Charlie Ferrer Curates The Uncommon

An Elle Decor A-lister and sought-after curator, Charlie Ferrer has a unique approach to vintage—and an uncanny eye for art. “I ask clients how they’d like to feel in their spaces. Quite often, how they answer is aligned with what they collect,” he explains. “The more vintage the better.” Read on for his collecting tips and his Chairish picks.

SHOP CHARLIE FERRER’S CHAIRISH FAVORITES >>>

You describe your work as the “joint practice of an interior design studio and design gallery.” How has incubating talent and collecting vintage pieces informed your interior design practice, and vice-versa?

Absolutely, I am fascinated by material and finish and the processes by which both are manipulated to achieve warm, humanly effects. I’ve learned what I know by making new objects in collaboration with various talents and by studying and reworking old objects. My practice reflects both processes and, indeed, one informs the other — I bring insight and references mined from my knowledge of vintage to the contemporary makers I work with. I find this is met with enthusiasm and leads to better design. 

Tell us about your approach to vintage and antique finds. When did you start your collection and how has it evolved over time?

I started about twelve years ago. Initially shopping the Paris markets. They were different then, far less produced and curated than they are now. You had to dig and edit. I was so green, the down and dirty hunt was thrilling. I grew a vicarious appetite for stuff, not always making the best judgements on value. This (very much ongoing) process of exploration by gut and accumulation of knowledge has refined my eye and taste over time. It continues to make me more selective and attuned to the types of pieces that support my vision for my projects. 

How does a collection guide your approach to an interior for a client? And how would you recommend collectors create spaces that can evolve with their collections over time?

I keep returning to the word feeling. I ask clients how they would like to feel in their spaces. Interestingly, quite often, how they answer is aligned with what they collect. 

The more vintage the better. Old furniture lends itself to being rearranged / remixed. The proportions and scale are superior to most of what we see in the contemporary market. So then, as a collection of art gets reinterpreted in breadth and presentation over time, so can a collection of furniture and objects. 

Any tips for installing artwork? Every space is unique, but you’ve worked with so many collections, we’re wondering if you’ve developed some general guidelines for two- and three-dimensional artworks, depending on the type of space?

I urge my clients and friends not to obsess too much about rules and conventions when planning the installation of art. The selection and placement of works can be thoughtful while still being improvised. Key considerations include factors like scale, medium, theme, UV exposure. I like to hang things instinctually – low and high, above doorways, low to the floor. One can always re-hang later if something feels off.

The guiding question should be: how do I best honor each work and convey the overall point of view of a collection. Art can imbue spaces with emotions that are difficult to achieve without it — joy, calm, energetic tension — all leading to a sense of knowing and seeking. 

What’s currently inspiring you?

I am keen on applying materials other than paint and plaster to walls and ceilings. May it be wallpaper, textural wallcoverings or patterned papers or upholstery. These applications make spaces cozy and warm and more connected to periods where richness and softness were focal.

ON PAMONO, CHAIRISH & VINTAGE PIECES

What do you find most compelling about Pamono and Chairish?  

The ease and efficiency of the interface and the breadth of material one can shop. Customer experience as well has always been top notch.  

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

This is something at top of mind more and more. With a growing understanding of micro plastics and unnecessary and harmful chemicals that litter our world, we are now screening for PFAS when we select textiles. The case that using vintage is more green is tricky. We are constantly shuttling vintage items great distances and that transit has a significant environmental impact. I am not sure how to mitigate that carbon footprint.

A FEW DESIGN FAVORITES

Favorite way to create a statement-making moment in a room? Not a particularly original concept but I go for a strong mix of furniture forms with amazing fabrics. If you can get the mix of shapes, heights and materials to a special place, the whole room veers toward transcendent. 

Favorite paint color? Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace remains a go to for a clean crisp and not cool white. 

Favorite piece of decor in your home? Gae Aulenti’s hooded “Pileo” floor lamp. 

Favorite style icon? The Borsani brothers. 

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

A FEW LIFESTYLE FAVORITES

Favorite Instagram accounts to follow? @remy_renzullo, @the_london_list, @leahoconnelldesign

Favorite hostess (or thank you) gift? A vintage vessel brimming with cut flowers. 

Favorite vacation destination? Ibiza for its unique mix of everything. 

Favorite flower? Very soft pink dahlias. 

Favorite entertaining essential? A crystal decanter. I like the ceremony of pouring wine from the bottle before pouring wine to guests. 

Lead Image: Interior Design by Charlie Ferrer | Photography by William Jess Laird.