Christine Gachot
photo courtesy of Pendry Hotels
If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live? We have a home out in Shelter Island and it truly is a dream come true. SI is such a community-driven place and we are lucky to be a part of that magic.
What are three words to describe your style?
1. Inviting
2. Friendly
3. Thoughtful
Tell us about your childhood bedroom? My mother always allowed me to change it up – often. Think 70’s rainbow wallpaper (with matching bedding!). In college I was in charge of our suite design; each year we had a different look…a lot of Mauve in those days! And yes, I’m still best friends with my roommates (and my mother, thankfully!).
What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? Art! We were fortunate enough to have extremely talented friends. John bought a Nancy Lorenz piece for me and I purchased him a Mathew Benedict painting. We have since collected several of their pieces. The best way to collect art is to collect work created by those you love.
In the history of design, if you could hire any designer other than yourself, who would it be? Lighting designer Hervé Descottes. No matter what or where, he makes everyone look beautiful!
No room is complete without your own personality.
People think of me as, I don’t know, I don’t think I’m a big topic, but I am really a cheerleader at heart!
Things you omit from:
A flower arrangement: More than one species; I like my flowers simple and elegant.
An hors d’oeuvre platter: Anything your guest doesn’t like or has an allergy to.
A bar cabinet: Typical snacks. Think fun! Think local!
A song for:
Dinner at home: That’s a list, not a song, but I do like setting up to Frank Ocean’s “Super Rich Kids”
Working at your desk: Playlist made by Boris “For Mom”
Going for a run: “Otis” by Jay-Z and Kanye…and then I walk…
Biggest Vice? Halloween Candy! Valentine’s Day Candy! Christmas Candy! It’s the thematic packaging that I can’t resist.
If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy? I tend to be thoughtful and deliberate when shopping. But after brunch and a cocktail at Le Bilboquet one might see a shopping bag from Loro Piana delivered to the front door…
Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility, if so, how? Very much so – I always think about that perfect Prada pencil skirt when I design. It isn’t about re-inventing the wheel; it’s about hitting just the right details and executing them perfectly.
Who is your star crush? Wallace Shawn. John saw him on the street once and asked him for a photo for me, and he was very sweet but confused by the conversation “my wife thinks you’re hot – can I take a photo with you?” Very thoughtful, but a little weird…
What is the thing you would never do on a project, but don’t detest when you see others do it? Lots of floral pattern, or pattern-on-pattern. My preference is usually to focus on tonal color, rich texture, and material. But I certainly appreciate those who are maestros of pattern play.
If there were a fire, and you could only keep one design book, what would it be? Taschen DOMUS.
For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? We always want our projects to be notable for how inviting and hospitable they are. There is no bigger compliment than a client telling us how comfortable a space makes them feel.
photo by Nicole Franzen
A Few Favorites
Movie: Goodfellas
Book: “Hotel-Hotel” by Martin Kippenberger
Scent: La Tulipe from Byredo
The fabric you always come back to: Camel color – with different textures!
Dream project: Another hotel, always!
Meal: Dinner at Donna Lenard’s Il Buco
Drink: VSC Machete. If you know, you know.
Hotel: Ett Hem in Stockholm
Travel Destination: I’m always asking, “where is the new must visit hotel?,” and planning around that.
Artist: John Gachot
A cause near and dear to me: Public schools are such an essential resource for our community. P.S. 188 is a particular school dear to us because it is in the “backyard” of our studio. They do such incredible work to serve not only children in need but their families too.
Thing to collect obsessively: Everyone has their own thing. I love gifting, so once I find out what that thing is I get to obsess on it for others.
Era in the history of design: A mix of 30’s and 50’s modernism
Museum: I have many, but The Met is in my backyard. I always look forward to the roof exhibitions.
Paint Color that always looks great: Wimborne White by Farrow & Ball
Favorite person to follow on Instagram: @metmuseum
Dogs, Cats, or No Pets? We’re a dog family. Slim is the star character in our show.
