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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

Veere Grenney

Veere Grenney

Lindsay Calhoun
photo by David Oliver

photo by David Oliver

If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live? I am very lucky enough to have a second home and it is in Morocco.

What are three words to describe your style? 1. Eclectic 2. Classical 3. Contemporary

Tell us about your childhood bedroom? My childhood bedroom which is the first bedroom I ever designed, had a black and white floor and I covered the walls in burnt orange hessian. I had a brass four poster bed I painted the furniture black gloss and I had two yellow blow-up chairs – all very 60’s!

What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? I have never bought investment pieces I’ve only ever bought what I loved. However, the first item I ever bought of any value was a late 19th Century terracotta sculpture of a shrouded woman. I still have it and still love it. 

In the history of design, if you could hire any designer other than yourself, who would it be? If I could hire any architect, it would be John Soane and if it could be any designer it would be David Hicks.

No room is complete without either a touch of black or a touch of gold. 

People think of me as terribly English, but I am really a New Zealander, which always surprises people and amuses me.

Things you omit from:

  • A flower arrangement : anything artificial

  • An hors d’oeuvre platter: anything complicated that requires a utensil

  • A bar cabinet: long stemmed wine glasses

A song for: 

  • Dinner at home: the Bruch Violin Concerto

  • Working at your desk: Mendelssohn

  • Going for a run: I’m afraid I am not a runner, but I do adore walking and when I do, I do without music

Biggest Vice? Linen sheets, changed everyday

If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy? Paintings everyday 

Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility, if so, how? Yes, my clothes do reflect my design; sensibile, practical and chic.

Who is your star crush? Carole Lombard

What is the thing you would never do on a project, but don’t detest when you see others do it? Sill length curtains

If there were a fire, and you could only keep one design book, what would it be? David Adler

For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? The integrity of the design for the suitability of the project.

photo by Lucas Allen

photo by Lucas Allen

A Few Favorites

  • Movie: Suddenly, Last Summer with Montgomery Clift and Elizabeth Taylor

  • Book: The Glass Bead Game by Hermann Hesse

  • Scent: Polo by Ralph Lauren

  • The fabric you always come back to: Fortuny, Brown Tapa

  • Dream project: A large old-fashioned house in Southampton, Long Island

  • Meal: Anything Italian

  • Drink: White Wine Kir

  • Hotel: Peponi Hotel Lamu, Montefoire Tel Aviv, L’Hotel Marrakech by Jasper Conran

  • Travel Destination: Calcutta

  • Artist: Roger Hilton

  • Thing to collect obsessively: Books

  • Era in the history of design: 1960’s

  • Museum: Victoria & Albert Museum, London

  • Paint Color that always look great: Temple Pink, Paint & Paper Library 

  • Favorite person to follow on Instagram: Hamish Bowles

  • Dogs, Cats, or No Pets? Always dogs and a singular cat to keep the mice away, it is impossible to live without a pet. 


Ingrao, Inc.

Ingrao, Inc.
Malene Barnett

Malene Barnett

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