While maintaining a minimal and contemporary aesthetic, Olivia added warmth to her apartment by fusing earth tones and natural fibers with pops of color from art prints by Josef Albers and Henri Matisse. As far as her favorite space to relax, she credits her living room: “It’s a naturally lit nook perfect for spending hours on the sofa with some design books.”
Thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, the apartment is drenched in natural sunlight throughout the day.
Olivia lounges on her modular sofa by .
And while her home certainly feels like a home–not a hotel room–her passion for travel can be seen throughout every corner of the space. “My design inspiration is broad and a direct reflection of my travels: My table is by the French modernist Charlotte Perriand, the sofa is by a Danish brand called Muuto, the bed is from Modernica in Los Angeles, and my homeware objects are sourced from brocantes and markets from Paris, Porto, Marrakech, and the Yucatan,” says Olivia, adding that she sells some of those finds on Bon Weekender.
One major benefit of moving into a building designed by an architect you admire? Getting the kitchen of your dreams. “I love the black marble backsplash and the abundance of shelving, which is an important New York amenity,” says Olivia.
By combining California vibes with her culturally enriched taste in high design and personal objects, Olivia’s apartment becomes not only a grounding escape from the hustle and bustle of New York, but an evolving tribute to all the places she’s been. So until borders open up again, she sits cozied up in her Muuto chaise sectional reading design books, dreaming up her future travels with the promise of new inspiration to share with us all.
A marble and a Contax camera found in Japan sit atop a
⚒ Do It Yourself
Allow your space to evolve over time “Great furniture is either an investment or takes time to find,” says Olivia. “Allow yourself time to be intentional about every piece that comes into your home.”
Personalize the details “Objects, art, and accessories are a great way to express your tastes more personally,” notes Olivia. “I love objects with a backstory.” She seeks out independent ceramists for vases, sculptures, and kitchenware and visits markets and galleries when she’s traveling abroad.
“I collect vintage magazines and beauty objects that function as art appliqué, like the French fragrance brand Ormaie and the new Hermès beauty line.”
A white rug from warms up the bedroom.
Find beauty in your everyday objects “After reading , I’m convinced that taking a sense of pride and aesthetic pleasure in the home objects you utilize the most makes daily tasks feel ceremonial,” she says.
Use flower arrangements as works of art Olivia has been learning about , the Japanese art of arranging flowers, and constructs her own architectural arrangements. “They are ephemeral pieces of art that transform a room while expressing seasonality,” she notes.
Housewares Olivia has collected from all over the world include a Rojo marble bowl from Morocco, a cutting board from Porto, a knife gifted by French chef Alain Passard of L’Arpège, and shot glasses from Puebla, Mexico. “The mini glazed bowl is a ceramic I made at on the Lower East Side,” she notes.
? Shop It Out
Goodbye Picasso, by David Douglas Duncan, first edition, $150,
Blue Nude by Henri Matisse art print, $14,
Connect modular sofa system by Muuto,
Mexique 527-2 dining table by Charlotte Perriand for Cassina, $2,640,
Olivia taking full advantage of her building’s amenities, which include an outdoor pool and a private interior courtyard.
