With an impeccable eye for detail, it’s a bit mind boggling to learn that Young Huh, principal of Young Huh Interiors, didn’t start off her career in design. A true Renaissance woman, Young studied English as an undergrad before obtaining a law degree at Fordham Law. Yet throughout it all, Young maintained a side-long-glance-type relationship with art and design. Consequently, when an interior design internship presented itself, she snapped it up, and her creative instincts came roaring to life.
Young’s interiors are marked by her ability to incorporate a vast range of ideas into a single vision. Due to her masterful command of styles, from historic to contemporary, Young’s interiors reflect her love of art and artisans, materials and textures. We recently chatted with Young to learn more about her design influences, must-have patterns and colors, and how she’s able to get that just-right mix of antique and modern flair in her spaces. Read on below, and see Young’s curated collection of Chairish favorites here.
Favorite thing about designing with vintage pieces:
“With vintage pieces, you are able to take a pleasant interior to something extraordinary and artful.”
Favorite way to add drama to a room:
“Add something ugly. Seriously! You need to include a piece of furniture or art that adds tension and contrast. If every single item in the room is just pretty, it can be a snore.”
Favorite source for design inspiration:
“I find biographies of extraordinary people really inspiring. Reading about unique ways of thinking reminds me to stay on my own unique path.”
Favorite paint color:
“‘C2 Paint A Cappella C2-717’ is the most extraordinary and perfect turquoise blue. Benjamin Moore’s new ‘Century Paints Blue Mascari’ is another new favorite. This deep blue is transporting.”
Favorite pattern (and how you love to use):
“I love any Persian or Mughal inspired flower or tree pattern.”
Favorite design rule to break:
“That every fabric scheme should have a floral, stripe and solid. Though its always a good formula!”
Favorite color combo:
“Light blue with a bright bright red. Black and white with emerald green.”
Favorite way to mix high and low:
“It’s really easy to mix high and low when you keep things of a similar color. For instance, I collect white pottery – everything from 16th century antique pieces to Ikea. Because they’re all white, they all look good together. You can do that with textiles and art.”
Favorite way to work a bit of vintage into a room:
“Oh, what way do I not like working it in? Perhaps my favorite thing is to buy an old chair with great wood carving or detail and reupholster it in something modern and snappy. The combination of the patina and character of the wood and the modern fabric always looks amazing and one of a kind.”
SHOP YOUNG HUH’S CHAIRISH FAVORITES >>
Lead photo by Ngoc Minh Ngo. All photos courtesy of Young Huh.
