alexaportrait_circle.jpg

Welcome

“As a resident of the world of design since birth, I’d like to take some time to celebrate some of the people and things in that world that I admire. I hope you come along for the ride. And, as my name has really taken a beating these last couple of years, -thank you Mr. Bezos, - feel free to think of me here by my nickname: Lex. And, please also enjoy this completely un-recognizable and years old headshot.” - Alexa Hampton

Hema Persad

Hema Persad

Lindsay Calhoun

Irida Mete

If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live? A New York City penthouse overlooking the river

What are three words to describe your style?
1. Rich
2. Global
3. Organic

Tell us about your childhood bedroom? I grew up in the suburbs of Toronto in a house that my parents built in the 80s. So there was a LOT of oak and wall-to-wall carpet everywhere. I shared a room with my sister, and when I got my own room, I convinced my mom to order me a bed in a bag from the Sears catalog. It was a pink and purple quilted bed set with hearts on it and ruffles. I thought it was amazing.

What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? A wood dining table. I think we paid about $1500 for it, which felt like a lot at the time. It stayed with us for 13 years!

In the history of design, if you could hire any designer other than yourself, who would it be? This is hard. Probably Roisin Lafferty of Kingston Lafferty Design in Ireland. Their work is so cool and different, and I admire the way they pair colors and textures.  I also love The Archers and Hommeboys.

No room is complete without accessories and artwork (styling).

People think of me as stylish, but I am really a dorky bookworm. 

Things you omit from:

  • A flower arrangement: anything purple. 

  • An hors d’oeuvre platter: anything fried. it gets soggy in 2 seconds.

  • A bar cabinet: any alcohol that comes in a plastic bottle or a box.

A song for: 

  • Dinner at home: "Come Through and Chill" by Miguel

  • Working at your desk: "Regulators" by Warren G

  • Going for a run: "Cuff It" by Beyonce

Biggest Vice? French fries.

Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility? If so, how? Yes, in the sense that I like to mix textures and wear clothes that I can actually move in. I also like to incorporate something from my heritage or travels where I can, and I tend to design with and dress in a lot of earth tones.

For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? Making people of color feel seen and included in the high-end design conversation.

Irida Mete

A Few Favorites: 

  • Movie: The Devil Wears Prada

  • Book: Anything Harry Potter. 

  • Scent: Cedar

  • The fabric you always come back to: Linen

  • Dream project: A beachside boutique hotel. And my own forever home.

  • Meal: Sushi 

  • Drink: Coffee

  • Hotel: The Zadun Ritz Carlton Reserve in Cabo San Lucas

  • Travel Destination: London

  • A cause near and dear to me: There are too many.  I guess if I had to pick two it would be Alzheimers, and education reform.

  • Thing to collect obsessively: Unique perfumes from places I visit

  • Era in the history of design: Now. There are no rules anymore and the design industry is more inclusive.

  • Paint Color that always looks great: Sage Green

  • Dogs, Cats, or No Pets? No pets now but maybe a dog one day.

Michael Mitchell

Michael Mitchell
Tom Kligerman

Tom Kligerman

Related Posts