• Richard Gillette: The Art of the Interior

    by  • 21 Jun ’11 • books, profile • 8 Comments

    I was beyond thrilled when a copy of Richard Gillette’s The Art of the Interior (Rizzoli) recently showed up at my office. While I knew little of the talented Gillette, it did not take long to realize that the designer clearly has the eye of an artist.

    Born and raised in New York, he earned his B.A. in Art History from the School of Visual Arts. A painter by training and passion, the visionary designer creates spaces that are inspired by the works of the great artists.

    The Art of the Interior showcases twenty interiors and is accompanied by essays written by Gillette, offering his perspective on the projects and the sources of inspiration. Although his style palette ranges widely, from Cubism to Minimalism, Pre-Raphaelite Deco to Rococo, all of the apartments and homes featured share a common element: each design was inspired by a central and unifying piece of art that informs the space.

    His work has been featured in publications such as Architectural Digest, New York Magazine, House and Garden, Elle Décor, Gentlemen’s Quarterly, Cosmopolitan, Vogue, and The New York Times, as well as in a number of books including In The Neoclassic Style.

    What is your favorite luxury in life?
    Great quality olive oil and a powerful computer

    Past or present who has most influenced your direction in life?
    Francis Ricardo, my brother who first believed in my talent and insisted I come to live in Manhattan.

    How would you describe your personal style?
    My style is something I never think about. To describe it I would say a modern version of a 1930s sensibility – a bit theatrical.

    What is your most prized possession?
    Besides my health, a little ancient Roman bronze figure.

    What is your idea of earthly happiness?
    To sit quietly with myself.

    What is the one thing in life you cannot live without?
    Sunshine, light

    What inspires your creativity and designs?
    Life, nature, art, other artists

    Who are your style icons?
    Jean Cocteau, Eileen Gray, Robert Adam

    What books are currently on your bedside table?
    Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
    Hearts of the City: The Selected Writings of Herbert Muschamp
    Teaching Yoga by Mark Stephens

    Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project?
    Frank Gehry or Mark Morris

    Profile by Ronda Carman

    8 Responses to Richard Gillette: The Art of the Interior

    1. 21 Jun ’11 at 3:04 pm

      People underrate the importance of art (of a certain level) in their interiors. The images are just brilliant examples of what can be accomplished with a little more than a colored poster to match the sofa. Thanks for bringing this book to my attention!

      • allthebest
        21 Jun ’11 at 3:57 pm

        I agree and you are welcome. Enjoy!
        Best,
        Ronda

    2. 22 Jun ’11 at 4:34 pm

      I love that he is inspired by nature and can not live with out sunshine and light and to sit quietly with him self… I too, love good olive oil….
      He and Mr. Wolf are pleasures to read about…

      Great find Ronda……

      xxoo
      Melissa

    3. 22 Jun ’11 at 4:35 pm

      Thanks for introducing me to this book….I WILL BUY IT!! Definitely has the vision. Thanks, Rita distinctivemantles.com

    4. 22 Jun ’11 at 6:24 pm

      Love the light image…I’m there! K

    5. john gonzalez
      22 Jun ’11 at 6:54 pm

      A true artist. Richard combines design with art making beautiful music for the eye to enjoy.

    6. 28 Jun ’11 at 5:29 am

      Stunning! He has great talent! What a pleasure to see his work!
      Thank you for the introduction
      Most kind regards
      Jamie Herzlinger

    7. 28 Jun ’11 at 6:35 pm

      Posting about you and Sferra on Thursday.
      Let me know if you are ever in Scotland!

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