Talk Shop: Alyssa Kapito // Alyssa Kapito Interiors
Courtesy of Alyssa Kapito Interiors
ABOUT ALYSSA
Since founding her eponymous firm, Alyssa Kapito has developed a reputation for creating elegant, bespoke interiors that focus on beautiful textures and clean lines. Alyssa has been widely recognized for her work in the design field, and was recently added to the prestigious Elle Decor A-List, an honor which marked her as one of the top interior designers in the world. Alyssa was one of the first people in the design industry to meet with Ariel and give her advice on starting her own design firm – which is one of the many reasons why we love her. Over half a decade since their first meeting, Alyssa has become a trusted friend and mentor.
Alyssa has been featured and profiled in Architectural Digest, 1stdibs, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Traditional Home, Vogue, The New York Times and Domino Magazine, in addition to various other online shelter publications. She has been named one of the top "7 Design Stars to Watch" and has also been named a "Rising Star" by both Traditional Home and New York Cottages and Gardens, and it’s no wonder why: her tightly edited portfolio conveys a well-rounded understanding of design history and a rich appreciation for antiques from all eras, alongside a deft execution of color palettes and spatial planning.
We sat down with Alyssa to get the low down on her favorite places to shop for design, career advice, travel tips and more.
Describe your style in three words or less:
Collected, tailored, textural.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
My mother since she introduced me to the value of aesthetics, my academic background in art and photography which gave me a historical context for the history of furniture, and travel.
How did you start your company, and what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I started my company a bit out of necessity. I graduated from school in 2009, during the crux of the financial crisis, and no one was really hiring. Luckily things got a bit better right as I launched, so I guess we had good timing on that one! My favorite part of what I do is the collecting. Its definitely the art historian in me.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
Not really actually. I started my business pretty young and learned a lot through trial and error. I did have a lot of good friends though who were, and continue to be, incredibly supportive.
What does your home say about you:
I think it speaks to how much I love what I do. Each piece was chosen with a lot of thought and I think that comes through.
Where do you find inspiration:
Pretty much everywhere. Travel especially is endlessly inspiring.
Who are your style icons:
Jean Michel Frank, Jean Royere, Gunnar Asplund, Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier, Diego Giacometti, Francois Xavier and Claude Lalanne.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
Linen napkins are a must, as is good food and good company. I like to entertain a bit more casually so its usually family style.
Do you collect anything:
Danish and French pottery.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
@knifeforkspoon.co, @francoishalard, @therow, @ateliervime.
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
I very actively have no design rules!
What are you working on right now:
A townhouse in the west village, a handful of family apartments, a residential building on the Upper West Side, and some exciting things coming down the pipeline for Alyssa Kapito Interiors!
Wardrobe staples:
Midi shift dresses in black and navy, and usually a grey sweater. Boots in the winter, Hermes Slides in the summer and very little jewelry other than my engagement ring and wedding band.
Best interior advice you ever received:
Measure twice.
Best career advice you ever received:
“Success is more of a squiggly line than a straight one” which could not be more true!
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Invest in a rug, antiques and most definitely lighting, save on upholstery where you can.
Your greatest extravagance:
I just bought a Royere ‘Ondulation’ armchair at auction. It might be my favorite thing ever.
Favorite places to shop for home:
Christies and Sothebys.
Most prized possession and why:
A small wood stool in my living room that everyone asks about! To many people’s surprise it was made by my niece in her woodshop class when she was only 7. When she gave it to me she told me that while everyone was painting their stools pink and purple she asked her teacher if she could leave the wood unfinished because she knew I would prefer it that way. It was the most adorable and incredibly sweet gift and its genuinely really chic!
Your interiors motto:
Every room needs a bit of bronze.
Your life motto:
Get a lot of advice and then sort through what you want to actually take away from it.
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Put yourself out there but not at the expense of your overall aesthetic. It's ok to say no to things that don’t feel like they align with your outlook and aesthetic.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Steak and french fries.
Drink: A glass of cabernet
Film: Notting Hill
Hotel: JK Place Capri
City: New York and Paris
Bedding: E. Braun
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Coffee with a lot of half and half but no sugar
Playlist: Currently, Hold Back the River by James Bay
Weekend Activity: Taking a bicycle ride with my husband and daughter.
Design Book: Vogue Living: Houses, Gardens, People
