After earning a degree in architecture from Columbia University and mentoring under renowned decorator Miles Redd, Nick Olsen started his eponymous firm in 2010. Nick creates comfortable, stylish interiors that nod to the past and his arch sense of humor while maintaining an air of modernity. Hallmarks of his aesthetic include mixing antiques and contemporary art, playing with scale and texture contrasts, and creating unexpected color combinations–all while tending to the unique needs of each client. Recent projects include a mid-century modern home in Cincinnati, separate Park Avenue apartments for members of the same family, and a Nantucket vernacular summer home and guest house.
At age 24 Nick’s first studio apartment landed on the cover of Domino magazine, and one his first decorating projects made the August 2013 cover of The World of Interiors. His projects have also been featured in Architectural Digest, Veranda, House Beautiful, Traditional Home, British Homes & Gardens, and the Wall Street Journal. Nick has been named to ELLE Décor’s A-List for the past two years and he currently resides in lower Manhattan.
Q
First investment piece of furniture you purchased?
A.
An early 19th century Italian settee with beautiful carved swags and cabriole legs, at Christie’s.
Q
Best compliment you’ve ever received?
A.
In a work context, an early client told me “Most decorators over-sell and under-deliver, but you under-sell and OVER-deliver!”
Q
If you could switch lives with someone for a day, who would it be?
A.
Jennifer Lopez, for obvious reasons.
Q
How did you get started in this field?
A.
After I’d graduated with an expensive and fairly useless Ivy League degree, I wrote a fan letter to Miles Redd after seeing his beautiful town house in W Magazine. It affected me so much it kept me up at night! I was fascinated by how he had such an impressive career at 36, and to my surprise he wrote me back immediately and set up a meeting. Well, his assistant had already given notice and he ended up interviewing me … I was offered a full-time job as his assistant two weeks later. I worked there for five years and learned so much, and laughed pretty much nonstop. Miles and his then-office manager Amanda are hilarious.
Q
What’s the best thing about shopping in person?
A.
Shopping online can be a time-saving first step but there is no substitute for assessing finish quality and scale in person. I still get fooled by photography after 15 years in this business!
Q
Most adventurous thing you’ve done in your life?
A.
Hmm, I went to Cuba for New Year’s Eve by myself, without speaking Spanish or understanding their dual-currency system or utter their lack of wifi. I still had a blast.
Q
Favorite city to recharge?
A.
Palm Springs
Q
What’s one thing that is always in your refrigerator?
A.
Negative space … I don’t cook
Q
What’s your favorite time of day?
A.
Early afternoon, when I’m finally fully awake.
Q
What was the last text you sent and who did you send it to?
A.
A text about dog-proof natural fiber carpets, to my friend Jamie Meares.
