Who better to give us advice on decorating than Iris Apfel?
The world’s most fashionable nonagenarian has, from 1948 to 1992, ran the textiles firm Old World Weavers with her husband; worked on design restoration projects at the White House for nine presidents; and was the subject of a 2005 exhibition at the MET (‘Rara Avis’, or ‘Rare Bird’), as well as a 2015 documentary by Albert Maysles, Iris, which delves into the witty and stylish designer’s experiences in design and fashion.
More recently, Apfel has collaborated with crystal glassware brand Nude. The collection – featuring vases, whiskey glasses, beakers – first came out late last year and launched formally at international fair Ambiente this month.
I think Nude is very careful in protecting its legacy and keeping everything top-drawer. It makes beautiful things that are absolutely divine,” Apfel tells Home Journal. I like the quality and the design of Nude’s pieces. They have a clean, contemporary feel even though many of them are traditional shapes. They mix with everything and for this reason, they can be used as part of both a maximalist and a minimalist interior.”
The collection is about taking existing Nude products and putting my stamp on them in the only way I know how, by adding layers of decoration and colour,” says Apfel on her collaboration with the brand.
My entire home makes me happy, because it feels like I’m being greeted by a lot of old friends.”
– Iris Apfel
She singles out the paperweight as her favourite. Because who doesn’t want to have their own face on their desk?” she says. I had suggestions about colour, that kind of thing. I put my personal touch on it. I’m happy that I’ve inspired Nude to bring out their playful side. It’s a fun, colourful piece that shouldn’t be taken too seriously. There’s no fun in taking life too seriously.”
The iconic designer has put her stamp in many places throughout her nine-plus decades. Early in her career, she worked at Women’s Wear Daily, for interior designer Elinor Johnson, and as assistant to illustrator Robert Goodman. These days she’s collaborated with MAC on a makeup collection, designed eye glasses for Eye-Bobs, and also served as a professor at the University of Texas at Austin.
When it comes to being at home, we asked Ms. Apfel whether she has a favourite room in the house. My entire home makes me happy, because when I go there it feels like I’m being greeted by a lot of old friends,” she says.
I have two homes; they’re quite different. New York is much more serious, it’s very old European. Palm Beach is more playful, but also has antiques. I much prefer antique to contemporary.”
As a fan of having no rules, Apfel shares her one advice when it comes to decorating the home. Your home should mirror your personality,” she says. And it’s better to have a few things that are against the decorating rules – which I don’t think there should be any of anyway – than to have everything so perfect.”
The post Iris Apfel’s One Tip on Decorating the Home appeared first on Home Journal.
