Christina Nielsen
photo by manufoto
If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live? London
What are three words to describe your style?
1. Eclectic
2. Malleable
3. Layered
Tell us about your childhood bedroom? Pink and green Quadrille toile everywhere – I remember it so clearly – the walls matched the upholstery and window treatments – it was very much a Mario Buatta 90’s moment!
What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? A George Smith sofa that I found at an estate sale – it was a steal and I reupholstered it in a Rose Uniacke mustard velvet fabric – to this day, it’s still my favorite piece.
In the history of design, if you could hire any designer other than yourself, who would it be? Rose Uniacke
No room is complete without art.
People think of me as, serious (in professional settings), but I am really, self deprecating and love to make others laugh (when I don’t have a businesswoman hat on).
Things you omit from:
A flower arrangement: Lilies
An hors d’oeuvre platter: Roll mops
A bar cabinet: Jack daniels
A song for:
Dinner at home: Mercy Mercy Me by Marvin Gaye
Working at your desk: Dreams by Fleetwood Mac
Going for a run: Independent Women by Destiny’s Child or Touch the Sky by Kanye/Lupe Fiasco
Biggest Vice? Online shopping or pasta
If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy? If money were no object… I’d buy a Patek Philippe yellow gold bracelet watch. If we’re talking a more realistic buy – Khaite denim. My uniform is typically jeans, a t-shirt and a blazer.
Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility, if so, how? I would say so – my wardrobe is more or less tailored and classic but I layer in fun color and patterns via accessories.
Who is your star crush? Richard Gere in “Runaway Bride” – always!
What is the thing you would never do on a project, but don’t detest when you see others do it? Ball pillows
If there were a fire, and you could only keep one design book, what would it be? Old Homes, New Life: The Resurgence of the British Country House.
For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? Understated elegance and always pushing the envelope – no project ever looks the same as another.
photo by manufoto
A Few Favorites:
Movie: Erin Brokovich. On a lighter note, favorite romcom is How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days.
Book: “Three Women” by Lisa Taddeo or “Kitchen Confidential” by Anthony Bourdain
Scent: L’iris by Santa Maria Novella
The fabric you always come back to: Larsson by Robert Kime
Dream project: A Georgian townhouse in London
Meal: Penne with homemade pesto
Drink: If it’s alcoholic, it will always be red wine – a French burgundy would be my favorite. Non-alcoholic – I love coke (always better in a glass bottle) with ice and lemon.
Hotel: Royal Mansour in Marrakech
Travel Destination: Formentera
Artist: Marilyn Minter
A cause near and dear to me: The Red Ribbon Foundation
Thing to collect obsessively: Tabletop – I love collecting one of a kind plates, glassware and linens from all over the world. Each piece has a story behind it and a special memory.
Era in the history of design: Georgian
Museum: Musée d’Orsay
Paint Color that always looks great: Breakfast Room Green by Farrow & Ball
Favorite person to follow on Instagram: Keith McNally – he provides constant entertainment
Dogs, Cats, or No Pets? Dogs always
