Karl Lagerfield once said "there's something boring about people who have to go to an office for a living". Equating office work with boring people is, of course, Mr Lagerfield's choice to make. But in many respects, the office can reflect the person and there's always something interesting about that.
Taken further, the work spaces of creative people are often as interesting as the people that occupy them. In our view, such work spaces can inform and inspire the occupant and their work. Indeed, the work space/worker relationship is important in all forms of labour but particular so in the creative world. It is a relationship that we aim to explore further in the blog as a recurring feature. Think of it as an ongoing rebuttal to Mr Lagerfield's argument.
The New York studio of Marcus Hay is an active endorsment of our rebuttal. We have previously profiled the Australian-born style creative director, interior design and writer before. Here are some visuals of his studio located in the vibrant Chelsea neighbourhood in Manhattan. Let's visit and take a look around.
What is most notable is that colour dominates the studio. Varied in hues and blushes, the colours lift the space and gives it an irresistible life.
Who doesn't appreciate the look of a beautifully designed bottle of alcohol and a well-stacked yet properly portioned bookshelf? Both can add tremendously to the look of a room. A case in point is Marcus' precisely placed bookcase and the elegant drinks tray above.
[Note: the terrific Wellington bistro Capitol has a great display of interesting bottles behind the bar. It certainly adds to what is a quality eatery. Great food and service too. Five stars.]
In New York, the dimension of one's office can greatly dictate the look. We like the embedded desk here. It is undeniable stylish, and speaks of a smart and economic use of space.
As an observation, there is a lot going on in Marcus' studio. Nevertheless, it is beautifully configured and visually alluring. The artefacts that populate the desks, shelves and walls are many as they are varied. You get the sense that they all have a backstory that is important to Marcus, his team, and their work. They are clearly things that matter and provide a semblance of insight into the occupants. And in the absence of an explanation behind each artefact, it is far from boring to wonder about their respective origin and particular significance. What we can be certain of is that they look great.
Words by Craig Greaves.
Photographs by Jonny Valiant via Studio Marcus Hay.
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