The Modern Lens: Philip Gorrivan

Keep reading to learn how Philip Gorrivan elevates his spaces and the lives of the clients who reside within them by using fresh colors, exciting textures, and fabrics from his new collection for Highland Court, Philip Gorrivan II.

How would you describe your design style?

I see my style as classic, but through a modern lens. A lot of my clients say I can take a look they may have grown up with, that they are used to, but make it feel very relevant to the way we live today through tailored fabrics and furnishings, elegant surfaces, clean lines, unexpected colors.

What makes a particular design last…what ensures longevity?

Designs that are lasting have both an “authenticity” and are derivative of designs from the past in some way, but also prescient of the future. They also need to serve a useful purpose, whether its pleasing to the eye, serving comfort or stirring controversy, and be the right level of quality. What better example than the chair and its evolution throughout the ages from 18th Century fauteuils to Eames?

What do you feel are lasting, timeless palettes that still feel fresh and up-to-the-minute?

There is nothing more lasting or timeless than the colors from nature, and nature is never wrong.

Is there a classic—a staple—that is always a part of your design…sort of a signature?

I love introducing shiny lacquered surfaces to my projects, whether its walls, ceilings or trim….I believe every surface is free game for embellishment and lacquer transcends time and place, whether for houses in LA, apartments in Manhattan or vacation homes on the sea….it elevates a space.

How have used a Duralee textile in the past and why did you selected it?

I have used many fabrics form my collections for the Highland Court from Duralee. I wanted to create a very enveloping “ cocoon-like” family room in my NYC apt and decided to use Emerson Stripe in Hazelnut 180824h. Its a gorgeous fabric flannel with flocked pin stripes…the effect was sensational.

What was your inspiration for the Philip Gorrivan II collection for Highland Court Collection by Duralee?

I was inspired by classical architecture, the structure of European gardens (turf mazes and parterres), mens haberdashery, “found objects” and curiosities such as chestnut glass, sea shells, butterflies and minerals amongst other things.

Philip Gorrivan’s Favorite Fabrics for Highland Court

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How does your Philip Gorrivan II Collection differ from your previous collection for Highland Court?

The whole collection is softer—both the designs and colors.

Please describe a time when a Duralee product served as a source of inspiration for a project.

Alhambra Fret 180831h is a cut velvet inspired by Moorish “mousharibi”, and I’ve actually used that pattern to create mousharibi for various client projects. I’ve also used that pattern in embroidery for curtains and bedding as well as tile-.its such a clean, geometric pattern.

Which comes first: lifestyle or product design? Is it lifestyle that has generated the design changes, or is design the driving force that affects how we live?

For me, lifestyle drives design, not the reverse. This is how I design with my clients but history would argue that design generates lifestyle changes, for example the modern kitchen.

Is the trend in green design a fad or is it here to stay? Are clients requesting you to utilize eco-friendly or sustainable products in your design?

We have no choice but to embrace it, its too important for us and our children. There is no greener way of decorating than the reuse of vintage and antique pieces.

How are you adapting your business model to the current mood of the market and the available technology?

I’m employing new ways to communicate with the design industry, editors and followers, whether its Twitter, Facebook and other social media outlets, as well as selling items on sites like One Kings Lane and Gilt Groupe.  Having access to these new technology platforms has enabled us to be even more efficient with our time.

What is your favorite Benjamin Moore paint color to use for walls, ceiling, and trim?

I love Benjamin Moore 1464, light pewter in eggshell…it’s a beautiful shade of gray, with hints of lilac and earth tones, depending on the light. It’s a very complicated color, and always looks different depending on the application.

What is the ultimate goal of all your projects?

To create beauty and elevate peoples lives through their interiors. As Mame said, “Live…life is a banquette and most poor suckers are starving to death!”

Headshot by Richard Corwin.

Click on images for photographer credits.