Having already been added to Elle Decor‘s prestigious A-List and named an “interior designer on the rise” by Vogue, there aren’t many achievements that Young Huh can’t claim. Her work has been published everywhere from Real Simple to The New York Times, and she’s a frequent creative contributor to the industry’s foremost showhouses (we spoke with her about this very topic on the Chairish podcast, in fact). We wanted to go further behind the scenes with this design dynamo, so we asked Young for her take on shopping vintage, making statements in her spaces, and what clients are looking for in our current work-from-home world. Scroll down to see what she had to say, and be sure to shop her exquisite curation of Chairish finds.
Now that people are largely working from home, is there a demand for a particular room or category of furniture / decor that your clients are asking for (i.e. home office, outdoor living, better lighting)?
With people traveling less and working from home more, I think home offices and outdoor areas will continue to be a focal point over the next year. The demand for beautiful and functional home offices is up, as people now spend 40+ hours a week in these spaces. I’ve also seen an uptick in clients wanting to redo their outdoor gathering spaces, especially in their vacation homes — they want the boutique hotel experience without having to travel for it. Some people are actually working from their outdoor spaces too!
You’re a bit of a showhouse design expert. Is there one piece of advice that you can offer first-time showhouse designers?
Make sure you have the funds to see your vision through. Showhouses can be expensive and unexpected costs always come up. Be prepared financially so you don’t have to change your vision to cut costs. It’s your moment to tell your story to the world!
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
Someone once told me not to spend too much time looking left or right, but to focus straight ahead on my work, vision, and dreams; to celebrate others, not compare myself to them; and to make sure I always find the time to do the parts of design I enjoy.
On Antiques & Vintage…
What do you find most compelling about Chairish?
Aside from the very practical aspect of Chairish for my business, the sheer volume of items at all different price points makes for a thrilling experience. When I search for a particular item and see page after page of results, it gets my heart pumping! To wit, I enjoy the hunt for the perfect piece and seeing everything else along the way.
Are there any dream vintage/antique “gets” you wish you could have? What’s a dream piece for you?
A desk by Aldo Tura in goatskin.
What are three of your favorite pieces on Chairish now?
1970s Maison Jansen Hollywood Regency Brass Flower Lamps – a Pair – I love botanicals and I’m always drawn to anything Maison Jansen; it’s the perfect pairing for me.
19th Century French Louis XVI Chaise Duchesse Brisee – Set of 3 – I adore an antique Duchesse Brisee… it’s such a pretty and functional piece of furniture.
Set of Four ‘Fer Forgé Rond’ Iron Chairs Designed by René Prou, Circa 1940s – These are so delicate and gorgeously flirty!
On Design Favorites…
Favorite way to create a statement-making moment in a room:
The perfect wallpaper or the perfect rug.
Favorite iconic piece of vintage design:
Anything Jansen!
Favorite decorating cheap thrill:
Accessories — finding pretty objets, vases, sculptures, and boxes is such a thrill. I buy these items up so I have them on hand for installations.
Favorite paint color:
I love C2’s A Capella — it’s such a pretty, perfect Tiffany Blue.
Favorite decor piece in your home:
An 18th-century Italian urn in my dining room.
Favorite designer from the past you most often turn to for inspiration:
Madeleine Castaing, and right behind her are Renzo Mongiardino and Dorothy Draper.
Favorite design destination every decor lover should visit at least once:
Gustavian interiors beckoned me to Sweden and I fell in love. I recommend a stay at Ett Hem — the best kind of boutique hotel — and a visit to Drottningholm Palace and its Chinese Pavillion, among other sights.
On Lifestyle Favorites…
Favorite vacation destination (next time you travel becomes an option):
Hawaii, where my husband is from. We go every year!
Favorite podcast:
I love my friend Paloma Contreras’ The Style Files Podcast — the interviews are intriguing, I always learn something, and it’s a wonderful way to keep abreast of the industry.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow:
@everyoutfitonsatc, @thedecoratorsclub, @williamlinyc
Favorite hostess (or thank you) gift:
It changes, as I try to make it thoughtful and specific to the person. That being said, I love giving and receiving gorgeous flowers — the right flowers are never cliché.
Favorite style icon:
Diana Vreeland — she had such an interesting, unique, and inspiring relationship with color, obsessing over finding the perfect hue but having fun in the pursuit; this pursuit is a thrilling part of the design process for me as well. I love watching The Eye Must Travel.
Favorite flower:
Dahlias are my favorite! Or maybe ranunculus? Or poppies? It’s too difficult to choose.
Lead image of Young Huh by Michael Schwartz
