We’re back with a new guest tastemaker for some quick-fire questions and a mini-curation of some fab Chairish finds!
This week we are joined by designer, Eric Haydel. Eric’s path to design dominance could best be described as non-traditional. After a stint in political organizing and a move from the deep south to Boston, Eric made a total career pivot into the wonderful world of interiors. Today, with nearly 10 years in the industry, Eric has assembled a certifiable creative domain from his Beantown base. In addition to creating dynamic, elegant spaces with his firm Eric Haydel Design, Eric also maintains the Eric Haydel Showroom at the Boston Design Center, where he houses his own upholstery collection, textile collab with LebaTex, and leading design brands. Oh, he’s also developed the Eric Haydel rug collection and line of home fragrances in his oodles of free time. Mogul status ✔️.
Read on below to see what this rising design star is currently coveting from Chairish 一 plus what triggers his inner design nerd!
Last show you binge watched?
The last show I binge watched is Versailles. I am simply obsessed! From the detailed costuming to the elaborate sets, this series is one for the summer binge-watching list. I even have to admit, almost begrudgingly, that I discovered my inner design nerd, pausing the show from time to time to Google and research people, places and the architecture mentioned throughout the series. I am simply devastated that season four was canceled.
Coolest vintage piece in your house?
The coolest vintage piece that sits in my home is an army green footlocker that traveled across the vast ocean to war. This gift from a family friend even had the original navy “blues” and “whites” from the sailor that is once belonged to. The footlocker, now used as a coffee table, sits in my library space and is often the spot friends and I gather around to share stories and laughter.
Ultimate style icon?
I think for me the ultimate style icon is Ralph Lauren. I have so much of his clothing, home lines, and accessories, plus the largest coffee table book known to man in my own home. I think he is not only a marketing genius, which is key to being an icon, but he is thoughtful and authentic to his style and vision. From the start of his brand until now, and what will likely continue well after he’s gone, is a movement that is un-copyable. Ralph Lauren truly shaped the American lifestyle more than any contemporary designer in our lifetime.
What’s a current trend you hope doesn’t exist in 100 years?
Hands down it would be shiplap. Speaking purely for the current interior design movement, for most design professionals this needs no further explanation. This interior treatment fad has become an overused and almost insult to one of the oldest and most effective ways of building wood frame homes, barns, and other forms of architecture.