We’re back with new guest tastemakers for some quick-fire questions and a mini-curation of some fab Chairish finds!
This week, we are chatting with the dynamic duo behind Warner York Design. Tim York and Stuart Warner have been partnered since the mid-90s when Tim joined Stuart at his NYC firm. They then ventured off to Charlotte North Carolina, where they opened a design firm and retail store, and gained an illustrious clientele that included professional athletes and banking execs. They – along with their full-service design firm have since returned to NYC. Tim and Stuart are firm in their principles that less is more, form follows function and that things should be casual yet elegant; However they’re never afraid to add much-needed sparkle and impactful wow-factor, crafting fabulous spaces that are beyond their clientele’s wildest dreams.
Read on to find out about how they spruced up an NFL’s star space in an “artful” way, and how they saved an authentic slice of 1920s Art Deco from impending doom.
What upcoming projects are you most looking forward to?
We are in the middle of a gut renovation in Tribeca in a landmarked building that currently has no architectural bones. Our objective is to give the space architectural integrity, giving each room its own personality, while collectively keeping a cohesive look about the space. We will be using industrial glass walls, pecan paneling, French solid oak herringbone floors, a chef’s kitchen and custom built-ins. Hidden features, that delight and amaze. It will be everything a groovy bachelor would want in a space.
What is the most outstanding design element you’ve ever incorporated into a space?
We were faced with a living room that had 3 different sized windows and the client – being a NFL star – was expecting something beyond spectacular. Inspired by “Mao” (Tse-tung) from Andy Warhol’s portrait collection, we had one half of the Mao image silkscreened onto 10’ x 5’ panels. The panels were then attached to a custom made rigid but invisible frame, hand forged and a pulley system that allowed the screens to pass one another or simply line up. The end product was spectacular, and the three different sized windows were never an issue. In fact, they disappeared.
What kind of design additions or changes have you made to your home since quarantine began?
We – like most people that came through the pandemic – tended to work on our home and made investments in reupholstered classic pieces of furniture that I have been meaning to do for 100 years. We supported some of our artists that we represent, and bought art and framed several pieces as well. We repaired several eclectic lighting fixtures that we have collected over time and they are now all working – and looking splendid. We also went to our storage facility and emptied half of the contents, incorporated them or found them a second home donating things to the local church. This was very cathartic, and I recommend it to anyone who needs to divest themselves of items they may be holding onto out of habit. The time really allowed us to ultimately focus on our space, and the results were very satisfying!
What is the coolest vintage piece in your house? What makes it the coolest?
A 1920s French Art Deco light fixture that I made from a damaged chandelier. I salvaged the Art Deco base and art glass and had my fabulous lighting man convert to a very cool wall sconce. I was able to reclaim a funky old light fixture found in a flea market, that was only to be used for parts. Giving it a practical new life as a wall sconce made me feel good about rescuing it from a certain otherwise demise.
Who is your ultimate style icon, and why?
That being said, it would have to be Jackie O, She had an innate sense of style and mystery, and heralded such important causes as the New York Historical Society – saving the iconic Grand Central Station, and other notable buildings. She always looked resplendent when riding horses at White House galas, or simply looking chic walking to the office in her everyday attire. She made it seem so effortless and always 0 years old looking, pulled together. Jackie was a classic for all ages.
Headshot Image by Frederica Calet
