“Structure with a bit of whimsy.” That’s how Pierce & Ward chooses to describe their aesthetic, and we couldn’t agree more–it’s the perfect characterization of their impeccable, eclectic interiors. Imagined by friends Louisa Pierce and Emily Ward, who, as strangers, met serendipitously at a NYC bar and discovered a mutual love of design and vintage, Pierce & Ward has taken the design industry by storm as of late. Their unique mix of pattern, affinity for multiple style eras, and keen eye for global accents has led to celebrities like Lily Aldridge, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Brie Larson clamoring for their work. For those of us who have had to take a back seat to the celebs, Pierce & Ward also just launched their own shop, filled with just the kind of covetable, and quirky but refined antiques you’d expect from the duo.
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To say we’re obsessed with this fabulous twosome might be a bit of an understatement, so we were thrilled when we recently got the chance to sit down and Louisa and Emily and fire-off all of our dying-to-know questions at them. From the places they go for design inspiration (did your city make the list?) to their favorite color combo (it’s so fitting), Pierce & Ward share their M.O., below.
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Favorite item on Chairish right now:
We love the Lalanne Style Sheep Figure. Emily has one in her living room!
Favorite thing about designing with vintage pieces:
Vintage pieces instantly bring soul and warmth to a room.
Favorite way to work a bit of vintage into a room:
We typically balance out at about 80% vintage and 20% new, so we work it in everywhere! Coffee tables, art, lighting, rugs, whatever!
Favorite paint color:
“Retreat” by Sherwin Williams. Paint colors can be tricky, and this one works in any space no matter the lighting.
Favorite color combo:
Dusty rose and olive green.
Favorite pattern (and how you love to use it):
We love a striped pattern. It’s a nice way to add structure to our whimsical aesthetic.
Favorite way to add drama to a room:
Lighting is everything–it creates the mood.
Favorite design rule to break:
Rooms with little natural light we like to paint a dark color to make them moodier.
Favorite way to mix high and low:
Inexpensive vintage lighting with expensive rugs. There’s nothing worse than a cheap rug.
Favorite source for design inspiration:
Walking the streets of our favorite cities: San Francisco, NYC, New Orleans–the old architecture and colors inspire us.
Favorite beauty/grooming product:
P50 – Biologique Recherche: A magic potion that makes your skin radiant.
Favorite travel destination:
Louisa: New Orleans for the colors, the soul, and the food.
Favorite hotel to check into:
Louisa: Soniat House, New Orleans.
Emily: Chiltern Firehouse, London.
Favorite weekend activity:
Beaches–Malibu, or Florida’s Santa Rosa Beach.
Favorite morning beverage (and how you take it):
A “Golden Latte” from Erewhon. It’s heaven in a cup. It is the most energizing drink ever! It has turmeric, ginger, spices, and all sorts of crazy ingredients.
Favorite way to treat yourself:
Korean baths in Korea Town, L.A. Somehow you feel comfortable standing in a roomful of naked strangers.
BFavorite thank you/hostess gift:
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Astier de Villatte incense.
Favorite adult beverage:
Louisa: Sparkling Greyhounds (Tito’s, grapefruit juice, La Croix pamplemousse).
Emily: Dom Perignon.
Favorite entertaining essential:
Margaritas with Patron, Cointreau, Paul Newman’s lemonade, salt, and ice.
Favorite saying/quote:
“This too shall pass” and “Don’t know ‘til you try.” (These are our mantras).
Favorite artists:
Cy Twombly and Matisse.
Favorite thing to collect:
Vintage nude art.
Favorite restaurant:
Speranza in L.A. and City House in Nashville.
Favorite hotel to recommend to visiting friends:
Sunset Tower in L.A. and Louisa’s guest house in Nashville.
Favorite local culture hub:
The Getty Museum and The Ryman Auditorium Nashville.
Favorite local attraction:
Emily: Loves living near the Hollywood sign.
Louisa: Loves Radnor Lake in Nashville.
Favorite local flea market/vintage hunting ground:
Mart Collective in L.A. and Gaslamp Antiques in Nashville. They have the best curated booths.
Lead photo by Matthew Read.