The Editor’s Eye: An Interview with Top Design Journalist, Nicole Haddad

Tastemakers in every discipline are regarded for their ability to communicate how they see the world using their platform to reach audiences; those who may already be involved (the easy part) and then those who never connected the dots in the past in a way that impacts their life and ultimately the decisions in their passions.

In design, journalists must play the role of writer, designer, and audience all in one. This ability to listen to the world as it speaks to them in multiple languages (art, fashion, music, design, images, symbols, floor plans) and then translate that into something tangible for us to grasp is what makes people like Nicole Haddad, of New York Spaces Magazine, an arbiter of chic — and all the great things that come along with it.

We had the chance to interview Haddad to get into the Editor’s mind (a tool we as designers and design lovers yearn to develop for ourselves) and see what it is that she sees; and when she sees it.

HC: 2018 – can’t believe it’s here! Based on your expertise and that editor’s eye….what are some trends you foresee?

NH:

I can’t believe it is here either! I am rarely drawn to trends—good design will always be GOOD design. There are a few trends I can get on board with though, many in the same vein.

KEEP AN EYE OUT:  

1.

The rising importance of art in the design world. How many times has a room been designed around a rug? A chandelier? Or an heirloom antique? In the last two years, I have seen a large rise in interior designers’ use of art as an essential design tool and/or even as a starting point in their work. The intermeshing of the two worlds has allowed designers—by virtue of their clients—to act as patrons of the art and support both emerging and established artists, as well as to be the arbitrators of a great wealth of information. This has also allowed companies like Trunk, Twyla, Artsy, and Eaton Fine Art to flourish.

2.

Shared everything. From WeWork spaces to sharing images (when credited) on Instagram or Pinterest and wonderful platforms such as Minted—which allows artists and creatives to showcase and apply their work to mediums and audiences that would otherwise be out of their reach—they are all beautiful concepts designed to benefit participating parties. Visually, Instagram continues to grow as a great source of inspiration, sales, and self-promotion for designers, budding artists, entrepreneurs, photographers, etc.

3.

The use of technology in architecture and design to lower our carbon footprint and improve the holistic quality of our lives. Firms such as Hariri & Hariri and Gensler are creating incredible environments designed to improve our everyday lives, and they are doing it in the most cutting-edge manner possible with a big dose of beauty.

4.

The value of craftsmanship in all of its forms. This last year I was blown away by the amount of beautiful handcrafted ceramics, though it was obvious in all aspects of design. Many of the makers are incorporating innovative new techniques and/or incredible new patterns that exhibit a lack of uniformity, thus in itself celebrating authenticity and a rejection of mass-produced items.

5.

Flattering lighting, warm woods, and a return to pastels. I think warmth and comfort with a focus on livable luxury is definitely coming back.

What are you excited to see going out of fashion?

White minimalist boxes… I love color. While I don’t think it needs to be plastered all over the place, color adds energy and warmth. And don’t get me wrong, I am a huge fan of minimalism—even if I can’t quite follow it in my own life—but I like a space to feel lived in.

What’s a design destination for you—i.e where do you like to travel for inspiration that you can bring back to the office?

Literally anywhere. The streets of New York are always incredibly inspiring, but that being said, I am a travel freak. Our editorial director, Jason Kontos, always jokes that I should just leave my bag at the airport. Mexico has always been incredibly inspiring to me but Morocco is high on my list of destinations—I have a feeling that it will be a source of endless inspiration.

 

What happened in your life this year that you’ll be needing to channel in your inner designer?

Well, I wish I could say I came into a large sum of money so that I could redecorate our apartment. BUT, I had the most amazing year in terms of love and family. I got married, went on an epic honeymoon, and celebrated the marriages and engagements of so many incredible friends. I also became Editor of The Goods, our biannual product issue geared towards the trade.

I think I am always on the hunt to find the most interesting new designs, products, and designers to feature in upcoming issues. We also launched Exuberance, an LGBTQ-oriented design and lifestyle magazine we are so incredibly proud of (exuberance.com). We loved our first issue but our second one is even better—please stay tuned! It is coming out soon.

What’s your own design style like?

Well, our apartment is covered from floor to ceiling in artwork. For lack of a better word I would say it was eclectic. I love the mix of high and low, old and new. Two of my husband’s (SebastianVallejo.com) large-scale paintings dominate one entire wall.

What’s one design trick you can let our readers know that works in any space?

I would really just say to only live with what you love.