It could be said that designer Nick Olsen doesn’t just decorate spaces, he brings them vibrantly to life. With an unflinching love of rich colors, and a masterful way of mixing modern gestures into traditional interiors, it’s no wonder he’s taken the design world by storm. After earning his architecture degree from Columbia, Nick assisted designer Miles Redd before opening his own studio in 2010. Since then his work has been featured in design glossies like Architectural Digest and House Beautiful, just to name a few. Luckily this fellow vintage-lover is not only hosting a sale of his stunning personal pieces, exclusively on Chairish, but he’s also agreed to spill a few trade secrets for creating those stellar spaces. Read on to discover how this interiors pro mixes high and low, his trick for tackling small spaces, his favorite NYC spots, and so much more!
SHOP ALL OF NICK OLSEN’S COLLECTION >>
Of all the items you’re selling, is there one that was especially hard to part with?
My Georgian desk chair with the scroll back. It’s upholstered in silk velvet and has a scalloped nailhead detail … everything I love but sadly it’s never found a home in my apartment or any project.
What do you love about shopping on Chairish?
So much! But most of all its extremely specific search functions and the crisp, attractive look of the site.
Is there any particular category where Chairish is your go-to?
Chairs. Always chairs.
Item you’re currently coveting on Chairish:
This yellow Nanna Ditzel chair, which reminds me of an inverted tulip.
Design
Favorite thing about designing with vintage pieces:
They give a room instant personality. Nothing is drearier than the “We just backed up a delivery truck to one showroom” look.
Favorite way to add drama to a room:
Contrast ceilings and doors!
Favorite source for design inspiration:
As lame as it sounds, Instagram. I may be stuck at my desk but so-and-so just posted the most amazing textile she found in Nepal!
Favorite paint color:
Right now it’s Benjamin Moore’s Lake Tahoe, a saturated blue with just the right amount of green. It could transport me to Sweden, colonial Williamsburg, and all [chic] points in between.
Favorite pattern (and how you love to use):
A handblock floral chintz on a single throw pillow or slipper chair.
Favorite color combo (and where you use it):
There are so many, but right now I’m loving coral pink against faded marigold with bits of celery green. A lovely bedroom scheme.
Favorite way to mix high and low:
An exquisite French armchair in patent leather always looks wonderful next to a humble Parsons table, even one of the Formica variety.
Favorite way to work a bit of vintage into a room:
So many of the big fabric houses have discontinued their most interesting patterns; I love finding vintage remnants and using them for pillows or upholstery.
Favorite small space decorating trick:
Don’t shy away from the massive 6ft-tall painting in 10ft-wide room, or any overscale gesture. It brings the space into focus and helps it feel less self-conscious..
Is there a particular design element or style that you’re really into right now?
I’m dying to have a Miu Miu boutique moment and upholster the walls of room in a vibrant damask, but fill it with minimalist and monochromatic furniture.
Lifestyle
Favorite travel destination:
Morocco. I’m counting the months until I return.
Favorite design sites or magazines:
I’ll never part with my stacks of The World of Interiors–endless inspiration. My friend Michael Bargo’s Instagram feed is like a graduate level course in modernist and contemporary design. And I think Quintessence Stacey Bewkes is a blog with real substance and excellent writing.
Favorite hotel to check in to:
The Parker in Palm Springs.
Favorite thank you/hostess gift:
Who doesn’t appreciate a nice bottle of wine or champagne?
Favorite saying/quote:
“I think we can do better.”
Favorite entertaining essential:
15-watt bulbs and a nuclear powered air conditioner on summer nights.
Favorite artist:
Currently, Kenneth Noland.
Favorite thing to collect:
Chairs … sculpture … sculptural chairs??
Local Favorites: NYC
Favorite restaurant:
On a weeknight I’ll eat at Little Prince in Soho. After a certain hour they might crank up the Nile Rogers soundtrack and hand out colorful wigs to patrons … New York may not be dead after all.
Favorite hotel to recommend to visiting friends:
The Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca is gorgeous, and The Marlton feels cozy but won’t break the bank.
Favorite local culture hub:
The subway is our great equalizer.
Favorite local activity:
People-watching and eavesdropping. The other day one older lady said to her friend, “You’re a Virgo Escher and I’m a Pisces Monet … you need to try watercolors.” Priceless.
Favorite local flea market or vintage hunting ground:
The last remaining outdoor flea market in Chelsea, on 25th Street between 6th Avenue and Broadway.
Shop Nick Olsen’s Collection >>
Lead Photo by Reid Rolls
