My name is Courtney Adams and I’ve just recently joined the Newel team, working at our gallery on 61st Street. Prior to this, I worked at Ralph Lauren for many years, starting in our stores before moving to Ralph Lauren Home in a corporate position. In that role, I managed all our specialty stores globally, as well as the Ralph Lauren Home Showroom. For each project, I worked to create spaces that were respectful of local design and culture, while ensuring that our brand aesthetic was translated through all design choices. I’ve spent the last two years freelancing on design projects ranging from retail spaces to residential staging, as well as working as a designer/project manager for a local design firm. Coming from that background, I am so excited to spend my day surrounded by beautiful antiques, as well as getting to work with such an exceptional team!
Q
First investment piece of furniture you purchased?
A.
A carved serpentine chest of drawers
Q
Best way to relax/ decompress?
A.
Hot yoga! Modo Yoga is my go to; they have amazing classes and the loveliest instructors..
Q
Best gift you’ve ever received?
A.
My aunt commissioned a pinky ring for my mom after seeing a photo of one Audrey Hepburn always wore. To have it made she used stones from one of her favorite bracelets. My mom later had rings for my sister and I; using stones from the first piece of jewelry she had ever bought herself. The connection to family definitely makes it the most special piece I’ve received
Q
Who is a contemporary inspiration in your field? Or, who is your favorite designer?
A.
Kelly Wearstler, Ken Fulk, John Derian. They are each such exceptional visual storytellers, and incredibly kind people as well.
Q
Describe your childhood bedroom?
A.
Constantly changing! My parents let me have free reign in my bedroom and I took total advantage. I think the most memorable was also the most cringe-worthy — a mostly purple color scheme with a gold accent wall. Woof. No regrets though; I can’t overstate how cool and adult it made me feel at the time.
Q
What are three things you can’t live without?
A.
Iced Coffee, my family and specifically now my phone for FaceTiming pals I can’t see.
Q
You are stuck on an island, you can pick one food to eat forever, what would it be?
A.
Tacos Al Pastor (from Los Tacos no.1, preferably)
Q
What’s one thing thats always in your refrigerator?
A.
Loads of empty space! That said, almond butter, lemons & condiments for spicing up take-out.
Q
Are you a dog or cat person?
A.
Dog– especially my parents’ cavaliers. Close second includes any dog sporting an underbite or moustache.
Q
What is something you’re overly competitive about?
A.
Building puzzles/board games — my wish list for my next apartment includes a puzzle building workspace 🙂
