Eve Ashcraft has consulted with designers, architects, private clients, and businesses on colors for 18 years regarding everything from interiors, exteriors, and corporate branding to paint lines and knitting yarn. A painter by training with a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design, Ashcraft approaches color with an artist’s eye coupled with a keen sense of light and context. Contributing writer Nancy Cost interviews this month’s Guest Curator, Eve Ashcraft.

When did you first discover you had a special knack for color?
At age 5, when I became obsessed with organizing my crayons by color families and then by how each family looked next to the other – blues next to yellows, yellows next to greens, etc.

How did you become a color expert?
I love painting things – walls, objects, paintings. I’ve been painting things for my entire life, so I suppose after a certain number of hours logged I became and “expert”.

If you were a color what would you be?
Gray, with smaller, happy accent colors.

Is there a color that you simply cannot stand?
The wrong color. Any color that’s been forced to make something ugly.

What are the top 5 colors du jour?
White, bright yellow, bright blue, white again, and wood brown.

What are your thoughts about white walls?
I work with white everyday. White works beautifully in many spaces but it’s not as benign as people think. It can be empty and leave a room with a blank look. I feel no allegiance to having to use white behind art. I love color behind art when it works. I always caution people to question white before they cave in.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned that applies to your work?
Keep an open mind that is stoked with curiosity and always look, look, look at everything.

Is there a color that is universally good for displaying artwork?
Universal? No. I don’t think there’s a universally good color for anything that I haven’t seen. It’s always about context and light conditions.

What is the most common angst you hear from clients about color in their homes?
Fear of getting it wrong. It’s as if they are concerned that once a color gets in, it won’t leave, no matter how unwanted it is. People really love color but are often so overwhelmed by the choices and process of selecting that they end up with some dull, off-white color that they actually cannot stand.

Is there a color that is particularly tricky or hard to choose?
Finding the right white can drive some people crazy because there are so many subtle variations. Very pale colors like pale yellow or blue can be difficult because they often look much, much more colorful in a larger scale.

How often do you paint a new color in your home?
Probably about 5 or 6 times a year.

What was the first piece of art you bought?
I bought a photograph from a fellow RISD student in 1983. I still love it.

Have you ever purchased artwork on line?
Yes!

What’s hanging on your walls at home?
Tons of things. Some of my own paintings and drawings, photos, drawings by friends, and artwork purchased on-line.

What’s the last thing you scribbled on a paper napkin?
An idea for a sofa thing that I want to build – and paint – for my apartment.

What would our readers be surprised to know about you?
I’ll have to save that for the next interview!

Bruce Tilley is founder of Decor NYC, New York’s newest consignment gallery. Unlike a used furniture store, Decor NYC  is an extraordinary venue featuring unique, designer merchandise at moderate prices. With over 30 years experience in the design industry specializing in retail development, merchandising men’s fashions, and home furnishings, Bruce’s ardent passion and creative spirit make him an entrepreneur with the finest aesthetics. Learn more about Bruce’s inspirations and love of fine art as contributing writer Nancy Cost interviews this month’s Guest Curator, Bruce Tilley.

How did you come up with the idea for your new store, Decor NYC Consignment Gallery?
I went through a multi-tiered process. While searching for a new startup business, I started thinking about what I love – buying and selling vintage collectibles and antiques. I’ve also always loved fashion consignment stores and  I discovered consignment stores have been booming in the last several years. Then I put two and two together: I’ve built a career in the home furnishing business and I realized there wasn’t a home furnishings consignment store in NYC. And there you have it.

Do your consignors tend to be interior designers or regular Joe’s like me?
More consigners are individuals, but interior designers tend to have more items to consign and they usually have very high end items.

How did Decor NYC develop a soft spot for art and art collectors?
When I started collecting art, I felt visiting galleries and going to art openings was overwhelming. So many galleries with white walls and such a mix of great, good, and bad art! All of that was difficult to me and I realized I was not alone. So, that is why I try to make buying easier for my clients.

“Vintage Ribbon Chair” by Pierre Paulin at DecorNYC

When I’m out in the world buying art, do I have to think of it as forever?
No, that’s the beauty of consignment! When I started purchasing art, I thought I would love every piece forever. But in reality, that has only been true with a few purchases. The truth is, I have some art I love as much as the day I bought it, and other works I soon said, what was I thinking? When this happens to you, consign and buy new art!

What objects or furnishings for the home do you most often see coming through the consignment gallery?
There is much variety, and within that there are many dining tables with chairs, and lots of sidetables and lamps.

Where are your favorite places to go get inspired by art?
Typically where art meets the outdoors: Storm King, Noguchi Museum, MOMA, and I love what the NYC Parks Department is doing with the NYC Art In The Park program.

What’s your number one tip for making an interior sizzle?
Certainly in my home it’s the art!

Art by Peter Hammar,Mies van der Rohe Bruo Chairs, Dining Table by Daniel J Kiser at DecorNYC

What was the first piece of art you bought?
A Michael Kenna photograph from Stephen Wirtz Gallery in San Francisco, 1987.

Have you ever purchased artwork on line?
Yes, mostly from auction houses. I am comfortable buying art on line.

What’s hanging on your walls at home?
I have a bit of everything: very large abstract oils, a wonderful large charcoal drawing, sculptures, smaller drawings, and several photographs.

What would our readers be surprised to know about you?
My Shiba Inu, Diego (yes, a Latin name for a Japanese dog) controls my life!

Maria Gabriela Brito is an interior designer and authority on why, where, and how to display contemporary art in any environment. Frequent contributer to Gwyneth Paltrow’s GOOP lifestyle newsletter, Maria knows the art world inside and out and is able to create the perfect environment to showcase a well curated art collection. An art collector herself, Maria’s mission is to help her clients live beautifully and get dialed in to the art scene worldwide. She is also an avid believer in encouraging kids to grow up around great works of art. Contributing writer Nancy Cost interviews this month’s Guest Curator, Maria Gabriela Brito.

When did you become familiar with the world of fine art?
Since I had memories! My parents were art collectors and my grandfather was an M.D. who, in his spare time, painted gorgeous oil-on-canvas landscapes.

Do you see any differences between the way Americans and South Americans incorporate art into their lives or interiors?
Not really. Perhaps some Americans are more exposed and can push the envelope a bit more.

What is your advice on how to start an art collection?
Do preliminary research and buy the absolute best that you can within your price range. Go to art fairs and galleries and buy what you love, BUT, always do preliminary research about the artist.

Lifestyling by Maria Gabriela Brito

Does good art have to cost lots and lots of money?
Not really. I’m always after the thrill of discovering emerging artists whose pieces are way more affordable than mid-career or established artists.

What was your most recent art purchase?
An Assume Vivid Astro Focus Print and a Sculpture that they made out of one of the original Dade County voting booths from the debacle of the 2000 Presidential elections.

What is the biggest misconception you find people making regarding art in their homes?
That they can’t have contemporary art because it’s either too edgy, too expensive, or too hard to understand.

Where are your favorite places to go get inspired by art?
Anywhere! From chic hotels to galleries to collectors’ homes.

What’s your number one tip for making an interior sizzle?
COLOR!

What was the first piece of art you bought?
A Rothko print at The MoMA 13 years ago.

Lifestyling by Maria Gabriela Brito

Have you ever purchased artwork on line?
Yes, from different sites around the world.

What’s hanging on your walls at home?
Vik Muniz, Mickalene Thomas, Assume Vivid Astro Focus, Flavia Da Rin, Faile, Mark Bradford.

What would our readers be surprised to know about you?
I love pop music from the 80s!

Jon Call, Interior Designer and founder of Mr Call Designs, a full service Design firm located in New York City is someone you want to know about, if you don’t already. Jon started his firm in 2010 to answer clients needs of resourcing homes at a variety of price points. Since then, Mr Call Designs has established themselves as “the ones to watch” in the world of interior design – creating finely detailed interiors that are accessible, beautiful and modern. Jon has garnered an extensive audience through his blog, Mr Call Blogs, and most recently through his work as Creative Director on The High Low Project, a new show which premiered September 3, 2011 on HGTV.  Mr Call will be speaking about his refreshing concept of luxury and why he’s excited about online art at the Affordable Art Fair in New York, September 21-25. Contributing writer Nancy Cost interviews this month’s Guest Curator, Mr Jon Call.

How did you get started in design?
My first job in the industry was working in the architectural department of Diamond Baratta Design.

What is your concept of luxury?
To me, the concept of luxury is having the freedom to make personal choices regardless of finances, trends, or the fear of what others will think.

Interior by Mr Call Designs

What role does artwork play in your interiors?
I use artwork to give a room a shot of adrenaline. Art brings a room to life and adds personality and character to a home.

How much effort should one put into selecting artwork for the home?
It should take no longer than getting dressed in the morning. It’s an initial, instinctive response.

Can style be affordable?
Making beautiful decisions is affordable. Extravagance is not.

What are a few ways to have fun with an interior without it looking like amateur hour?
Edit, edit, edit! You’ve got to clean your space and do it ruthlessly.

What are two of the most common design ‘mistakes’ people make when dressing their interiors?
Letting nerves get the best of them. Your initial instinct is best. Don’t second guess and don’t settle on a boring decision.

Elle Decor June 2011

What’s trending now?
We’re seeing neutral interiors with strong uses of primary colors. I just got back from fashion week and I was really inspired from the collections.

What’s your favorite thing to buy?
Lampshades!

What’s your number one tip for making an interior sizzle?
Making confident decisions from unexpected resources. I want every guest who walks into that home to say, “Where did they find that?”

What intrigues you about buying artwork online?
Buying art online breaks down an imaginary wall and makes art more accessible. Not only for my clients, but for myself included.

What’s hanging on your walls at home?
I have a 20 ft long wall that I use as a collage wall. It’s very informal. There’s an old poster by Félix Gonzalez-Torres from SFMOMA, and a collection of different art pieces and images.

Chudney Ross is many things – a gifted writer, nurturing teacher, energetic TV host, and a progressive-minded entrepreneur. But her passion is her advocacy of children and charitable causes. Chudney’s latest venture, Books and Cookies in Santa Monica, CA provides an innovative space for children to learn and have fun. After graduating from Georgetown University with a double major in English and Fine Arts, Chudney became a teacher in inner city Washington D.C. and Los Angeles public school systems. There she saw first hand the profound effect of books on children’s development, creativity and imagination. As an advocate for all children’s charitable causes, Chudney lends much of her time to mentoring underprivileged children in art, reading and writing. As Diana Ross’ youngest daughter, a former model and TV host, Chudney Ross is not content to rest on her laurels but instead chooses to use her talents and skills to give back. Contributing writer Nancy Cost interviews this month’s Guest Curator, Chudney Ross.

What’s the story behind your new children’s chapter book series Bean’s Books?

Bean is the incarnation of a younger, more precocious version of me as a kid. She is a funny, charismatic character that I think kids of all ages will relate to and enjoy. As a kid, I always loved to read and get lost in the pages of a book. I was shy and quiet, but had a keen eye for my surroundings and a playful take on the world.

What will the illustrations be like?

I was an art major in college, so I fancy myself a bit of an artist. My focus in college; however was nude drawings… probably not appropriate for children! HA! My hope is for the illustrations to be hip, fun with more of a comic book feel and nothing too babyish. Sadly, the publishers do not allow me to choose the artist for the illustrations.

You are opening a new reading, activity and bakery space for children in Santa Monica, CA. How did that idea evolve for you?

Just like the character in my books, I have spent many years exploring my options and trying to find my place in the world. I have many talents and passions. I’ve been a teacher, writer, model, producer and TV host, but I actually never thought of myself as a businesswoman. My friend Mary Giuliani and I were talking one day about how we could work together (she owns a catering and events company in NYC) and we came up with Books and Cookies to mesh my love and knowledge of books and writing and her love of food and experience in business. It has been a long exciting process building this business together and it is super exciting to see it finally coming together in Santa Monica.

You’ve worked with children for a long time and you know them well – what role would you like to see art play in a child’s life?

Art is so important for children of all ages. It’s something everyone can succeed at and do well. There is no right or wrong. It is a way to express feeling and emotions that are hard to sometimes put into words. It is a beautiful way for children to find their voice and tell a story.

Tell us about your experience mentoring underprivileged children in art?

I have had the opportunity to work with many wonderful charitable organizations. I am a huge advocate for all children’s causes. Most recently, I worked with Children Mending Hearts writing letters to the president with homeless children from LA to NYC to Las Vegas. Many of the kids struggled with reading and writing, but they were all excited to share their stories and view of the world through art and words. These children’s strength told through stories, pictures and notes to the president were moving, emotional and raw. I feel forever changed by my experience with these kids.

You studied fine art, what’s your medium?

My focus was drawing though I have dabbled in some painting and mixed medium collage. The project I am most proud of was a series of drawings in pencil of hugs and embraces, in which I used poetry (my own and also famous poetry) to frame each piece. These days, I never seem to have time to draw, but I would like to get back to it one day soon.

What was the first piece of art you bought?

The first piece of art I ever bought was a painting by a street artist in New York City. As a passed, I was moved by the flow of the paint strokes and the colors. It evoked a sense of calm in me – even on the busy streets of NYC.

Have you ever purchased artwork online?

Not yet, but after checking out Zatista, I’m going to get shopping!

What’s hanging on your walls at home?

Mostly photographs of family and friends or paintings by my boyfriend and me. One of my favorites a three-piece canvas with birds on wire that I have in front of a window in my bedroom. I love that there are always birds on the wires when I look outside.

What are some of your favorite children’s books?

I love, love, love picture books! But, my all time favorites are by Shel Silverstein. His poems are funny and thought provoking (Where The Sidewalk Ends, A Light In The Attic) and his stories moving and meaningful (The Giving Tree, The Missing Piece).

Favorite children’s books illustrations?

Eric Carle’s books have beautiful art and great stories. I always use The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Very Busy Spider for story times. The pictures draw in the kids.

Favorite grown up book at the moment?

I rarely have time to read these days but I enjoy Chelsea Handler’s books (Are you there God it’s Me Chelsea, Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang). As a business owner, I think everyone should read The Tipping Point. It was inspirational and motivational.

What tips can you give our readers for creating an inspiring environment for kids at home?

I think the most important thing is to create a safe environment, where kids are encouraged to express themselves openly. Parents can nurture kids’ creativity, by making it fun, praising the creative process and never criticizing or pushing their opinion on it. Coloring books are to be colored outside of the lines. If we criticize the scribble and push them to stay in the lines, how can their creativity blossom?

What would our readers be surprised to know about you?

I think when people meet me they are surprised that I am a normal, low-key, hard working girl. As Diana Ross’s daughter people expect a snotty, self-absorbed diva. I am proud of the humble, kind, caring woman I have grown into.

Reputed for making waves in the media, Robert Verdi is a leading lifestyle expert, celebrity stylist and television personality. Verdi stands alone as the sole expert to bridge all-three major style categories: fashion, entertaining and home design. He is the go-to style guru for celebrities like Eva Longoria and Tony Parker, Bethenny Frankel, Kathy Griffin and Hugh Jackman. Famous for his wit & wisdom, Verdi has become one of the most highly recognizable faces in the world of fashion and design today. Listen to Verdi on newly launched First Comes Fashion on Martha Stewart Living Radio or virtually attend one of Robert’s TWEET THIS! Twitter Parties. Contributing writer Nancy Cost interviews this month’s Guest Curator, Robert Verdi.

As a style and design guru, what do you think makes art compelling in a room?

Art is the X factor in a room, it’s what personality is to a person. Unlike anything else in a design environment, to all who enter the room, art shares your deepest thoughts and gives insight into what you love the most.

When you redesign a room, what role does artwork play?

Sometimes I create a minimal environment with neutral colors and use bold and brazen artwork. Other times, I create vibrant interiors and use subtly in the environment. Either way, art is the punctuation to the room.

Who are some of your favorite artists?

Mel Bochner, Andrew Moore, Guido Mocafico, and Roxanne Lowit.

What general misconceptions do you run into regarding buying art?

People think that art is supposed to match the room. Instead, I believe it’s purpose is to reveal passion.

Of the celebrities you’ve worked with who has the most fun art collection?

Do you really have to ask??? Me, of course!

Along the lines of Fashion Police, what ‘citations’ do you most often give regarding how art is displayed at home?

Often, people use cheap frames and they don’t spend the extra money on non-glare glass. People also hang their art too high on the walls. There, I’ve just solved all the world’s problems, haven’t I?

What was the first piece of art you bought?

“Irascible” by Mel Bochner

Have you ever purchased artwork on line?

Yes!

What’s hanging on your walls at home?

A small fortune.

What would our readers be surprised to know about you?

That I’m straight… just kidding. I’ve been told that I’m not nearly as scary as people expect.

What’s the best way for everyday folks like us to cultivate taste and style?

Go with your gut. When you find something you like whether its, folk art, mid century modern, or turn of the century French, learn more about it, read more, and educate yourself on it.

What tips can you give our readers for starting a great art collection?

By a piece of art that you love and be able to speak about it to anyone who asks you a question about it.

Always on the prowl for the latest and greatest finds, Delta Sky Magazine’s Global Lifestyle Editor Jason Oliver Nixon is a style authority, foodie, world traveler, and self-professed wallpaper addict. Co-owner of interior design firm John Loecke Inc., Jason’s keen eye is caught by color, energy, passion, and verve. Check out his style in the SHO House: Weeds Lounge going live on September 7. Contributing writer Nancy Cost interviews this month’s Guest Curator, Jason Oliver Nixon.

How did you develop such a keen sense of style?

I am lucky enough to have super-cool parents who exposed me to everything, from art-house films to amazing, far-flung restaurants and gobs of travel. We would have Robert Rauschenberg come to dinner, we met Eudora Welty, we’d spend summers at Oxford where my mom was getting her PhD, and we’d hang out with my grandfather who was in the Guinness Book of World Records as the “world’s most traveled man in a wheelchair.” We were odd ducks, and it was spectacular.

When did you first realize you had great taste?

Yikes, I can’t own up to that yet. I often throw dinner parties where I serve Popeye’s fried chicken and Prosecco with Håagen-Dazs bars, and that sort of sums me up. Maximal impact, minimal cash.

With a history in publishing, what inspired you to start an interior design business?

I always knew that I also wanted to run my own interior design firm. And after ten amazing years in publishing, I was finally able to hang up my own shingle.

What is your interior design philosophy?

Our designs reflect a respect for tradition tempered with bold splashes of color and playful patterns. Our designs also demonstrate a passion for fun and vitality. Banish the beige and the boring! Saturate your world in color-rich whimsy and sophistication. Most importantly, have fun with your home. We love glamour and style and are able to bring that passion to the most contemporary of home as well as the ultra-traditional. Frankly, we are all about the “F” words: frisky, fabulous and fun to be around.

What role does artwork play in your interiors?

Artwork is key. There’s no better way to accessorize your walls than with an ever-changing array of artwork.

What are your favorite art museums or galleries around the world?

I am obsessed with the Victoria & Albert, the Leighton House Museum, and Sir John Soane’s Museum, all in London. Also, the Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum in Boston and The Getty in Los Angeles always send me over the moon.

What would our readers be most surprised to find out about your home?

Wallpaper covers nearly every ceiling in my home. And I collect tea towels.

As a style guru, what advice do you have for someone starting an art collection?

Have fun, take chances and buy what appeals to you. Be eclectic with your purchases and mix and match bold graphics with the soft and traditional. Dive in.

You have a dream job and you have experience in so many different areas of style. What frontier will you conquer next?

I want my own product line. I want to be the next Dorothy Draper with the marketing skills of Lady Gaga and Martha Stewart.

What inspires you in the worlds of art and design?

Music is key, I often pull inspiration from what I am currently listening to. I recently did up a couch based upon La Roux’s “Bulletproof” video, and Bryan Ferry and Goldfrapp have influenced many a living room.

What was the first piece of artwork you purchased? Where is it now?

My first purchases were a Michele Oka Doner gilt sculpture shaped like thorns and a black-and-white Lee Friedlander photograph of roses. The Oka Doner piece and the Friedlander photograph are both in my bathroom. I love putting artwork in unexpected places. I even have art hanging in my closet.

Being the busy jet-setter that you are, how, when and where do you find the time to shop for artwork?

While on the road, I am constantly hitting flea markets, department stores, and bazaars. I always make the time to sniff out the local scene. For me, having a world view is uber-important to my design lexicon.

Which hotel that you have been to recently has fantastic art?

I love the Chambers in Minneapolis—a crazy mix of video installations and a bespoke soundtrack and an ever-changing display of photographs and paintings. Very clever. And I would never leave Blake’s in London if my credit card could handle the expenditure.

What are your favorite cities for good food?

London. Mexico City. Antigua, Guatemala. Des Moines, Iowa.

What are your favorite restaurants?

Bern’s Steak House in Tampa, Florida, the Mountain Brook Inn in Bovina, New York’s Saturday-only dinners, and the Fat Duck in Bray, England.

Besides NYC, what is your favorite US city for culture? Why?

Chicago. I love the museums, the architecture, the glamour, the excitement. It’s far cooler than New York.

What’s your favorite design magazine?

The World of Interiors, hands down.

Does a Global Lifestyle Editor for Delta always fly First Class?

At least in my mind, if not always in reality. I don’t really need first class, I’d rather have a rich experience and lots of adventure.

Anything exciting coming up that you want to tell our readers about?

I am off to India for a month in November, working on getting my Italian passport, designing an amazing home in New Orleans, and putting the finishing touches on the Weeds Lounge at the Showtime House opening in New York in early September. I wake up every day, and it’s a fabulous adventure. I am very lucky.

Elizabeth Bauer is a noted interior designer and owner of the Elizabeth Bauer Design shop in New York. Her personal style is best described as modern in a traditional silhouette. Contributing writer Nancy Cost interviews Elizabeth for this month’s guest curator piece.

Where do you start when transforming a room: furniture, paint color, or art? Or somewhere else entirely?

I usually start with tear sheets from clients of what they like and don’t like. Next I think about fabric, wallpaper or a rug that reminds me of the client’s personality.

You’re a believer in unique and one-of-a-kind items. Do you apply that to buying art as well?

Absolutely. Everyone can buy what I call ‘gift shop art’. You don’t want to do that. Spend time investigating until you find things you really like.

What was the first piece of art you bought?

It’s over my sofa, a long French oil painting of Bastille Day. I bought it for almost nothing at one of Sotheby’s auctions. It’s one my favorite pieces. I picked the fabric on my sofa because of it.

What role should art play in an interior? How important is it?

It’s very important. Art is like the clothes you wear. Art defines and finishes the space. It says so much about a person – where you’ve traveled and what your interests are.

You have a phenomenal eye for pattern and color. What is your approach to mixing these in the home?

It’s about weight and scale. It’s about the saturation of colors in a pattern and the scale of the pattern. Mix scale.

What’s your advice on how to build an art collection?

Buy what you like!

Is it possible to have a great looking home, including art, on a small budget?

Yes! Good art doesn’t have to be expensive. I like to buy original art. There is value, quality, and integrity in original art. There’s a lot to choose from out there; we don’t have to buy posters on crappy paper.

When you have a wide range of options in front of you like at a flea market, how do you decide what to buy?

You have to learn to trust your eye. It’s hard to learn. I doubt myself all the time. Since I buy original items, if I don’t buy something I love, then I regret it. But when you finally buy, then you’ve defined that moment and you know what you like. If you don’t buy it and you keep thinking about it, go back and if it’s there buy it. If it’s not, then it’s not meant to be.

You mix styles a lot. When you mix styles of art, how do you know when it works?

There aren’t any rules. Buy what you like. ‘Liking it’ becomes the common thread and then it’ll work with your other things.

What is your best advice for making a home accessible and fun?

I like using vintage pieces because they are so unique. Shiny lacquer finishes or glass is fun too. I like reflection.

What designers do you admire?

Tony Duquette, David Hicks, Albert Hadley, and Kelly Wearstler.

What do you like about using Zatista?

I love the Art Explorer. It will show you similar work based on your likes, and that’s genius! It reminds me of Pandora Radio, to be able to do that with art is amazing!

Do I have to spend a lot of money to have good art?

Not at all! Cost doesn’t matter. Good art is only defined by price if you let it.

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Ryan Korban is a 25 year old rising star in the design world. His interiors confidently merge an 18th century aesthetic, with the bold, brash, and shiny. Contributing writer Joe Conway interviews Ryan for this month’s guest curator piece.

How do you typically describe your approach to decorating and what role does art play in your approach?

Because there are so many mediums within art and so many different directions, art plays a huge role in what I do. I feel like I can experiment with art in ways that are more advanced and varied than say with many fabrics I might use.

Design is sometimes viewed as a very stale industry or one that’s primarily reserved for an older or a more conservative group; my approach to design is to bring a sexiness and a youthful edge to interiors.

Do you typically design around a client’s collection or specific work, or let the design lead to the eventual placement of the art ?

I never like to base a room around a specific work as this feels like a more conservative approach to decorating. If I decorate and then find a place for art, it becomes more of an evolution and ends up going in an unexpected, and interesting spot. For me, the unexpected is what makes the design process exciting.

You’re known for doing really great work with smaller spaces. Do you have any secrets you can reveal?

I think that for a small space the trick with art is to go really big. In small spaces, and I work with them so much, going floor-to-ceiling really creates a lot of drama. The pieces consume the space—and I mean ‘consume’ in the best of ways. I tend to either cover the walls in art or try and use very large pieces that literally go from floor to ceiling.

It’s also all about putting things in unexpected spaces– like hanging a painting on the door to a closet, or placing a painting behind a lamp where you would think it’s being blocked visually. It’s the notion of an unpredictable placement in a small space that creates interest.

Do you have a favorite piece of art or artist of all time?

I love Francis Bacon, he’s one of my favorites. I love John Currin. I love work going back to Renoir. I love Jenny Seville. I love a real painter, that’s what I respond to. I can appreciate a really amazing abstract—I use them all the time—but then again that it comes from someone who’s a great painter.

Francis Bacon, Self-Portrait - 1971	Jenny Saville, Rosetta 2 - 2006
John Currin, The Hobo - 1999

I’m not into the art with magazine cutouts with ink splashed over it. I enjoy modern art, but not the sort that makes obvious pop-culture statements and that sort of thing.

What advice would you give someone who is interesting in starting their own art collection?

When people first start, they tend to go for what’s popular. I think it’s important to really look around and find something you connect with and pieces that evoke some emotion in you.

How do you describe your style and how do you feel that style relates to design and art?

I am often asked to describe my style and many try and label it as “Mid-Century” or “18th Century”. For me, I think my aesthetic boils down to three words: sexy, romantic, and fantasy.

I’m trying to blur the lines between interior design, fashion and art. I want to help people realize that interior design is this cool thing that hasn’t always been represented in the energetic and youthful way that fashion or art has.

April Issue, Page 192

You worked on a makeover story in this month’s issue of Real Simple Magazine, how was Zatista a useful resource for you?

I use images from Zatista on mood-boards and client proposals. If I’m looking for an abstract, or an oil on canvas, all I have to do is search and I have an entire database that’s also available for purchase, it’s the perfect resource.

I also tend to work with younger clients. Purchasing art for them is a new and exciting endeavor. It’s a great way to get them started thinking about art without feeling intimidated or turned off by the seriousness of the New York art world.

In your opinion, does the ability to purchase original art online bring anything new to the art world that we haven’t seen thus far?

Having high-end and lower-end price points co-exist in one place. A venue where I can buy a $100 painting and a $10,000 painting for the same client in the same day is amazing.

Do you have a favor place to look at art? Galleries or museums in New York?

My favorite gallery or room is the European period room at the Metropolitan Museum. That’s obviously within the realm of interior design, but for actual art I love the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, it’s so beautiful there and the British Museum as well.

Parting Thoughts?

As an interior designer you want to give somebody something that they really love. This is a huge inspiration. You’re working with all of these different prices points: some people have massive budgets and some people have very small budgets.

I think the one thing I try to do is give people design that feels priceless, design that is so special, you can’t really put a price tag on it.

Zatista’s contributing writer Katie Enna sat down with New York based designer Anthony Cochran to discuss some of his favorite art purchases, his insights on buying art online and enhancing beautiful and timeless interiors with art.

What is the first piece of art you ever purchased for yourself?

When I was working as a waiter at Tribeca Grill in the early ‘90s, one of my co-workers, Claude Martz, brought in some drawings he had done of a girlfriend. I thought they looked like Matisse and was so moved, I asked him to do a portrait of me. It only looks a little bit like me but it’s a very simple line drawing and is still one of my favorite pieces today.

Those first few art purchases can sometimes be the most daunting. Do you have advice for those who are starting out?

The first piece of art that you buy should be beautiful to you whether it be comical, clever, crazy, edgy, or cool. Art can and should make a statement, but just remember to ask yourself “Is it necessarily a piece I want to live with for the rest of my life?” When I buy a piece of art, I think, “Is this something I can’t live without?”

What inspires you when you walk into a client’s home? Where do you begin?

I find that most of my clients will at least have one piece of art or furniture that they are emotionally attached to. I’ll usually work from there and try to incorporate the client’s personality into the rest of the room. I often look to him or her directly for inspiration.

Buying online is obviously different from seeing a piece of art and falling in love with it in a gallery. What are your suggestions for those buying online and how did Zatista help you find the right pieces?

I love painting, so I started by choosing a medium. Then I searched by size, and then by price. Then maybe I’ll search for a specific color and work from there. The great thing about Zatista is that they do the looking for you, all the hard work is done.

If you had to decorate an entire room on one color palette what would it be?

Sky.

On Zatista we provide only original, one-of-a-kind pieces that can often require you to buy on an impulse seeing how they may not be around forever.  How do you make sure you don’t miss a great piece?

If you see a piece of art that literally moves you, and you can’t stop thinking about it for three or four hours, it’s probably something that you’ll love forever. I once found a small, Cezanne-like oil painting by Charles Sibley at a flea market. I walked away from it and thought about it all day long. I finally went back and bought it. The painting cost me $600, which was a lot of money for me, and for most people, but it’s one of those pieces that I know I’ll keep forever.

More on Anthony Cochran:

Anthony’s design firm ACD is renowned for sleek yet comfortable interiors. He is also Cofounder and Creative Director of QCollection, a pioneer in high-end, environmentally friendly furniture, fabrics and home accessories.

Prior to QCollection and ACD, Anthony served as Senior Style Editor for Martha Stewart Living and worked with a variety of other influential design firms including Victoria Hagan Interiors, Stephen Mallory Associates and John Saladino Inc.

Welcome to Zatista’s new blog, WallSpin, where you’ll find fantastic design ideas for your home, introduce you to some of today’s best and brightest emerging and established artists, as well as provide you with fresh views on discovering and expressing your particular sense of style.

If you like what you see, make sure to spread the news and tell your friends about WallSpin!