AN INTERVIEW WITH CHARLOTTE TAYLOR, INTERIOR DESIGN DIRECTOR
We are thrilled to welcome renowned Visual Artist, Charlotte Taylor for an intimate conversation about her latest project at Spencer’s, our flagship spa location in the heart of New York City. Charlotte, founder of 3D-design studio Maison De Sable, has recently moved her renderings of fantastical interiors into the physical world. In partnership with EBBA architecture company in London and a close collaborative process with our CEO & Founder, Ryan McCarthy, our flagship location was launched in the summer of 2024.
With a portfolio that boasts numerous awards and a reputation for creating transformative spaces, Charlotte brings her unique vision and expertise to this luxurious sanctuary for rest and rejuvenation. Join us as we delve into her creative process, inspirations, and the exquisite design elements that make Spencer’s a space you’ll never want to leave.
Can you tell us about your background and what led you to a career in interior design?
I have always been fascinated by architecture but never particularly invested in the technical aspect of the practice, my relationship to space and design is more one of play rather than pure function. My education and personal explorations have bounced between a structural design path and a more sculptural free approach, my current practice sits somewhere in the middle. Interior design is one of the outlets in which I can explore this middle ground and translate concepts and solutions into tangible and personal spaces.
What was your initial reaction when you were approached to design Spencer’s?
It felt like a natural synergy; with the ethos behind the brand and the visual identity drawing from classicism yet injected with a contemporary accent and a nod to play.
Can you describe your overall vision for the design of Spencer’s?
The journey though the space and creating something elevated yet unexpected was a key design vision. Balancing eclecticism with serenity, the familiar with the striking. A coherent space of comfort and calm yet allowing movements and framing in which certain corners, objects or perspectives evoke a sense of mystery, curiosity and intrigue.
What sources of inspiration did you draw upon for this project?
Looking towards the classism and charm of Tuscan villas as a mood inspiration and tone of the space, coupled with the sleekness of 90s Calvin Klein, hints of earlier space age and some elevated accents borrowed from the deco era and country club plushness.
How did you approach the task of designing a wellness spa in a bustling area like Soho?
Creating a sense of tranquility in such a place of action and chaos is an interesting juxtaposition. The journey throughout the space acts as different zones in which that chaos gradually melts into calm with a series of sensory interactions; the further you enter the space the more the senses are at ease; visually, tacitly and audibly with the cocooning effect of fabric.
What were the main design challenges you faced during this project?
Striking the balance of letting the architecture and space itself maintain power whilst implementing something new and foreign; maintaining the historical aspect of a New York building yet puzzling together a space from a series of references and influences.
Can you walk us through your design process from concept to completion?
The design was very fluid, with initial hand sketches developing alongside mood boards and statement pieces of furniture that started leading some other aspects of the design. Everything fed into one another and directed the project as it grew. The journey and movement through the space was developed alongside EBBA architecture to find the best way to optimize the space and flow, translating the visual aspect of the project into a functioning spatial experience.
How did you select the color palette for Spencer’s?
The palette formed organically inspired by natural materials and neutrals with pops of color and the signature blue as a starting point. The colors and tones are varied and converse with each other across the rooms rather than a strict palette, it's an eclectic yet humble one.
What types of materials did you choose for the spa, and why?
The materials follow a similar principle to the palette and tones explored, pairing polished steel with aged wood, a pinstripe with a solid varnished checkered pattern. The lavish sits next to the modest, creating a balanced and heavily charactered space. The aesthetic is ‘curated domestic, elevated comfort’. We were aiming for the tone and warmth of someone’s home you want to spend the morning/afternoon at yet not too personal that you feel only like a guest. Our material considerations were centered around softening and relaxing the senses.
What role did functionality play in your design choices for Spencer's?
Functionality had as much of an equal role as form and informed one another in the process. The subtle details act both as visual choices and serve as practical matters for movement/service and safety.
How did you go about sourcing furniture and fixtures for the spa?
It was a very collaborative approach with Ryan of building the collection almost piece by piece like a puzzle coming together. The entire project was a highly collaborative process, bouncing back and forth and both small and large scale details driven by a shared excitement towards finding the best solutions, palettes and pieces.
Can you share any unique or custom pieces that were created specifically for Spencer's?
The feature curtain in the lounge area is a statement hidden in plain sight, a seemingly static curtain wall, pivoting to reveal a doorway and perspective into an almost Paris arcade style walkway.
What was the most rewarding aspect of working on Spencer's?
Seeing the concept develop from an initial conversation and materializing into a whole world of itself.
What role does lighting play in the design of Spencer's?
Lighting is a key element of design for me, it completely dictates the mood and emotion of a space. The different areas of Spencer’s use light, both natural and controlled to shift the mood and level of privacy throughout the space.
How did you ensure that each space within the spa feels cohesive yet distinct?
With such a varied yet cohesive eclecticism as an initial mood and a strong colour palette the spaces all have their own character yet feed into one another effortlessly, we had enough space to play whilst keeping within the same language.
What considerations did you take into account for the spa's reception and waiting areas?
The waiting area in particular was designed around the concept of a lounge rather than a typical waiting room, with the thought in mind that people will come and maybe have a favorite seat, everyone can have their own very personal experience.
What message, if there was only one to choose, would you like to be conveyed to guests through the design of Spencer's?
To experience it fully and discover their own journey in the space and time spent at Spencer’s.