To design for oneself in the home, the inspiration must come from something personal and worthy of expressing through design. Find a story and then seek out the tools to tell it. — Campion Platt

Campion Platt’s concepts are the kind that reveal themselves slowly. Every detail holds a great deal of depth, but you’d be forgiven for missing the subtext amid the beauty, craft and richness of his projects. Renowned for his bespoke luxury interiors, Platt designed the dining room at this year’s Holiday House Soho in New York’s Sullivan Mansions. His concept — Black Friday — teases out the tension between festive cheer and the shadow side of the holidays. Yet he pulls it all off playfully, with wit, a wink and a nod. Here, he shares the inspiration behind his design, plus his personal stories of Black Friday doorbusting.

PR: What was it about Black Friday that inspired you to select it as your theme for Holiday House? Do you have any Black Friday tales to share? Or are you more of a Cyber Monday shopper?

CP: I did spend one Black Friday at a BrandsMart starting at 5:30 AM to buy all the TVS for a house. We loaded up a 1970s convertible Cadillac with the TVs, leaving absolutely no room to sit. Otherwise, I am a Cyber Monday shopper.

PR: How did you translate the chaotic, festive dichotomy of that day in your design?

CP: It’s most noticeable in the controversial art depicting money, commerce and current affairs. My favorite was the painting above the buffet by Marc Lafia from Cure8Group. It precisely portrays our concept of excess.

PR: Why did you select the dining room as your space?

CP: The holidays revolve around meals, so the dining room was the perfect space. We knew it we wanted it from the start.

PR: Where did you begin with your design concept?

CP: We always try to pick holidays that have a psychological component to make guests contemplate not only the aesthetic of the design, but also the meaning behind it.

PR: How would you describe the mood of the space?

CP: Festively dark.

PR: Textiles and upholstery are a strong component to your design; tell us how you incorporated them?

CP: We teamed up with Alcantara from Milan, using their exquisite textiles in unconventional ways to demonstrate the range of the brand. We used the textiles for wall treatments, curtains and pillows.

PR: Tell us about your lighting concept?

CP: We used lamps, rotating wall sconces and standing lamps to light the room more like a grand entryway than a traditional dining room. Doing so made the room more comfortable and inviting. The window bench and side benches near the fireplace enhanced that concept.

PR: What qualities drew you to Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams furniture?

CP: They were the perfect partner because of the breadth of their products and their modern and transitional approach.

PR: What other show houses have you participated in?

CP: Holiday House, Kips Bay, Palm Beach Show Group and Esquire Showhouses. Additionally, we are designing an entire home in Michigan next year as a showhouse.

PR: As a designer, how does the experience of creating a space for no intended client compare to your usual projects?

CP: Showhouses are a unique short-term project that the entire office can get involved with. It showcases everyone’s individual talents and ideas on a project that’s not dictated by a client. It’s a great team builder and helps solidify the design ethos of the office.

PR: Why did you want to participate in this year’s Holiday House?

CP: I always contribute to philanthropic causes (Holiday House benefits the Breast Cancer Research Foundation) but more specifically, I appreciate the effects of Holiday House for the design community. We are a small industry and need all the PR we can get, so sharing vendors and cross promoting is a great way for us to showcase our vendors’ new products.

PR: This year’s Holiday House moved from its usual Upper East Side townhouse to a downtown locale. Did you think about the neighborhood, and the vibe when creating your space?

CP: Yes, absolutely, the design and space lent itself to something much more modern and edgy than it had in the past. I live in Soho close by, so I am very familiar with the area.

PR: Showhouses inspire homeowners and design enthusiasts to express themselves in new ways. How do you suggest individuals do that in their homes?

CP: To design for oneself in the home, the inspiration must come from something personal and worthy of expressing through design. Find a story and then seek out the tools to tell it.

PR: What draws you to the Asian aesthetic in your work?

CP: I appreciate the precise, fresh, and magical elements in the Asian aesthetic.

PR: Do you specifically seek out Asian pieces; or do they just find their way into your projects?

CP: I find Asian pieces often speak to my designs, the lines are modern with a nod to history, which parallels my own work.

PR: You selected some Pagoda Red pieces for our Gift Guide; anything you still have your eye on?

CP: I liked a lot more than I selected; I just have to find a home for them!

Feature image of Campion Platt standing in his Holiday House space in 2015; photo by: Nick Johnson Photography; all other images courtesy of Campion Platt

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