Donna Lennard
Ingalls photo
If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live? South of Spain, near the sea
Tell us about your childhood bedroom? It had a navy blue wallpaper with a white outlined floral pattern, yellow shag carpet, and some kind of matching comforter and pillows!!
What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? A Jean Prouvé vintage console with blue and cream powder coated cubbies and a sliding wood door. Another big first for me was a Hans Wegner bench.
In the history of design, if you could hire any designer, who would it be? Gio Ponti
No room is complete without something vintage or antique.
People think of me as demanding, but I am really passionate and detail oriented. Though not at all OCD, I’m visual and like to see the details taken care of, whether in the setting of a room or space or in the treatment of our guests.
Things you omit from:
A flower arrangement: Baby’s breath or any extraneous greens that don’t add to the magic of the flowers chosen.
An hors d’oeuvre platter: Doilies, extra “fluff.” Fine with anything natural that lends to the visual appeal of what’s on the platter; ie. fig leaves, natural garnishes
A bar cabinet: Any artificial liqueurs and spirits
A song for:
Dinner at home: Anything from Marisa Monte, Bebel Gilberto, Lucio Dalla, Laura Pausini, and Zucchero for the right evening. But when my son is home it’s a whole different thing! He’s a 19-year-old musician, and it’s all about his mostly alternative rock playlist, I love that too!
Working at your desk: Sometimes some light Latin jazz or Miles Davis, but I prefer mostly quiet while working.
Going for a run: Not a runner, I love to walk, do yoga or ride my horse Stallone, in silence, honestly.
If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy? Natural skin care products and oils of all kinds.
Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility, if so, how? I totally love super comfortable and stylish pieces that aren’t fussy and are made of natural materials with a touch of whimsy. My favorites are all made by my friends: Maria Cornejo, Margiela, and Ulla Johnson for dress up, Rachel Comey and everything accessorized with Jill Platner jewels.
Who is your star crush? Javier Bardem, Antonio Banderes, Giancarlo Giannini, SP in Swept Away, Franco Nero back in the day.
What would it be if there were a fire, and you could only keep one design book? Charlotte Perriand
For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? Uniting people in keeping traditions alive.
ingalls photo
A Few Favorites:
Movie: Wings of Desire by Wim Wenders
Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Scent: Lavender
The fabric you always come back to: Linen
Dream project: A boutique hotel in Europe in a restored ancient farmhouse/villa with an open-fire kitchen restaurant serving Vita wares. Filled with inspiration from old and new designs.
Meal: Some delectable crudo or fresh oysters, pasta with bottarga or fresh clams, roasted fish under sea salt, and a delectably buttery thin-crusted fruit tart.
Drink: Our Alimentari Negroni or Belevedere straight-up with Castelvetrano Olives.
Hotel: Nihi Sumba, Indonesia
Travel Destination: Como Shambala in Turks and Caicos
A cause near and dear to me: Saving the planet.
Things to collect obsessively: Nothing, I’m not obsessive.
Era in the history of design: Mid-Century Modern
Museum: Guggenheim in Bilboa
Favorite person to follow on Instagram: I don’t really do Instagram
Dogs, Cats, or No Pets? Cats and Horses
