Internationally renowned designer Thomas Pheasant has been a staple in the industry for decades, having started his studio in 1980. Through his interior design projects and furniture collections, he continues to establish himself as a man of quality. Heavily influenced by classical architecture, he brings a clean, modern aesthetic to his designs that happily marry elegance and comfort. Among his travels and ongoing projects, we were fortunate enough to chat with this award-winning designer to learn what drives his designs and inspires his work.


Photography courtesy of Baker

1 If you could shadow any designer for a day, who would it be?
Thomas Pheasant I would love to go back in time and shadow Jacque Quinet. His mid-century work in France has always inspired me. I would love to see the affect he had on others as he revealed his new designs. It was a very exciting time in Paris for this new direction in furniture.

2 Where do you look for an obscure source of inspiration?
TP Obviously, I find a lot of inspiration in classical architecture as I travel. But I have found inspiration in everything from tree bark to weathered plaster. On a recent trip to Venice, I was taken by the silvery patina of old plaster walls in a church designed by Palladio. These weathered grey walls and columns inspired the “platinum” color I used for fabrics in my new Baker collection.

3 Favourite restaurant?
TP In DC it is Nora’s, the first organic restaurant in my home city. In New York, it has to be Per Se. Thomas Keller is a true artist.

4 What’s your favourite room to decorate?
TP A library. It is a chance to capture the client’s interests and create a personal space that is warm and inviting.
Photography courtesy of Baker

5 What’s your current paint colour obsession?
TP I am currently working on various tones of platinum, from pale to dark. I love silver hues that have a warm overtone. It has become my new neutral base.

6 If one song could be the soundtrack to your life, what would it be?
TP Each morning as I look at my to do list, I imagine the theme song to Mission Impossible.

7 What’s the one store you could spend hours browsing?
TP Any great book store. I always check out at least one book store in every city I travel.

8 London, Paris or New York?
TP Paris, it is my second home and an endless source of inspiration and excitement.
Photography courtesy of Baker

9 If money were no object, what one thing would you buy?
TP A Brancusi sculpture.

10 Favourite movie?  
TP For recent films, it would have to be A Dangerous Method.

11 What’s your favourite movie interior?
TP I remember when I was about nine years old watching Auntie Mame with Rosaline Russell. I was taken by the constant set changes and it was the first time I realized that you could change the way your home looked.  Even now, if I catch this old film, I am amazed at the sets.

12 What's the biggest design faux pas?
TP Faux anything.
Photography courtesy of Baker

13 What do you think is the easiest way to update a room?
TP I find it interesting how many people fill their spaces with things they do not care about. First, get rid of any objects you do not love, that goes for furniture and objects. Next, go out and buy one significant piece of furniture or art you love. I guarantee that the room will take on a whole new look and you will begin to look at your interior in a new way.

14 Best coffee table book?
TP Paris by Flammarion Press. It is a great look at the history and culture of this amazing city.

15 What’s your favourite way to spend a lazy Sunday?
TP In the park with my sketchpad.

16 Do you like to be the entertainer or be entertained?
TP By nature I am more of an introvert, so when I find myself in new surroundings I tend to be the observer. When among friends I tend to enjoy a little spotlight.

Photography courtesy of Baker

17 What do you think is the best home renovation you can do to your home?
TP Invest in your kitchen and bathroom, these are the two spaces you spend the most time and these rooms can have a big impact on your comfort.

18 What is your favourite space that you’ve designed?
TP I recently completed a large residence in Southampton, NY. It was a former home of Consuelo Vanderbilt. I redesigned the dining room in plaster trellace with a complicated plaster ceiling of dogwood branches and blossoms. It was so unlike my other projects but the process of design and fabrication was fantastic.

19 Marilyn, Audrey or Jackie?
All of these women bring their own magic, so I would hate to pick, but perhaps I could share. Audrey for breakfast, Jackie for lunch, and Marilyn for dinner.