Gideon Mendelson
photo by Eric Piasecki
If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live? I’ve been lucky enough to call Sagaponack my second home for several years. In fact, it was actually our first home until we finally bought an apartment in Brooklyn. For a third home? A modest villa in Tuscany might do the trick.
What are three words to describe your style? 1. Timeless 2. Layered 3. Personal
Tell us about your childhood bedroom? It had wall-to-wall carpeting. There was a lot of Formica – a Formica desk and millwork. Sage green and white polka dot walls. There was a lot of stereo equipment and many tennis posters. But, it was the 80s, so I forgive my mother.
What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? My husband bought me an antique Belgian armchair that he saw me admiring. It’s still my favorite piece in the house.
In the history of design, if you could hire any designer other than yourself, who would it be? David Hicks
No room is complete without Something personal – it needs something that means something to you. It could be a collection of items, art or picture frames with photos of your family.
People think of me as ________, but I am really _____________. As a designer, people expect me to be formal, serious and over the top. They come to realize that I am extremely approachable, unassuming and fun to work with.
Things you omit from:
1. ) A flower arrangement: anything other than the flowers themselves
2. ) An hors d’oeuvre platter: olives with pits int hem
3. ) A bar cabinet: the mini bottles that people accumulate
A song for:
1. ) Dinner at home: anything by Ray La Montagne
2. ) Working at your desk: whatever my young, hip team dictates we are listening to in the office. I recognize none of it.
3. ) Going for a run: any early U2
Biggest Vice? Mexican Food. I love it so much. I want to eat it all the time!
If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy? Socks, ties and sneakers.
Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility, if so, how? I tend to dress casually, but I’m always interested in comfort, texture and layering - just like in my work.
Who is your star crush? Chef Sean Brock – I really love his story.
What is the thing you would never do on a project, but don’t detest when you see others do it? Very traditional window treatments. They aren’t my style, but I do appreciate a beautiful swag.
If there were a fire, and you could only keep one design book, what would it be? The Art of Interior Decorating | Author: Eddie Fredricks Illustrator: David Pascal
For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? I would like the homes that we design to have an impact on our client’s lives – for the spaces to have made them happier, more relaxed, closer as a family, inspired to create or more productive – whatever it is they were looking to make happen. That’s what design can do.
photo by Eric Piasecki
A Few Favorites:
Movie: Cinema Paradiso
Book: Anything by John Irving
Scent: Fresh mint in my garden
The fabric you always come back to: Holland & Sherry Melange Wool Flannel. Nothing drapes better
Dream project: A boutique hotel
Meal: I make a mean chicken schnitzel!
Drink: Dr. Green Juice from Juice Press
Hotel: Shutters in Santa Monica
Travel Destination: Italy is always my favorite.
Artist: William Kentridge
Thing to collect obsessively: Red Wing pottery
Era in the history of design: 1950s
Museum: Frick
Paint Color that always look great: Skylight by Farrow & Ball
Favorite person to follow on Instagram: Alison Roman - @alisoneroman
Dogs, Cats, or No Pets? No pets. My building doesn’t allow pets but I do love a big dog!
