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Most Iconic Interior Designers: David Hicks
David Hicks was a prominent English interior decorator and designer, renowned for his innovative approach to interior design during the 1960s and 1970s. Born in Essex, Hicks attended Charterhouse School and later the Central School of Arts and Crafts in London.
He began his design career in 1954 when House & Garden magazine featured his decoration of his mother’s London home. This exposure led to a flourishing career, with Hicks becoming one of London’s most sought-after designers. His style was characterized by the bold use of contrasting colors, geometric patterns and the eclectic mixing of antique and modern furnishings. Hicks’s clientele included royalty, aristocrats and celebrities, and his projects spanned private residences, hotels, restaurants and even product designs.
In his 1968 book, David Hicks on Living—With Taste, he stated, “My greatest contribution as an interior designer has been to show people how to use bold color mixtures, how to use patterned carpets, how to light rooms and how to mix old with new.” His legacy continues to influence interior design, with his work remaining a benchmark for creativity and boldness in the field.
The Legacy of Bold Elegance
One of Hicks’s most significant contributions was his innovative approach to carpeting. In the early 1960s, he introduced vibrant, patterned carpets, including his iconic hexagonal design, which became a hallmark of his style. These designs gained prominence, adorning spaces like Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace. His influence extended to popular culture, with his patterns featured in films such as Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining” and Pixar’s “Toy Story.”
In fact, this inspired David Hicks’s daughter, Ashley Hicks, to create an eggplant-hued chain-link carpet for the London apartment she shares with her wife, Kata.
The Genius of David Hicks
Beyond interiors, Hicks’s impact was multifaceted. He ventured into designing fashion and jewelry collections, set designs for films and garden landscapes. His dedication to design excellence earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the Interior Design Hall of Fame. Hicks’s legacy continues through his writings and the enduring appeal of his design aesthetics, influencing designers and enthusiasts worldwide.
David Hicks’s Most Defining Projects
David Hicks’s most defining projects showcase his bold and innovative approach to interior design. At Baronscourt in Northern Ireland, he revitalized the historic estate with vibrant colors and modern furnishings, transforming traditional spaces into dynamic, contemporary environments.
In London, the Chelsea Drugstore, opened in 1968, embodied the spirit of the Swinging Sixties. Its sleek, modern design featured travertine and brushed steel, housing bars, a chemist and record stores across three floors. The venue became a cultural icon, even featuring in Stanley Kubrick’s film A Clockwork Orange.
Hicks’s work on the St. Regis Hotel Suites in New York brought British elegance and geometric precision to a cosmopolitan setting. His designs combined luxurious materials with bold color palettes, creating spaces that were both sophisticated and inviting.
Villa Verde in Portugal stands as one of Hicks’s most comprehensive projects. Commissioned by close friends Amin and Nahid Ghani, he oversaw every aspect – from selecting the site to designing the architecture, interiors, and landscaping. The villa showcases his signature style: a seamless mix of classic and modern elements, meticulous attention to detail and a cohesive aesthetic throughout.
Matching the Style
And you? What do you think of David Hicks’s design style? Do you like it?
Stay tuned to our Journal for exclusive insights, expert advice and timeless elegance.
You might also like: Most Iconic Interior Designers: Jacques Grange
Most Iconic Interior Designers: Jacques Grange
Jacques Grange, born on June 27, 1944, in Saint-Amand-Montrond, France, is a distinguished French interior designer renowned for his ability to blend traditional elegance with contemporary flair. He began his formal education at the Lycée Gerson and Lycée Janson-de-Sailly, followed by studies at the École Boulle and École Camondo in Paris, institutions celebrated for their rigorous training in decorative arts.
In 1965, Grange joined the esteemed design firm of Henri Samuel, where he honed his craft before establishing his own practice in 1970. Throughout his illustrious career, he has curated interiors for a host of high-profile clients, including Yves Saint Laurent, Pierre Bergé, Princess Caroline of Monaco and Valentino. Notably, he decorated the Château Gabriel in Benerville-sur-Mer for Saint Laurent and Bergé, drawing inspiration from Proust’s “In Search of Lost Time.”
Grange’s design philosophy is characterized by an eclectic mix of periods and influences, seamlessly integrating antique and modern elements to create sophisticated and personalized spaces. His contributions to interior design have earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur, reflecting his significant impact on the field.
Beyond his design work, Grange has influenced the industry through his mentorship under Henri Samuel and his ongoing commitment to excellence, inspiring both peers and emerging designers worldwide.
“Art doesn’t transform a space, but it magnifies it and gives it a rare flavor and style.”
Mastering the Art of Creating Timeless and Sophisticated Interiors
Jacques Grange has curated numerous residential projects that seamlessly blend traditional elegance with contemporary flair. Notably, he transformed Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé’s Château Gabriel in Benerville-sur-Mer, creating a luxurious and sophisticated retreat. In Manhattan, Grange designed Terry de Gunzburg’s residence, crafting a warm and refined environment that mirrors the owner’s lifestyle. Additionally, his own retreat, Casa Nina, comprises a series of cabanas nestled in Portugal’s Alentejo region, exemplifying his signature fusion of rustic charm and refined design. These projects highlight Grange’s adeptness at harmonizing classic and modern elements, resulting in unique and personalized interiors that cater to each client’s distinct vision.
In addition to his residential projects, Jacques Grange has significantly contributed to the design of prestigious commercial and hospitality establishments. Notably, he reimagined The Mark Hotel on Madison Avenue in New York City, blending modern luxury with timeless elegance. He also collaborated with Francis Ford Coppola to restore Palazzo Margherita in Bernalda, Italy, infusing the space with rich cultural elements and sophisticated design.
Top Projects by Jacques Grange
Paris Apartment
The apartment, a spacious and elegant residence with a traditional L-shaped layout, initially featured a classic floor plan. A long enfilade connected the main living spaces, preserving a sense of old-world charm and architectural continuity. Jacques Grange, however, brought his signature balance of heritage and modernity by completely reconfiguring the shorter wing of the “L.” This is where he introduced a sleek, contemporary kitchen and a modern bathroom – two spaces that now contrast beautifully with the more classical elements of the home.
Grange approached the project with a deeply personal touch, designing it for a friend and shaping every detail through close dialogue. “We spoke about everything, and where to put each piece,” he notes. The result is a warm, layered interior that blends vintage character with modern comfort, creating a space that feels both timeless and alive. As Grange reflects on the experience, he emphasizes the mutual exchange that defined the process: “We taught each other things. I am not interested in just sitting quietly with my own old thoughts. I learned too.”
Style Match
Gala Armchair
Mesmerizing Paris Mansion
Jacques Grange transformed a 19th-century hôtel particulier in Paris, blending historical grandeur with contemporary elegance. The mansion, built between 1870 and 1872, boasts expansive windows overlooking the Seine River and the Musée du Louvre. Grange’s design harmoniously combines opulent fabrics, custom-designed carpets, and innovative room transformations, resulting in a luxurious and art-filled residence.
One of the most striking features is the minimalist swimming pool in the basement, illuminated by atmospheric lighting designed by artist James Turrell. This addition provides a serene and otherworldly complement to the mansion’s historic architecture.
Grange’s meticulous restoration and design work exemplify a masterful blend of past and present, creating a mesmerizing Parisian mansion that honors its rich history while embracing modern luxury.
Style Match
Romy Sofa
Christian Louboutin’s Penthouse
Jacques Grange designed his longtime friend Christian Louboutin’s Paris penthouse as a testament to the fusion of luxury and personal expression. Situated with views of the Eiffel Tower, the apartment showcases Louboutin’s penchant for vibrant colors and eclectic art. Grange’s design features ample spaces for entertaining, with a loft-like living area adorned with vintage furniture and custom-designed elements inspired by Louboutin’s observations, such as skylights reminiscent of metal cat flaps he noticed across the street. The bedroom, intentionally designed without a guest room, reflects Louboutin’s candidness about his lifestyle, with over 50 pairs of shoes casually arranged on the floor.
Style Match
Nancy Sofa
Pierre Passebon’s Apartment
Jacques Grange collaborated with his partner Pierre Passebon to transform Passebon’s 1820s Directoire apartment in Paris into a harmonious blend of history and modernity. Grange reimagined the space by removing interior walls to create an open, fluid layout that showcases a curated mix of modernist furniture, antique pieces and contemporary art. Notable features include a custom-designed quilted sofa by Grange, a striking 16th-century Italian marble fireplace, and vibrant artworks like Gino Marotta’s Amore Mio. The apartment reflects Grange’s signature style—merging diverse eras and cultures into a cohesive, elegant environment that balances eclecticism with refined taste.
Style Match
La Danse Dining Table
“Grange’s decor cannot be explained; it is the Grange style.”
Pierre Passebon
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to interior design, Grange was honored with the title of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres and Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur. Furthermore, in 2014, he received the Trophée des Arts from the French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) during their annual gala at New York City’s Plaza Hotel.
And you? What do you think of Jacques Grange’s style? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Stay tuned to our Journal for exclusive insights, expert advice, and timeless elegance.
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The Best of Richard Neutra Design: Rustic Canyon Residence
About Richard Neutra
Richard Neutra (1892–1970) was an Austrian-American architect renowned for introducing the International Style to American architecture and developing the California Modern aesthetic in residential design. His work is characterized by clean lines, simple geometric forms and a harmonious integration with the natural environment. Richard Neutra’s designs often featured expansive glass walls and open floor plans, fostering a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. He believed that architectural design should be attuned to human physiology and psychology, creating environments that promote health and comfort. Neutra’s legacy endures through iconic projects such as the Lovell Health House in Los Angeles and the Kaufmann Desert House in Palm Springs.
A Contemporary Interpretation of Richard Neutra’s Design Principles
Perched atop a canyon in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, the Rustic Canyon Residence stands as a modern homage to Richard Neutra Design’s architectural legacy. Originally built in 1923 and remodeled by Neutra in 1937, the original structure was unfortunately destroyed in 1993. In its place, Assembledge+ and Jamie Bush + Co have crafted a residence that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings, embodying the principles of organic modernism.
“The current design of Rustic Canyon Residence seeks to restore this lost architectural unity, paying homage to its historical roots while integrating the principles of organic modernism.
This project reflects the core of our design philosophy – creating warm, modern spaces that celebrate natural materials, craftsmanship, quality, and a sense of humanity,” the team said.
The design emphasizes a harmonious relationship with nature, featuring a terraced layout that mirrors the canyon’s contours and extensive use of Western Red Cedar cladding both inside and out. This material choice not only pays tribute to Neutra’s aesthetic but also fosters a treehouse-like ambiance, allowing the home to blend organically with the landscape.
Jamie Bush + Co’s interior design complements the architectural vision by incorporating elements of Japanese and Brazilian modernism, resulting in a nuanced yet cohesive aesthetic that bridges openness, nature and thoughtful design. The careful selection of materials, including brick, cork, ebonized oak and black metal, enhances the home’s connection to its environment.
Key features include a custom Brutalist-style interior mural on the fireplace by Stan Bitters. Additionally, Bush and his team have curated pieces from various artisans and makers, with a particular emphasis on wooden furniture.
Embracing Organic Modernism: The Rustic Canyon Residence and Richard Neutra’s Influence
The Rustic Canyon Residence offers expansive views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. This lush area is renowned for iconic homes by architects such as Ray Kappe, Lloyd Wright and Richard Neutra.
The home’s elevated, treehouse-like allure is enhanced by its timber-clad upper floors, where bedrooms are seamlessly nestled among the treetops. These spaces boast floor-to-ceiling windows, dissolving the boundary between the warm, wooden interiors and the sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Mountains. As David Thompson, Assembledge+, notes these expansive windows “intensify the immersive experience of living within the trees, offering a secluded yet open retreat infused with intimate comfort.”
“The design reflects a modern yet timeless approach, balancing clean lines and natural materials to restore the home’s modernist heritage while creating a serene retreat that exudes sophistication and warmth,” David Thompson, Assembledge+, said.
Internally, the residence offers a balance between expansive communal areas and intimate private spaces. The lower level is illuminated with natural light and includes a theater, music room and guest accommodations. Upstairs, the primary suite and office boast panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Mountains, providing a serene retreat.
The Rustic Canyon Residence exemplifies how contemporary design can honor historical influences while creating a living space that is both functional and deeply connected to its natural context.
Project credits:
Architecture Design: Assembledge+
Interiors: Jamie Bush + Co
Landscape: Chris Sosa Landscape and Terremoto
Construction: Ceci Clarke Construction
Structural Engineering: Labib Funk + Associates
Styling: Amy Chin
We would love to hear your thoughts on the Rustic Canyon Residence project. Do you appreciate this tribute to Richard Neutra’s design by Assembledge+ and Jamie Bush + Co?
Related Projects
Stay tuned to our Journal for exclusive insights, expert advice and timeless elegance.
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Sources: Dezeen & est living.
