Tailored Spaces by Josh Greene

With over 18 years of experience in the design industry, Josh Greene is the creative mind behind the eponymous interior design studio based in New York. During his career, the designer has worked for luminaries including MR Architecture + Décor, Ralph Lauren, Michael Smith and Sawyer Berson, building his own unique style, characterized by a versatile and open-minded approach to design, combined with an ever-expanding range of influences. For Josh Greene, each project is an opportunity to craft unrepeatable spaces, tailored to each client.

In 2023, Josh Greene was named to the AD100, the annual directory of top interior design firms and one of the industry’s top honors. The designer has also been recognized and featured in publications including The New York Times, Architectural Digest, Luxe, House Beautiful, Elle Décor and more.

How did you first become involved in the world of design?

I grew up in historic houses and my parents were “house people” so I was always interested in architecture and spaces from a young age. I remember drawing floorplans as a kid, building Lego houses with long driveways and loved to drive around on Sunday looking at beautiful homes in Southern California. I started my career in the fashion industry but was always pulled to design and enjoyed designing my own spaces. When I was 24, I saw an exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago on homes designed by the architect David Adler and I walked out of the show committed to changing careers.

Why should an Interior Designer include pieces of Italian Craftsmanship in their projects?

Italy is known as a leader in all things design – fashion, automobiles, architecture, landscape, food and interiors. I think there is so much to learn from Italian design and historic Italian designers. It would be a mistake not to pay attention to furniture and design coming out of Italy.

When designing a room, what is the most crucial aspect for you? Talk us through your design process.

The most important thing is the layout. If the plan is wrong or doesn’t work, it doesn’t matter how pretty the space is, it won’t feel right. I’m very precise about the scale of the pieces in the furniture plan. Once that is established, it’s about the materials. The rug and the fabrics for the upholstery and window treatments. That really establishes the palette and the vibe. I’m also really aware of textures, materials and pattern combinations and scales around the entire room. Oh, and always a mix of old and new things.

Is there a dream project you aspire to work on?

I’d love to work on an incredible mid-century house from an architect idol of mine: Edward Killingsworth, Buff and Hensman, Neutra, Frank Lloyd Wright, William Cody – so many. A dream would be Case Study House #28. I’d also love to design a boutique hotel in the desert or on the beach and a groovy cosmopolitan bar or restaurant.

How would you define your signature style and how does it show in your projects?

For a while now, I’ve been designing for young families that are trading in their downtown pads in Greenwich Village and Tribeca for larger, pre-war apartments uptown. It’s something I really enjoy doing because I love tradition and prewar architecture (the best apartments really are uptown) but enjoy updating it all in a way that feels fresh. The spaces are polished and stylish but still comfortable. Not stuffy.

Is there anything exciting you’re working on that you can tell us about?

Speaking of uptown prewar apartments, I just moved to a new place myself in a building from 1929 designed by Van Wart and Wein who aren’t as well-known as some firms but designed some famous buildings including 10 Gracie Square, 40 5th Avenue and the Campanile. The apartment has an incredible, generous layout with big rooms and a wood burning fireplace and city views. My goal has been to take this classic space and make it a bit sexy so I’m channeling my inner 1970s and 1980s. I’ve also used it to showcase some of my own products (furniture, wallpaper, medicine cabinets, rugs and fabrics) and those of my many friends in the design industry. I’m trying to use something from all of my friends and favorite fabric houses.