JOE NYE- by Susanna Salk for 1stdibs
“Probably my greatest inspiration are my clients,” says designer Joe Nye, “they have incredibly interesting lives and I learn so much from them. And once I find out who they are aesthetically, I rely upon my own imagination to find what could be best for them.” The admiration is clearly reciprocated as Nye’s clientele, who range from philanthropists to lawyers on both coasts, continually bring Nye into their familial fold as he creates the ideal shelter for theirs: “When you are seated at the family table at their wedding,” says Nye, “then you know you must be doing what you love because at that point, it isn’t about decorating anymore; it’s evolved into something much greater.”

Ever since he launched his own firm in 2002, Nye has established himself as one of the leading names in Southern California’s design world, who is as deft at bringing his refined sense of luxury to an 1809 Manhattan townhouse as he is in creating a mountain home in Sun Valley. “We are doing a number of wildly different projects now,” says Nye. “We just finished a home in Brentwood for a young lawyer and filled it with mid-century modern furniture by acclaimed designers Roberto and Mito Block from Mexico City. We also did a colorful redo to a renowned Paul Williams house in the desert.” Regardless of the location, Nye always knew that no matter where he was, he was going to be surrounded by design. “I was very involved with the decoration of my family home in the Midwest starting when I was about ten years old. While my siblings were playing football, I was happily polishing the silver and arranging flowers,” remembers Nye.  “I had an innately stylish mother who made me read the New Yorker and nurtured my curiosity of beautiful things.”

When college friends asked Nye to outfit their stock brokerage offices, he was on his way to fulfilling what seemed pre-ordained. “It was the greatest compliment that, dozens of years later, they have reused the same paint, fabrics and wallpapers that I had originally chosen for them!”

When Nye eventually moved out to Los Angeles, he became director of Suzanne Rheinstein’s celebrated interior shop, Hollyhock. “Suzanne has absolutely the best taste of anyone I have ever known,” says Nye. “And our days were filled with as much laughter as anything else. She helped train my eye into mixing the humble with the grand. Understanding the philosophy of ‘Timex’ or ‘Rolex.’” To this day, they remain incredibly close and Nye is proud godfather to Rheinstein’s new granddaughter.

Presently, Nye enjoys passing along the style experience he has gleaned to his gamut of clients. “We love it when clients want to be educated and brought along,” says Nye. “Actually, we kind of insist that they have a desire to learn, as it makes it so much more of an enjoyable process that way.” Together, they search for that ideal mix that excites as much as soothes: “ I love to play an 18th century European antique alongside a 50’s George Nelson pendant lamp,” he explains. “I want the rooms I design to ooze comfort but also have a sense of innovation.” And he still gets a thrill from the journey as much as the destination: “There’s nothing more fun for me than being in our fabric library and putting together a room – or curling up with a Sotheby’s catalogue. That’s nirvana.” 

Is there a design rule you always like to break?

I would like to say that I am sick of rules but rules are what make good decorating become great. My staff would tell you that I am so neurotic about everything down to the tiniest detail, even things I know no one will ever notice but me.

I only have $1,000 to spend: what should I buy?

All the design books that interest you.  There are dozens of websites and stores where you can get your favorite reads for practically nothing. Stack them on the floor and use them as an ad hoc lamp table until you can get the real thing.

What is the best design mistake you’ve ever made?
I bought a huge abstract expressionist painting that I was absolutely certain the client would love.  They didn’t and it is now happily residing in my living room.

What design accessory in your opinion is completely overrated?
This list could go on forever. Coral anything, rock-crystal anything, magnifying glasses.

How best to embrace a favorite pattern in a small room?
Use it on everything: the walls, the upholstery, the curtains...and don’t get timid about breaking it up with another fabric. Claremont’s Mortefontaine Gris would be amazing.

How do you encourage bringing your client’s personal style into their rooms?

Lots of personal – Personal photographs of family and friends in sterling silver frames and objets d'art that reflect who you are: if you're a fashion gal, black and white fashion photographs from the 30's and 40's are appropriate… if you are outdoorsy and love nature, collect wonderful photographs of landscapes. Remember, however, that this can get tricky; just because you love golf, we don't necessarily want to see photographs of Arnold Palmer all over the walls. Instead, take all those glorious loving cups and trays and really build a trophy room around them. And some Essex green dark walls and a wool plaid from Loro Piana for the upholstery.

Is there such a thing as too much good taste?

“Good taste” is such a relative thing. I will say that when decorators fill every spot with things of great pedigree and provenance, it all becomes an incredibly boring room.  You have to have whimsy, wit, and humor in a space.  And I know that the term “high/low” is practically cliché these days, but it definitely applies to the design of a room.  Everything can’t be perfect or expensive.  Frankly, it doesn’t matter to me what anything costs…I don’t care if it’s $1 or $100,000….it’s all about style, not necessarily “good taste.”
Eccentric isn’t a bad thing.