The A List

The A List: Nick Olsen

Nick launched his own firm in early 2010 and creates comfortable interiors that nod to the past while maintaining a sense of humor and whimsy. He mixes antiques and modern artwork with signature élan, never one to shy from bold color, pattern, or an overscale gesture.

After having earned a degree in architecture from Columbia University Nick Olsen mentored under renowned decorator Miles Redd for five years. While learning the business of design he filled his first studio apartment with color, personal treasures and ingenuity, and that space landed on the cover of Domino magazine in 2006. Nick launched his own firm in early 2010 and creates comfortable interiors that nod to the past while maintaining a sense of humor and whimsy. He mixes antiques and modern artwork with signature élan, never one to shy from bold color, pattern, or an overscale gesture.

Gramercy Park Home Living Room - A large abstract painting and modern table lamp contrast with the finely carved console in the living room.

Nick Olsen

Recent projects include a Greek Revival townhouse in Brooklyn Heights, a family’s swank Upper East Side apartment in a Peter Marino-designed building, and a new shingle style waterfront home in Nantucket. In addition to Domino his work has been featured in House Beautiful, British Homes & Gardens, Veranda, and Architectural Digest. In August 2013 one of Nick’s first decorating projects made the cover of The World of Interiors.

True craftsmanship is something you can see and feel. In an era of machine manufacturing and relentless prop styling, it's refreshing to own something of utmost quality that stands apart.

West Village Home Living Room

What does "Made in Italy" mean to you?
Luxury, ingenuity, and closest attention to detail.

Who has inspired the most your work and style?
My former boss and mentor, Miles Redd. He's a very creative person working in a pragmatic, service-oriented business, and he makes it look effortless.

West Village Home Master Bedroom

Tell us something about your design approach and philosophy
If a room doesn't function then all decoration is fairly pointless. So I start with a strong furniture plan and try to create a harmonious mix of textures, colors and patterns to best reflect whoever's living there--hopefully the end result makes us both smile.

What is the one decor you cannot imagine your clients (or yourself) living without?
It sounds silly but throw pillows! A single chintz or antique textile pillow in a sea of solid fabrics can give a room so much personality

West Village Home Living Room

Brooklyn Heights Townhouse Living Room

Gramercy Park Home Master Bedroom - Pops of color liven up this serene master bedroom.

What is your idea of the ‘ultimate luxury”?
Time. Time to relax, to travel, and to truly enjoy your family and friends.

Brooklyn Heights Townhouse Sitting Room - Elements of orange and copper were woven throughout the neutral backdrop of this contemporary renovation to play up the client's request for a "steampunk" inspired scheme.