Nicole Gibbons
If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live? Since I’ve lived in places with cold winters my entire life (Michigan, Chicago and New York/Connecticut, it would definitely be somewhere where the weather is mild all year round and has a beach. By default, I think it’d be somewhere in SoCal since my sister, best friend and nieces and nephews are there. Living somewhere wouldn’t be fun without family nearby!
Tell us about your childhood bedroom? It was all pink covered in a pink, purple and aqua wallpaper with a squiggle pattern and aqua carpet and white wicker furniture. I picked the wallpaper myself! And a bonus - our playroom was covered in pink grasscloth! Having a decorator for a mom meant our spaces were very chic!
What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? I’ve always been a high-low mixer so I think my first piece of custom upholstery was a skirted single bench sofa upholstered in a teal velvet.
In the history of design, if you could hire any designer, who would it be? Well, I love Billy Baldwin – his work had a sense of modernity that was so ahead of its time and so many of his designs still feel relevant today. I always refer back to Billy Baldwin Decorates. In terms of how I’d want to live today, I’d probably choose a peer in the industry. Joe Lucas is a designer I’ve been friendly with for years and I just love his style. And Heidi Cailler’s use of color is impeccable so she’d be a great choice too!
No room is complete without great art that speaks to you.
People think of me as outgoing, but I am really introverted.
Things you omit from:
A flower arrangement: Lilies. Never been a fan.
An hors d’oeuvre platter: Olives
A bar cabinet: Gin, I’m a bourbon girl :)
A song for:
Dinner at home: Bliss Abroad by Masego
Working at your desk: Weightless by Marconi Union always gets me focused.
Going for a run: DNA by Kendrick Lamar
Biggest Vice? Sugar!
If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy? Right now I’m so into golf and I’m a total equipment junkie so I’d buy an expensive new golf shaft that I don’t need.
Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility, if so, how? Somewhat. I love a pop of color with my outfit, whether it’s a punchy colored pair of shoes or a vibrant back. But when it comes to my clothing I’m more of a uniform wearer and my style is pretty classic. I love a good button down shirt with jeans and keep my color palettes fairly neutral. But in the summer I definitely punch up the color and love a good summer dress.
What is the one thing you would never decorate your home with, but don’t detest when you see others do it? Chintz
For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? A fresh, fashion-forward use of color.
A Few Favorites:
Movie: Coming to America
The fabric you always come back to: Kravet’s Versailles velvet.
Meal: BBQ
Drink: Margarita
Hotel: Amanyara in Turks & Caicos or Le Sereno in St Barths
Travel Destination: Anguilla
Artist: Derek Fordjour
Thing to collect obsessively: Chairs!
Era in the history of design: Post-mid century 60s and 70s
Museum: The Met
Paint Color that always looks great: Current Mood from Clare, of course!
Favorite person to follow on Instagram: My bestie @lizzymathis
Dogs, Cats, or No Pets? No pets but love dogs!
