Stepping into Emily Eerdmans' design laboratory in the West Village is like entering a living, breathing work of art. It's a space that seamlessly blends her professional and personal lives, where the boundaries between gallery, home, and studio blur. This unique setup is a testament to Eerdmans' creative vision and her ability to transform potential into a vibrant, captivating reality. What makes her approach particularly fascinating is her willingness to embrace the unexpected, turning challenges into opportunities for creative expression. For instance, the entrance stair hall, with its converging floors, was initially daunting, but Eerdmans saw it as a canvas for her imagination. Instead of brightening it with light hues, she opted for a bold, whimsical approach, commissioning Christian Bérard-inspired murals that add gravitas and charm. This is a prime example of how she turns what could be a dull, airless space into a delightful surprise. Eerdmans' design philosophy is deeply rooted in her admiration for style icons like Madeleine Castaing and Henri Samuel, who worked from home before the WFH trend. She sees her home as a canvas for her creative vision, much like these design legends, and transforms it into a total work of art. One of the most intriguing aspects of Eerdmans' design is her ability to create distinct spaces within a larger area. The upper salon, for instance, is a vivid shop gallery, while the aubergine living room is a private retreat. This dichotomy is further emphasized by the front parlor, which serves as a lounge for visitors but is not for sale. Eerdmans' use of color and pattern is masterful, creating a sense of harmony and contrast. The lime-lacquered room, with its glossy walls and softscape, is a shot of pure caffeine, while the aubergine living room, with its glazed wall finish and wall-to-wall carpet, channels 1990s London. Eerdmans' connection to her mentor, Mario Buatta, the 'Prince of Chintz,' is evident throughout the space. She was with him when he died and became the steward of his estate, resulting in a burst of retrospective attention and a reappraisal of his work. This connection adds a layer of depth and meaning to her design choices, as she interprets his English country-house look for American sensibilities, light, and budgets. What makes Eerdmans' approach truly unique is her ability to create a sense of ambiguity and comfort. The front parlor, with its mix of past and present, New York and London, evokes a feeling of stepping into a world populated by all of your favorite things. This is a powerful statement in an era of digital decoration, where copy-paste imitations of designers and design tropes are rampant. Eerdmans, on the other hand, decorates in three dimensions, solving problems and creating atmospheres with a highly sophisticated set of tools. Her husband, Andrew, agrees, praising the sitting room for its comfort and joy. The garden, too, is a work in progress, with Eerdmans passionate about supporting the artists and craftspeople she represents. This project, she says, is a showcase for their talents, and exhibitions will come and go, visitors will ebb and flow, but the essence of her vision will remain. In my opinion, Eerdmans' design laboratory is a testament to the power of creativity and the joy of living and working in a space that is a total work of art. It's a space that invites exploration, inspires imagination, and celebrates the beauty of the unexpected. From my perspective, it's a space that will continue to evolve, much like Eerdmans' own creative journey.
