Regan Baker
photo by Suzanna Scott
If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live? New York - The ability to work and easily shop in both markets would be a dream come true. It’s also so easy to get to Europe!
What are three words to describe your style?
1. Modern
2. Inviting
3. Classic
Tell us about your childhood bedroom? My room was at the front of the house and well lit with a window off-set perfectly near a corner to maximize wall space. The opposite wall was the door to my closet. The wall sandwiching the window and closet door was a blank open wall, also the first wall you see when entering my room, which was perfect for centering and displaying my day bed with a trundle. The finals on my bed, the comforter and decorative valance above my window, all had a matching floral print. The artwork above my bed was a framed puzzle I had put together of a landscape with a pair of horses. I was a horse nut. My closet wall also showcased my great grandmother’s antique, colonial early American dresser and mirror. The wall opposite my bed was a desk, perfect for doing homework.
What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? A vintage Sergio Rodrigues Mole chair. I’ve always admired twentieth century Brazilian Furniture. Comfortable, yet sculptural hand crafted furniture. The mood it evokes is laid back elegance. Subtle details that showcase the craft and warmth of something hand made. https://www.1stdibs.com/buy/sergio-rodrigues-mole-chair/
In the history of design, if you could hire any designer other than yourself, who would it be?
Charlotte Perriand - her collaborations with Le Corbusier and Jean Prouvé are some of my favorite French furniture pieces from this era. I love the subtle details entwined with sculpture qualities of warmth and function. Functional beauty at its finest. Much of her pieces have a softer, feminine touch.
No room is complete without History - a piece of vintage furniture or art that shares a story or point of view.
People think of me as intense and driven, but I am really accessible and easygoing
Things you omit from:
A flower arrangement: Branches/twigs
An hors d’oeuvre platter: Cucumbers…just stick with crostini!
A bar cabinet: Campari (tastes too much like licorice or medicine)
A song for:
Dinner at home: Taylor Swift Coney Island with Feat. and The National
Working at your desk: Drive (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Going for a run: U2 - where the streets have no name
Biggest Vice? Instagram? - I get sucked in - distracting but also inspiration, which is why I allow myself to be sucked in!
If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy? Anything Laviva Home! https://www.lavivahome.com/
Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility, if so, how? Yes, I like so many eras of design, I like mixing vintage jewelry with new pieces, but I’m always evolving a look…just like homes, I enjoy doing different things and I’m always inspired by the combinations of new styles mixed with vintage nostalgia and classic, modern lines.
Who is your star crush? Dianne Keaton and Meg Ryan - both seem to love design as much as me, oh and Julia Roberts - she seems like she’d be a blast to hang out with…but all three of them love a suit.
What is the thing you would never do on a project, but don’t detest when you see others do it? Contrast painted crown over cabinetry. They should match or the cabinet should be built lower than the crown.
If there were a fire, and you could only keep one design book, what would it be?
The Wes Anderson Collection - Wes Anderson opened my eyes to understanding how detail can really evoke a mood. His fascination with detail…impressive. This book inspired the palette and fascination with details for my home renovation.
For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for?
Unique, intimate, classic and personal
photo by Laure Joliet
A Few Favorites:
Movie: Fantastic Mr. Fox - This film is hilarious and I’m obsessed with the crazy details. Wes Anderson is a genius.
Book: Devil in the White City by Erik Larson - so much history and great descriptors of America's world fair!
Scent: Fenty and Hermes
The fabric you always come back to: Cashmere/wool - it’s so soft and love the textural interest.
Dream project: European Villa - indoor outdoor living, amongst historical design.
Meal: Grilled octopus and homemade yogurt at Hotel Habitas in Tulum
Drink: Naked and Famous
Hotel: Gregans Castle Hotel in Ireland - maximalism yet functional. The scale of this property is amazing, you get a sense of belonging and relaxation upon arriving and then you are blown away upon entering. While I’m more a minimalist for my day to day, I appreciate the opulence and clutter in hotels. Filling a space with beautiful things is a dream.
Travel Destination: Currently Copenhagen - I haven’t been but have always wanted to go…it’s on the horizon for 2024!
Artist: Donald Judd - I’ve always loved his art, love for sculpture, chairs and use of wood. He’s brilliant. He understands the art of restraint and it’s beautiful.
A cause near and dear to me: Equity - everyone should be treated and paid equally.
Thing to collect obsessively: Decorative yet functional objects.
Era in the history of design: Modernism: Less is more
Museum: Tydo Ando and Kimbell Museum in Fort Worth, Texas
Paint Color that always looks great: Green - any shade
Favorite person to follow on Instagram: Kathryn Ireland - she’s hilarious, and so talented.
Dogs, Cats, or No Pets? Dog - we just got a puppy (mini goldendoodle) this summer! His name is Tayto. We named him after our favorite Irish crisp, which is where we were when we told our kids we were finally getting a dog!
