Tina Nicole

TINA NICOLE CO-FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL DESIGNER NATHAN ANTHONY FURNITURE

Los Angeles based designer Tina Nicole has an Associate of Arts Degree from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, a Bachelor’s Degree from UCLA and a Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School. Along with husband Khai Mai, Nicole co-founded Nathan Anthony Furniture in 2005, specializing in luxury, benchmade upholstered furniture designs. Their award-winning furniture has been featured in top interior design projects and media outlets, including Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, LUXE, Modern Luxury and Interior Design magazines. Tina Nicole uses her education and experience at Nathan Anthony Furniture whether it’s building the administrative infrastructure, designing product or marketing. Nicole’s diverse education and experience has been invaluable.

How would you describe your personal interior design style? Italian contemporary meets California modern. I love wide open spaces with tall architectural ceilings, arched entrances and minimalist forms. Every piece should have a purpose. Art and furniture must have dialog. White with black are my go-to palette with pops of either soothing pastels or crisp primary colours. I like to emphasize a 360-degree view of our products using unique sewing techniques, materials and shapes that bring visual interest.

Where does your design inspiration come from? I am drawn to beautiful things and have an unyielding curiosity. Traveling abroad or around the U.S. four times a year, I indulge in all that is around me - architecture, street art, window shop, museums, art openings, cafes, theatre and concerts. Because design is art and artists push societal norms, this broadens my view of what design is and how it’s evolving…It’s best to see all kinds of expressions of art in so many different genres.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense? Design is getting more technologically savvy. With the onset of COVID19 and people sheltering in place, the push toward engaging virtually and shopping with augmented reality in the world of design has arrived. Designers are working in digital rooms, with 3D rendering software now more than ever. They are bringing their customers into the space and making it a tactile experience. Design has crossed over into VR/AR and we’re loving it.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in the future? 1. The environment 2. Work from home spaces 3. Artisanal connection 4. Tactile textures 5. Comfortable luxury If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to product design, what would it be? A diverse education balanced by apprenticeships is a really good balance for creative people. This way you learn the history and conventions of your discipline while using the tools of today in the practical environment. Study abroad is valuable too because it expands your ideas. Lastly, study art and artists, both new and old… they are society’s challengers.

What projects are you currently working on? We are collaborating with design influencers to create unique furnishings for their spaces which will be featured on their social media channels and in Shelter magazines across the globe.

Tell us a little about yourself: Your favourite holiday destination? Ortygia, Sicily.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar? The Marina Bay Sands Luxury Hotel, Singapore; Aqua Al Due, Italy; InterContinental Carlton, Cannes.

Your favourite food and drink? Homemade chocolate chip cookies and ice-cold milk; Pinot grigio.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? Sipping a coffee or tea with scones at a museum.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? Signer/musician.

Anything else interesting? I secretly yearn to star in a period piece movie.