Designer Crush: Philip Nimmo
Author:Michelle Konstantinovsky1. Where do you currently live in CA and what’s special about how you’ve designed your personal space?
My West Hollywood loft is a loving, passionate culmination of the antiques, furnishings and art that I’ve gathered over the years. It’s a combination of furniture I’ve designed, pieces I have literally found on the street, and accessories found in flea markets and antique stores. These different pieces perhaps shouldn’t go together, but because I love each piece, they automatically become a whole. My loft is a sexy space that plays with light and dark. The space is dark and moody, but because of so many windows, it’s flooded with natural light.
2. What’s your favorite project you’ve completed to date?
One of my favorite projects was in Shasta Lake, California. My client had a lifelong dream to build a proper closet. When the house next door came on the market she snapped it up and we built a 2,500 square foot closet for her, complete with a perfumerie, shoe room, fur vault, sitting room, full bath and powder room. There is nothing more fulfilling than to help a client fulfill their fantasy.
2. What’s your dream design project and who would it be for (dead or alive)?
I’d love to design a church. A house of worship is meant to be very powerful, to elevate our consciousness and our spiritual outlook. Since interiors and architecture are such contributors to the subliminal thoughts we have in our subconscious, I would be curious to see how I could enliven the senses through a place of worship.
4. If you were gifted a perfectly furnished home but could only bring one item from your current space, what would it be?
I really love my five-piece Danish sterling silver tea set, made in 1962 by Eugene Ferner. The proportions, the shape, and the quality of construction are just unbelievable. It’s either that, or a cast iron skillet, because I love to cook!
5. Which musical artist/album has been most influential in your life and why?
The Getz & Gilberto album by saxophonist Stan Getz and guitarist João Gilberto. The album is all in Portuguese, but I would listen to it over and over again. This was the very first album I ever purchased and to this day, I still love the album and all romantic Latin music.
6. Where are your favorite places to travel and what makes them special?
I have a special fascination for Cartagena, Colombia. A very near and dear friend who is no longer with us introduced me to the city. For many years, I would spend an entire month there, and I still have a certain fondness for it.
Lightning Round
7. Coffee or tea?
Coffee, and then more coffee.
8. Ice cream or fro yo?
Ice cream.
9. Early bird or night owl?
Early bird. I like to watch the sun come up.
10. Meticulous planning or spontaneous adventure?
Spontaneous adventure…especially with someone who plans meticulously!
11. Opera or rock show?
It depends on who’s performing…but probably rock show.
