Talk Shop: Alex Papachristidis // Alex Papachristidis Interiors
AD100 and Elle Decor A-list interior designer Alex Papachristidis has completed beautiful projects all over the globe from the Hamptons to Greece, Texas to London. His work is beloved the world over and has caught the eye of clients, editors, and fellow designers, such as the famed Mario Buatta, who titled Papachristidis as being “one of today’s eminent tastemakers.” Papachristidis has a beautiful tabletop collection, Everyday Elegance, with his business partner Lisa McCarthy, and is the author of the new book, The Elegant Life, which was published by Rizzoli in Fall 2022. We were so thrilled to sit down with this talented icon and hear about his start and philosophy on life and design. Enjoy our interview with Alex Papachristidis!
Describe your style in three words or less:
Elegant. Timeless. Old-World Details.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
Hubert de Givenchy, Pauline de Rothschild, Georges Geffroy, and my mother who was impossibly chic!
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
When I was 23, one of my dearest friends and today a client, said I should become a decorator, and a lightning bolt suddenly struck. Until that moment I had never considered decorating professionally but had always been interested in design. I enrolled at Parsons and have never looked back. I love the joy and beauty I am able to bring to people’s lives.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
I would not say I have a mentor, but I am always inspired by others.
What does your home say about you:
My love of layering and collecting.
Where do you find inspiration:
History, museums, and exhibits.
Who are your style icons:
Mona Von Bismarck, Gianni Agnelli, and Henri Samuels.
Photo by Richard Powers
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
A relaxed host, delicious food, and beautiful table settings.
Do you collect anything:
I collect so many things: everything for the table, furniture, objects, and art.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
@galeriekugel and @geraldblandinc.
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
I don’t live in my client’s design space. I create interiors that are reflective of where they live and how they live.
What are you working on right now:
I’m working on a project in Florida, an apartment downtown, and am currently installing an apartment on Park Avenue.
Wardrobe staples:
A mix of classic and custom-made clothing and accessories.
Life staples:
Anything Schlumberger. Boxes, cuff links, and watches from Tiffany’s. Flowers from Zeze Flowers and Sag Harbor Florist. 18th Century Chairs. Lalanne furniture and objects. Buccellati Tahiti flatware with real bamboo. Vladimir ceramic flowers. My Bunny Mellon Baskets from Everyday Elegance. George Cleverley shoes from London. My Hermès Sac à dépêches briefcase. Christopher Spitzmiller lamps. J. Crew 484 Slim Fit pants.
Photo by William Abramowicz
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
Le Manach by Pierre Frey - a silk velvet leopard and tiger.
Best career advice you ever received:
Love your job and always be inspired.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Furniture goes through phases with values going up and down. The best investment is to purchase what you really love, and you will never tire of it.
Your greatest extravagance:
Luxury travel.
Favorite places to shop for home:
KRB NYC, D&D Building, Manhattan Art & Antiques, Paris Antique Shops, Portobello Road, and Auction Houses throughout the world.
Most prized possession and why:
There are so many favorites! I know this is not a possession, but our dog Cooper is my favorite.
Photo by Tria Giovan
Your interiors motto:
Always use your best things. What are you saving it for?
Your life motto:
I have always believed in doing the right thing for others. My mother always taught me: handsome is as handsome does.
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Educate yourself and train your eye. Learn of the evolution and history of Decorative Arts. You’ll find your muses and develop from there.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: BLT with extra mayo on toast
Drink: Iced Tea with a splash of fresh orange juice
Film: Mommie Dearest
Hotel: The Ritz
City: Paris
Bedding: Porthault
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Iced Cappuccino with Maple Syrup
Playlist: A combination of Frank Sinatra and Cher
Weekend Activity: Dinner with family and friends
Design Book: Great Houses of Paris by Claude Fregnac and Wayne Andrews