A Conversation with Nicole Hollis

Nicole Hollis is a designer and creative director whose mission is to conceive timeless interiors that elevate the human spirit. As founder of NICOLEHOLLIS, she leads an award-winning collective of interior designers, interior architects and furniture designers to orchestrate her holistic approach to the art of living through residential, hospitality and product design. This year, Nicole graces our Design & Art Advisory Council, and we took the opportunity to ask her rapid-fire questions about her go-to NYC spot for creative inspiration, a recent project she's proud of, and more.

Art + Design Favorites

What exhibitors are you excited to see at the fair?

Looking forward to seeing Jeremy Anderson's ceramic lighting for Gallery FUMI, David Gill Gallery from the U.K.,  Pace African & Oceanic Art, NILUFAR, and Maison Gerard.

What’s your favorite piece of art/design in your own home or collection?

Porcelain "Owl on Branch" by David Wiseman.

How would you describe your own style when it comes to interior design or decorating?

Emotional, textural, and personal to each client.

If you were designing your dream home, which pieces would you choose?

Mario Bonetti Table Lamp "Twist" at David Gill Gallery and "Ephyra Pendant" by Jeremy Anderson at Gallery FUMI.

What’s your go-to NYC spot for creative inspiration?

Typically visit The Met for inspiration, always starting with Egyptian art.

What’s your favorite NYC building?

Frank Loyd Wright's Guggenheim Museum.

Lifestyle

What are the first three songs on your “get work done” playlist?

“Everything In Its Right Place” - Radiohead

“Feel Good Inc” – Gorillaz

“One Day Like This” – Elbow

Best design book / podcast / meme / blog / article you’ve consumed recently?

I recently watched “RIPLEY” on Netfix which led to a deep dive into the life of Caravaggio. Read the book Caravaggio: A Life Sacred and Profane by Andrew-Graham-Dixon, which tells about his dark life in Milan, Naples and Rome.

Advice

What’s your advice to an entry level design collector?

Collect what you love. Not for investment value but emotional value.

What’s the best design advice you’ve ever received?

You learn more from your mistakes than from your success.

Plugs

What’s a recent assignment or project you’re proud of?

I am most proud of my recent book Artistry of Home published by Rizzoli. Photographs by Douglas Friedman and designed by Todd Richards.

What upcoming project(s) are you most excited about?

So many exciting projects in the works. Private Residences in Hawaii, a Ranch in Jackson Hole, Penthouse in Tribeca, and Surf Ranch for Kelly Slater in Austin, TX to name a few...