Talk Shop: Olivia Stutz // Olivia Stutz Design
ABOUT OLIVIA
Olivia Stutz founded her eponymous New York City design studio in 2017 – she and Ariel met just as they were launching their individual firms and quickly became friends. Specializing in multi-disciplinary design that includes high design residential, hospitality, and retail environments, Olivia’s talents range from interiors to art consulting. Her approach is truly transformative and leaves no detail untouched – her spaces oftentimes leave us drooling.
Olivia is heavily influenced by her travels and has endless curiosity for new experiences. She is a master at creating unexpected tension between traditional and modern elements; crafting spaces that are classic and serene, but never boring. Olivia brings a fresh approach to elegant, eclectic interiors – mixing high end art with personal treasures, creating environments that highlight her client’s passions and inspirations.
Olivia studied at the University of Colorado at Boulder, and Santa Reparata School of Fine Art in Florence, Italy, where she received dual degrees in Art History and Advertising. She later trained in interior architecture at UC Berkeley, after which she began her career developing resting concepts at RH in California. She now lives full time in Manhattan.
Describe your style in three words or less:
Art Focused, Curated, Minimal
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
Travel, my obsession with New York City since I was a little girl and my passion for the arts.
How did you start your company, and what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I started my company with my first boyfriend when I moved to New York City when I was 27 years old. The best part about what I do is that I have complete control over my future and how I want to spend my days. Each day is different and unique and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I also embrace and cherish my clients!
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
My mother is and always will be my mentor design-wise and in life.
What does your home say about you:
That I want to be relaxed when I come home! Everything is white and in neutral, calming colors!
Where do you find inspiration:
My travels all around the world and staying in different boutique hotels.
Who are your style icons:
Gilda Ambrosio and Giorgia Tordini.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
Candlelight, tequila, a great playlist, and an abundance of fresh flowers on the table top.
Do you collect anything:
Sea Shells from my beach travels that I keep in little bowls around my house. I also collect vases! I have fresh flowers in my house all the time.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
@michaelbargo, @claudehome, @clementsdesign, @archdigest, @yolandaedwards, @studioshamshiri.
What are you working on right now:
Home in Miami, Home in San Diego, Home on Park Avenue and I just finished a project inside the Equinox on East 74th!
Wardrobe staples:
White dresses for summer, Max Mara coats for winter, always with a cool bag for each season.
Best interior advice you ever received:
Embrace color and trust yourself.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Save on decor and guest rooms, splurge on art and pieces you use a lot!
Your greatest extravagance:
Luxurious bedding and my dry cleaning bills for them!
Favorite places to shop for home:
Maison Gerard, Taschen, Frederic Malle for Home Fragrances, Hudson Grace, ABC Home.
Most prized possession and why:
My grandfather’s vintage Rolex because it’s a family heirloom
Your interiors motto:
It’s important how we feel in our homes, because feeling good makes us more gracious. And that makes it easier to welcome others not only into our homes but into our lives.” -Nate Berkus
Your life motto:
“If you don’t ask, you don’t get it.”
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Research past interior designers and their work. The more you know about the world of design, the better you can identify your taste.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Sushi
Drink: Chilled French Rosé...extra points for Domaine de Fontsainte
Film: The Godfather Trilogy
Hotel: Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro
City: New York, New York
Bedding: Frette or Olatz
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Iced Matcha Latte with Organic Skim Milk from the Farmer’s Market
Playlist: Old School Reggae mixed with Shamanic House Music and Bossa Nova.
Weekend Activity: Either a long weekend in Miami, Farmers Market in NYC, or Citi Biking to any of the fabulous museums in New York.
Design Book: AD at 100
