Thad Hayes
photo by Scott Frances
If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live? South Louisiana, currently under progress.
What are three words to describe your style? 1. Understated 2. Elegant 3. Edited
Tell us about your childhood bedroom? The last iteration of my childhood bedroom was a pair of twin beds arranged in an “L” shape with a low, large square end table as the corner piece – the table was hollowed out at one end and allowed one bed to be pushed in halfway which created more floor space & acted as a lounging area. The bedspreads were a bright red and dark navy buffalo check with coordinating bright red curtains and dark navy walls. And in true early 1970’s form, I added a strobe light along with a black light and my pots of incense were burning at all hours.
What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? A unique Harry Bertoia sculpture – still love it today.
In the history of design, if you could hire any designer other than yourself, who would it be? Ward Bennett.
No room is complete without: Natural sunlight and a fresh breeze.
People think of me as anti-social, but I am really enjoying spending time with myself.
Things you omit from:
A flower arrangement : Heavy Scents
An hors d’oeuvre platter : Veggies
A bar cabinet : Liquor and Wine
A song for:
Dinner at home : Anything by Burt Bacharach.
Working at your desk : Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young
Going for a run : At the moment “God Control” off of Madonna’s latest album “Madame X”.
Biggest Vice? Ice Cream before bedtime.
If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy? Custom Nike Shoes
Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility, if so, how? No, you can typically find me in a black t-shirt and Levi jeans. I’m a blank slate.
Who is your star crush? Frank Ocean.
What is the thing you would never do on a project, but don’t detest when you see others do it? Overstuffed pillows that look like fortune cookies.
If there were a fire, and you could only keep one design book, what would it be? “Katsura: A Princely Retreat” by Nishikawa & Naito
For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? Calming, simplicity, a collection of beautiful things and above all a happy place for art.
photo by Scott Frances
A Few Favorites:
Movie: “Auntie Mame” – with Rosalind Russell
Book: “One Hundred Years of Solitude” by Gabriel Garcia Márquez
Scent: Fresh Rosemary
The fabric you always come back to: Any and all of Sam Kasten’s handwoven fabrics.
Dream project: A modern fishing camp tucked into the marshes of South Louisiana.
Meal: Hamburger and French Fries
Drink: Water
Hotel: There are two in Los Angeles that I can’t mention because I’ve been boycotting them for the last 5-years.
Travel Destination: The West Coast of the U.S. particularly San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles.
Artist: Toyin Odutola, her work is mesmerizing.
Thing to collect obsessively: Russel Wright’s melamine plastic dishes – hundreds of them in multiple colors, just a crazy ass collection!
Era in the history of design: 1945 – 75
Museum: The Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum
Paint Color that always look great: Donald Kaufman Color DKC-31
Favorite person to follow on Instagram: Jane Hess aka Medora @medora2014 – her daily bits of history and storytelling are compelling.
Dogs, Cats, or No Pets? Dogs, particularly Pit Bulls, they’re very misunderstood.
