Nick Ozemba
photo by jess laird
If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live? Mexico City—somewhere with texture, history, and a strong sense of place.
What are three words to describe your style? Layered, Simple, Thoughtful
Tell us about your childhood bedroom: It was very simple—just the essentials. I had a bunk bed, which made the room feel like an adventure
What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? A painting by my friend Charlotte Hallberg—completely impractical at the time, but I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
In the history of design, if you could hire any designer other than yourself, who would it be? Pierre Chareau—for his material sensitivity and poetic engineering.
No room is complete without Something with a story.
People think of me as decisive, but I am really always editing in my head.
Things you omit from:
· A flower arrangement: baby's breath
· An hors d’oeuvre platter: anything tooth picked
· A bar cabinet: flavored vodka, gross
A song for:
· Dinner at home: “Time's A Wastin” – Erykah Badu
· Working at your desk: The Velvet Rope Album – Janet Jackson
· Going for a run: "Good Form" – Nicki Minaj
Biggest Vice? Shopping.
If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy? Anything at auction—or 20 dinner plates I don’t need.
Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility, if so, how? Yes—my wardrobe leans on simple tailoring, subtle texture, and one unexpected detail.
What is the thing you would never do on a project, but don’t detest when you see others do it? An all-white room. Beautiful in theory, but I need a little friction.
What design book do you find yourself going back to again and again? Right now I keep referencing "Carlo Scarpa: Glass of an Architect"
For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? Creating pieces and spaces that invite people to slow down, notice the details, and feel something.
photo by jess laird
A Few Favorites:
Movie: I Am Love
Book: Cookbooks
Scent: Burning sandalwood
The fabric you always come back to: Corduroy
Dream project: A boutique hotel
Meal: A long lunch with many courses and no end time
Drink: A bitter mezcal Negroni
Hotel: Ett Hem in Stockholm
Travel Destination: Mexico City
Artist: Recently, I've been drawn to the work of Serge Poliakoff
A cause near and dear to me: Supporting emerging artisans and preserving endangered craft traditions
Thing to collect obsessively: Handblown glass
Era in the history of design: Art Deco
Museum: The Noguchi Museum
Paint Color that always looks great: Chocolate brown
Favorite person to follow on Instagram: @hauteville_paris
Dogs, Cats, or No Pets? Dog person through and through.
