Vicente Wolf Blog

Name: Paige Koch
City: San Francisco
State: CA
Country: USA

Comment:

Dear Vincente,

In “simplicity” there is incredible sophistication and ease. Your photography and interiors are this. I have immense respect for your work and your artistry because it is so hard to capture these qualities! My design business is in both San Francisco and in Paris. In DEEP search of a Louis XV style cane daybed, would you be kind enough to share with me something about the one shown in “Style and Substance, The Best of ELLE DECOR”? This room is an oasis of calm.

With Kind Regards,
Paige Koch

Vicente Responds:
Paige, that room is one of my favorite spaces amongst all the rooms I’ve ever done. It was inspired by surrealist styles. Unfortunately the bed belonged to the client. It was reproduction which I had painted white and set in the canopy. So I really can’t help, but I suggest you try 1stdibs. They always have things there that fit that kind of feel. Good luck – let me know what you find.

Name: Whitney Lundeen
City: palo alto
State: ca

Comment:
Hi Vicente,

I’ve always been amazed to see designers make a piece of furniture go from sketches to elevations to production.
I have recently created some furniture designs that I would like to have made, and hopefully some day sell. They are not only wood pieces, some are modern and made from molded plastics. Do you have any suggestions for where to start the process? Do you recommend any manufacturers?

Have you learned anything the hard way that you would be willing to share?
Your blog has become a favorite of mine.

Thank you,
Whitney

Vicente Responds:
Whitney, there are a lot of pitfalls in having furniture produced for yourself. First is the cost. Unless you’re planning on order large quantities, creating prototypes is expensive. Second is distribution and how you expose it to the public. Are you planning to sell to designers or retail? It took me a long time to fully understand how construction and the shortcuts one can take or the ones to be avoided works. You should investigate furniture and cabinet makers and upholsterers in your area and walk through their shops and see how things are made. If you don’t understand the construction process you cannot really bring your concept to a finished product. Start from the inside out and have lots and lots of patience.

Perhaps some of the readers would like to share their experiences in manufacturing here as well?

Name: Joshua Smith
City: Houston
State: TX
Country: USA

Comment:
Hi Vicente,

I wanted to send you a quick note to say thank you. For what…for simply being an inspiration to me. I began selling real estate 8 years ago and since then have fallen in love with design. After completely designing my own home and my country home I fell in love even more. From those experiences I realized that interior design is where my heart lies. With lots of soul searching I uncovered that I did not just want to help people find a home but to create a home, a sanctuary of their own. I love your work and have followed it over the years through the various publications, your books and now your blog. You are not only a talented designer but gifted writer too. Your interviews are always very entertaining. All this to say that you have inspired to me to step out on faith and leave a comfortable career in real estate. I have been accepted to the New York School of Interior Design and will be starting there in the fall. I am also hoping to work part time too. So at 32, I am moving from Houston, Texas and headed to New York City to follow my dreams. I am excited about the opportunity and look forward to my own successful career in interior design some day. Any suggestions/advice you may have for an aspiring designer I would greatly appreciate. Thanks again!

Vicente Responds:
Joshua, you’re coming to the most inspiring city in the world! Museums, shops, neighborhoods, architecture. Utilize them all as much as possible. Places like the Frick Collection where you can walk through a home and see how people lived in the 19th century, or walking through the traditional rooms from all periods and countries at the Met, seeing paintings, colors, textures, visiting the NY Public library, paging through books on design or just walking through the city and seeing what new trends, fashions, colors and points of view are happening…You are going to love it.

BUT, only if you keep your eyes open and learn to see what’s around you – instead of just walking through with eye-flaps on – will you truly gain from this experience. Have fun! And stop by VW Home when you are in the area.

Collection of skulls in my bedroom

I am interested in starting another collection of some type but haven’t been inspired by anything yet.  I collected Wedgwood Nautilus pieces for a while, but grew tired of them (I kept my two favorite pieces and sold the rest).  I recently saw a picture of someone’s Ouija board collection displayed in their home office and thought that was a very interesting collection!  I need something fun easy, affordable and interesting like that to collect!  Do you collect anything or have any suggestions for an interesting collection?

Karen Jenkins.
Dallas, TX.  USA

Vicente Responds:
What peaks your interest, Karen? You can collect anything – from bottle caps to impressionist paintings. Analyze what appeals to you and what is available for you to select from to start a collection. I collect photography, buddhas, seashells, pipes, (check the story on Lonny) and sculls and I also have collections at the beach house.There is no right or wrong here. Just have fun with it.

Name: Lisa
City: Miami
State: FL
Country: USA
Comment:
I adore your work! Have all your books!!
Love your use of bone in-laid chairs. Quite often you add seat cushions, are they down filled or do you use a simple filler?
How many inches in thickness do you recommend for such seat cushions?
Many thanks, Lisa

Vicente Responds:
Lisa, I usually make them about two inches thick. They’re usually filled with Kapok – an organic tree product – or horse hair, never down as it will flatten out when you sit on it. Whatever you use to fill the cushion needs a dense consistency. Your seating area should be brought up to 18″ seat height if it’s for dining.