear.” None of this is untrue, but the fact is, I come from a family of hoarders. People have used a lot of words to describe the I don’t use that word loosely; I’m talking about the apartment where I’ve lived for the past 10-plus years, clinical term, often accompanied by a constellation first alone and now with a family: Layered. Maximalist. of other psychiatric abnormalities, which is the focus of Quirky. Some assume—with the vintage-looking deeply distressing reality programming and both a wallpaper, the gallery walls, old books, brass doorknobs source and a symptom of great personal pain. stacked on the piano, and the mishmash of well-loved Although many of us in subsequent generations E L L E D E C O R 47
POINT OF VIEW have been therapized, and often medicated, my grand- A flow blue–style father was not. Today, it would be easy to ascribe a cheese dome from score of words to behaviors that seemed to a child alter- nately thrilling and terrifying. But his was a generation Stein’s hoard. that had little money, few tools, and less inclination to treat the invisible, and he was proud of having avoided and whether a McCoy vase is really worth $3. But that the horrors of “the bin” where each of his siblings had moment when my eye spots what might be the scal- done stints and his mother had spent much of her life. loped hem of a D. Porthault towel in a cardboard box of He spoke openly and often about having married my discarded linens or the dull, deep glint of a single Bake- grandmother partly so her stable genes would help lite napkin ring is worth it. From where I sit I can see counteract his own. the beaten-copper Arts and Crafts–style bowl, the flow blue–like cheese dome, the pair of (maybe) Biedermeier Certainly, she did her best to counteract the accu- chairs I carted home in triumph on our last foray. mulation of stuff, first a steady trickle, which could sort of be explained as a consequence of youthful poverty; I know, intellectually, that things do not ensure then a f low, which people began to describe as an security or happiness. If they’re neither needed nor used amusing eccentricity; and finally an undeniable proof nor resellable, nothing is actually “a bargain.” And I that something was very, very wrong. By the time of know that the clutch of reflexive physical anxiety I feel my grandfather’s death, every inch of his property when my husband wants to toss away something broken was a shantytown of sheds, A-frames, decrepit boats is not necessarily healthy. Curation is a discipline, and (one filled with pressure cookers), a trailer, mountains not one I find natural. Because one day I will need that of moldering carpet, and debris. There was also a squirrel-shaped nutcracker. cement mixer that, when I was little, I thought looked like a huge cupcake. And yet, I love my home. Working with the motley assortment of things I inherited, or scrounged, I long The genesis was not mysterious. From the time my ago decided to lean into its eclecticism, creating a sort mother and her four siblings were children, Saturdays of private museum. The stories behind the things might were reserved for “the Rounds”: several hours devoted not be what someone imagines at first glance: They are to hitting every tag sale, thrift store, and library discard not heirlooms or pieces of commercial value. Maybe I container in the area. By the time I came along, it even remember all the bad associations—the public had become a daily ritual for them, and the house was fights, the tears. But they sit here, chosen, cared for, and filled with a mind-boggling collection of brass animals, loved. That is family history, too. ◾ broken bread machines, and expired food. Every summer visit started with a rummage through the sacks Sadie Stein is an editor at the New York Times Book Review. where my grandfather had been accumulating treasure for me: sailors’ uniforms and dolls with matted hair, crucifixes and old barrettes. These were some of my mother’s happiest memories, and she quickly initiated my father and then me into the Rounds. Fridays we mark the paper and plot our route, and by 8 a.m. the next day we are out the door. The forays themselves are often stressful, punctu- ated by squabbles about money and haggling and driving; whether my father needs another typewriter “Curation is a discipline, and not one I find natural.” 48 E L L E D E C O R
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