Inside Artist Josh Young’s Home

Artist, designer, and author of the book Artful Home, Josh Young’s Virginia home is the perfect balance of classic and casual style. Here, he shares a peek inside the space along with a brilliant curation of vintage pieces and original artworks.

SHOP JOSH YOUNG’S CHAIRISH FAVORITES >>>

You studied in Milan and worked as a textile designer before establishing your current practice as an artist, designer, and author. How have these experiences influenced your approach? How has your work as an artist informed your design practice, and vice-versa?

I approach a room the same way I approach a canvas. For me, it’s always been about creating harmony, balance, and juxtaposition with just the right amount of tension. I hyperfocus on scale, contrast, texture, and form. Just as I can tell when a painting has evolved into the vision I originally had in mind, I know a room’s composition is complete in the same way.

Tell us about your book. How did you choose the projects to feature, and what are you most excited about as you prepare for it to launch?

The book was something I have always wanted to create. It was important for me to take the time needed in order to make sure I personally wrote it, that a certain percentage of the photos were mine, and that I also styled and directed the shoots. It is a deeply personal project and I want the readers to feel that there is an extension of myself within the book; there are even handwritten pages from my personal journals. It is a deep dive and look into my life as an artist as well as my personal studios and homes that I have created throughout the years. The book is arranged by five guiding elements that I live by and apply in my work (palette, texture, form, layers, and nostalgia). I wanted to show how my style is applied in very diverse settings. For example, a utilitarian work environment, a city setting at our townhouse in DC, and the countryside at Sycamore House in rural Virginia.

From day one, I said to my editor that I wanted to have a book that is not only beautiful inside and inspiring on the pages, but I wanted it to be a beautiful object as well. Therefore, we were very intentional about the photos on each side of the jacket and for the cover itself to have texture and feature my artwork–a bloom piece in black and one in white. This allows the reader to have multiple options of how they wish to display and incorporate the book in their own space, even acting as a piece of art.

So much of this book is an example of how I take my own creative point of view and apply it throughout everything in my life. I want readers to be able to step back and be inspired to discover what their guiding principles are in establishing their own point of view in their projects. Ultimately, the book is meant to inspire the reader to dream while providing tangible takeaways for them.

Tell us a little bit about your approach to vintage. How do you like to bring antique and vintage pieces into your projects?

I love pieces that have a sense of use and patina and that feel like they have lived. Vintage pieces can create tension within a room that ultimately feels finished and refined, and really keep the space grounded, creating a more inviting and lived-in space. They keep a space from feeling like a sterile showroom. You have to be really intentional about what you’re curating for a space–knowing how and why you’re using it, which I think is one of the cool things about incorporating vintage pieces.

Any tips for installing artwork? Every space is unique, but you have a way of arranging artwork in layers, which creates the sense of a truly collected space.  We’re wondering if you’ve developed some general guidelines for two- and three-dimensional artworks, depending on the type of space?

A big thing for me is scale. I’m usually inclined to use an oversized piece to anchor a room; but I’m also known to layer artwork and hang pieces in unexpected places. It’s fun to have a true mix of artforms; I love layering black and white photography with framed abstract art. This can be done on a commode, an entry table, or in more unexpected places like a door or a folding screen. I typically rely on art to encourage guests’ eyes to wander and truly experience a space.

ON CHAIRISH & VINTAGE PIECES

What do you find most compelling about Chairish?

I love how Chairish offers so many unique and beautiful pieces, but it’s edited and curated in a way that makes it easy to digest what I’m specifically searching for. 

How does sustainability factor into your design choices and love of vintage?

Probably 70% of my interiors consist of vintage or antique pieces. Nothing is a better example of this than Sycamore House.  I often find that vintage and antique pieces are so well made that I know they will last for years without needing to be replaced.

A FEW DESIGN FAVORITES 

Favorite way to create a statement-making moment in a room? One of two things: To find an otherwise forgotten corner or overlooked spot in the room and to create an impactful vignette–this could consist of adding in a vintage dresser, layering a mirror or artwork and a beautiful lamp. Something that typically acts as a resting place for your eye to be drawn to not only creates a layering component to a room, but helps to make the space feel more intimate. The second would be to use large scale artwork to add drama and to truly fill a wall.

Favorite paint color? Dimity by Farrow & Ball.

Favorite piece of art in your home? The variety of antique portraiture I have collected, typically 18th century.

Favorite style icon? Heath Ledger.

Design destination every creative should visit at least once? Milan.

A FEW LIFESTYLE FAVORITES

Favorite vacation destination? Anywhere in New England.

Favorite hotel that’s inspired your work while traveling? The main lobby of The Carlisle in New York.

Favorite hostess (or thank you) gift? A unique and beautiful candle or a special coffee table book about an artist or designer that I love.

Favorite flower? Lilacs.

Favorite entertaining essential? A good playlist.

Lead Image: Design by Josh Young, Photography by Kirsten Francis.